‘80s Rockers That Still Tour
Right now, the most popular hits we hear on the radio, watch on YouTube, and appear on Billboard lists, are melodic pop tunes belted out by the likes of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber, but back in the ‘80s, things weren’t always that way. Back then, there was a huge culture of rock music, and the good news is, that it is still alive and well. There are a bunch of rockers that made a huge impact on the music industry, back in the ‘80s, that are still touring and living a rock n’ roll lifestyle.
The following rockers have had a rollercoaster of hits throughout the years, sometimes coming out with the most brilliant albums when least expected, followed by a massive amount of concerts, and then disappeared over the years. Here they are:
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers was formed in Los Angeles in 1983. It is made up of best friends lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, guitarist John Frusciante, and drummer Chad Smith. They have sold over 80 million albums internationally, and are the most successful band in the history of alternative rock radio. In 2012, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. One of their earliest stand out songs that made the public take notice of them was 1991’s Under The Bridge off the Blood Sugar Sex Magik album.
This alternative and psychedelic rock band have been doing concerts and touring since the ‘80s, and haven’t stopped since. It truly is magical watching them live on stage. The musical chemistry between Kiedis and Flea is amazing, and when they stand side by side, Kiedis singing, Flea playing the bass, they look like music gods. They truly have mastered their art. They are currently (2020) touring across 5 countries and have 7 upcoming concerts. There’s no stopping this dynamic rock band that has created some of the best rock singles ever heard.
U2
This Irish band can thank most of their success to frontman, lead vocalist and melodic genius Bono – his voice is superb, smooth, alluring and real. U2 was formed in Dublin in 1976, together with the Edge (lead guitar and keyboards), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr (drummer). The first album the band released that caught the world’s attention was 1987’s The Joshua Tree with major hits like Where The Streets Have No Name, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and With Or Without You, all reaching number 1 status on radio stations around the world.
Their 1991 hit One, off their Grammy award winning album Achtung Baby, is still one of the most beautiful songs ever released, describing the bond between all humanity. U2 are superb performers and Bono gives it his all, even to this day. The band still tours and their Joshua Tree Tour 2019 ended with their last performance on Sunday, December the 15th, 2019 at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai India. The band will no doubt have many tours and concerts up ahead in the future.
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 in New Jersey with lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres. They did amazingly well with their album Slippery When Wet album which was released in 1986. It had the mega-hits You Give Love a Bad Name and Livin’ On A Prayer on it.
Bon Jovi has always been known as a band that belts out romantic rock ballads such as the enormously successful Bed Of Roses, and Always. Jon Bon Jovi has one of the most stellar, husky and velvet smooth voices you can imagine, that is powerful and takes you to another world. The band has been nominated for many Grammys and has won a few MTV music awards. They will be touring during 2020 in America with their last performance in Madison Square Garden, New York, on Tuesday, the 28th of July 2020.
