Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Hair Metal is an ambiguous term applied to almost any metal band from the 80's by hipsters and often - ironically - former fans of these bands. It is not a single musical genre that can be classified by musicologists in terms of keys, modes, writing styles, et cetera. It was a visual image cultivated by the record companies and shared by several bands. Hair Metal as a whole is not much different than alternative or grunge in the early nineties. A few original bands started the scene and the record companies molded every other band in the "alternative" image until they milked it dry. The music had almost nothing to do with any kind of genre. The RHCP were as much a part of the scene as Nirvana, Sonic Youth, REM, Violent Femmes, and Pearl Jam. The only common thread was they all wore plaid! I really had to laugh when someone mentioned earlier how Alice in Chains had more substance than any number of hair bands. Apparently there are people who have no idea that Alice in Chains actually started out as a glam metal band complete with lipstick makeup and big cheazy hair. No wonder why he over-dosed.......... Or how bout Weezer. Bet you never knew Rivers Cuomo was in a hair band called zoom. two words: metal sludge lord knows what's hiding in your favourite bands past
Text fits
Save
Cancel