Glam Metal: Glitter, Leather, and Heavy Riffs

Glam metal, also known as hair metal, is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1970s and became a dominant force in the 1980s. Known for its flashy aesthetics, catchy hooks, and theatrical performances, glam metal blends the heaviness of traditional metal with the glam rock influences of the ’70s, resulting in a sound that’s both hard-hitting and commercially accessible.

Musically, glam metal is characterized by anthemic choruses, high-pitched vocals, and the heavy use of electric guitars, often with a polished, radio-friendly production. The genre places a strong emphasis on melody, as well as on an energetic live show filled with over-the-top fashion, flamboyant hairstyles, and elaborate stage setups. Lyrics often focus on themes of excess—love, partying, rebellion, and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyles—matching the larger-than-life image of the bands.

Bands associated with glam metal frequently donned tight spandex, big hair, and leather, embracing an exaggerated sense of style and sexuality. This visual spectacle was just as important as the music, making glam metal one of the most visually distinctive subgenres in rock history. While it was criticized for its emphasis on image over substance, glam metal’s catchy hooks and memorable songs helped it gain a massive following, particularly in the U.S., where bands like Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Poison became household names.

Though its mainstream popularity waned in the 1990s with the rise of grunge, glam metal’s influence still lingers in modern rock and pop culture, with many bands paying homage to its bold sound and aesthetic.