The Most Unforgettable '80s Metal Shows We Ever Saw // Rock of Aging Ep. 30

What made '80s metal concerts truly unforgettable? In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika look back at six memorable heavy metal and hair metal shows from the 1980s that still stick with them nearly 40 years later.

From ticket outlet lines and cash-only merch tables to parking lot hangs and wild arena moments, we dive into the nostalgia, energy, and chaos of attending live rock shows before cell phones and digital tickets took over. Plus, Dave delivers a "Not-So-Deep Dive" into Dinosaur Jr. and why metal fans love J Mascis's guitar shredding, followed by Erika's concert "Atmosphere Check."

In This Episode:

Dave's Not-So-Deep Dive: Dinosaur Jr., J Mascis, and the metal crossover appeal

Erika's Atmosphere Check: What made going to shows in the '80s a whole different experience

The Top 6 Concerts: Dave and Erika's most vivid and unforgettable '80s metal memories

Three Albums. No Misses. The Best 3-Album Runs of ’80s Hard Rock & Metal

Some bands only make one good album. That's it. So, what happens after you make that stellar album? Can you follow it up with another? What about a third? Is it even possible?!

For some bands, creating an epic, three album run is simply unattainable. In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika offer up some of their absolute favorite 80s metal and hard rock three record streaks. Three Albums. No Misses.

The rules?! The only rules are: three consecutive studio albums from one artist, and that the albums were released in what is considered the "80s metal era." In other words...the 80s.

Before the episode begins, we have Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive. This time around, he's diving into the new album from The Rolling Stones, "Foreign Tongues." 

In The Atmosphere Check, Erika reconnects us back to our younger selves, and taps into the feelings we had for a band releasing its third great album in a row. The anticipation was epic.

What is your favorite three album run? Leave it in the comments!

Rock of Aging Ep. 4: BON JOVI Before the Breakthrough: '7800° Fahrenheit' at 40 (VIDEO)

Today's video is the fourth episode of the "Rock of Aging" series. In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!

This month, we do a "deep dive" into Bon Jovi's second album, 7800° Fahrenheit. The album came out 40 years ago this month, and is a divisive record in the band's celebrated catalog. Jon Bon Jovi himself doesn't care for it, but the album remains a fan favorite. 

Erika and I offer up our "origin story" as to how we initially heard the record and became fans. Then, we go track by track through the album and give our thoughts on each one! How does the album hold up after 40 years? Why is this album generally ignored by the band during its live shows? Is it bad? Is it underrated? Overrated? What do you think?