Motley Crue

Whatever its musical limitations, Motley Crue appears very prominently in the first chapter of any tale recounting glam metal, hair metal, pop metal and '80s hard rock in general. In fact, it could be said that these original Sunset Strip superstars launched the very specific brand of rock that would grow to rule the '80s, fueled by high volumes of glossy production, makeup, hair spray and trashy style. Other popular hard rock bands from L.A. made a significant impact in the late '70s (namely Van Halen), but none brought the theatricality, sleaze and dark swagger central to Motley Crue's early template.
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