Glam metal emerged in the late 1970s and peaked in the 1980s, characterized by big hooks, anthemic choruses, and a flamboyant, androgynous aesthetic. Musically, it blended the energy of hard rock with the flash of glam rock, featuring loud guitars, driving rhythms, and powerful, raspy vocals. Drawing from blues-rock and heavy metal, glam metal emphasized showmanship and spectacle, with elaborate live performances and music videos. As a cultural phenomenon, glam metal embodied the excess and hedonism of the 1980s, speaking to a generation of young people seeking rebellion and self-expression. While often associated with the Sunset Strip scene in Los Angeles, glam metal's influence extended globally, intersecting with pop-metal and influencing later genres like grunge and alternative rock. Its unique blend of rock swagger, pop sensibility, and visual spectacle set glam metal apart from other metal subgenres, making it a distinctive and enduring force in rock music.

Summer Nights (Live at New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New Haven, CT, 8/27/1986) [2026 Remaster]

Van Halen

Single - Released February 3, 2026