You Wanted the Best...Number Three

Our top ten glam band countdown continues. Here’s what we’ve got so far:

10) Badlands
09) Winger
08) Twisted Sister
07) L.A. Guns
06) Bon Jovi
05) Poison
04) Guns n' Roses

In the third spot...Hanoi Rocks.

The Finnish band formed at the end of the 1970s and their importance in glam is unmatched. Every time I ask a musician "who are your influences" Hanoi Rocks is inevitably mentioned.

Lead singer Michael Monroe looks like he was born glam: the hair, the clothes, the swagger all ooze confidence. The lyrics - especially early Hanoi Rocks - are gritty sleaze, served straight up.

Hanoi Rocks released a handful of albums before getting much acclaim. Then, they were poised for fame with the 1984 release Two Steps from the Move. Poised, that is, until tragedy hit the band. Drummer Razzle was killed when he was riding in a car with a very intoxicated Vince Neil. This sudden death put an end to any momentum the band was gaining in the U.S. Still, Hanoi Rocks forged on, sporadically releasing albums with a wide array of members.

These days, only Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy remain from the original line-up. Their new album, Street Poetry, was released months ago to critical acclaim. In truth, Street Poetry is an excellent, yet mature, glam release.

Here's Hanoi Rocks performing "Up Around the Bend" live sometime in 1984.

Don't agree with my choice? Come back tomorrow and see who lands at number two on the ten best glam bands of all time list.

Comments

[BillyKiss]

Surely to complete the list you will be looking at Motley Crue and The New York Dolls. They way I came to my guess or assumption was given away by your inclusion of Hanoi Rocks. I guess only time will tell if I'm right.

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

Hanoi Rocks were my darkhorse pick as they blazed the trail like Twisted Sister but never got the big taste of success. Big influences on the likes of the Crue, Poison, and GnR. Very underrated band.

Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

I forgot to add my guess at the top 2 slots:

Motley Crue at #1

Def Leppard at #2

Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com

[Christian Graus]

I was guessing Motley and KISS.

[Metal Mark]

This would be my top pick. Not one bad album in the 1980's. The new album is great as well.

[KixRules]

Ahhh??? Don't agree with this at all, but hey it's your list!:>

[George]

I think I'll assume the Crue are in one of your top spots. I'm surprised that Ratt hasn't found their way in here yet. I would definitely put them in a top ten before Badlands, LA Guns and probably even Winger too. I'd even rank them ahead of Twisted Sister. But that's what makes lists like these fun. Endless debate!

[BillyKiss]

Yeah George I totally agree with you on your RATT comments

[aXe mAn]

I totally agree. They are one of the most influential glam bands of all time.

[Kenny Ozz]

Ratt is lame nowadays, and anyone who saw them on the Poison tour would agree. The top 2 spots should be Def Leppard and Crue.

[fletch]

I disagree. Hanoi Rocks...well, rocks, but shouldn't be placed on this list. Cinderella should be at this spot.

[George]

I'm not saying Ratt should be in the top 2 by any means and I would rank them lower than Def Lep, Poison, GNR, and Crue (who I assume are #1), but I think they are worthy of top 10. They may not be as powerful now, but they were pretty darn big in their heyday.

[DUDE]

HANOI ROCK STILL IS AMAZING BAND, MAKING GREAT ALBUMS;YOU CAN`T SAY SAME ABOUT Mötley Crue!
Mötley buys their song From Simple Plan!