Rock of Aging: The Lost Art of Making the Perfect 80s Metal Mixtape (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika reminisce about the lost art of making the perfect mixtape. Nobody who wasn't alive back in the 80s can relate. 

Whether you're recording your favorite songs from the radio for repeated playback, making a soundtrack for a road trip, trying to "turn on" a friend to some cool music, or trying to get the attention of a girl in your homeroom class, there are some basic rules you need to follow if you want to make a good mixtape. 

What's a good first song? Do the songs flow into one another smoothly or abruptly? How do you end Side A or begin Side B? What's a good closer? We offer up our best suggestions for making the ultimate 80s metal mixtape.

Dave & Erika then battle it out for the title of mixtape champion! We each created a 60 minute, 80s metal mixtape for you to review and compare. Then you must vote on who made the better tape!

Viewer Picks: Lost 80s Hard Rock & Metal Albums: These Albums Should’ve Been Huge! Rock of Aging

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika revisit our most popular video - The Lost 80s Hard Rock and Metal Albums episode. Everyone seems to love to talk about that great album that no one else knows about; or that one album by your favorite band that everyone ignored, but you loved it. All music fans can relate.

At the end of that video, Erika asked the audience for their recommendations on other "lost" 80s hard rock albums that we should check out. We received hundreds of suggestions, and decided to do a video where we review YOUR top three picks. Which ones did you really think we needed to know about?

The three most suggested were: Shotgun Messiah "Shotgun Messiah" The Four Horsemen "Nobody Said It Was Easy" and Mindfunk "Mindfunk." We dove in!

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he offers a quick review of the brand new theatrical film about Iron Maiden, Burning Ambition. In Erika's Atmosphere Check, she returns to her record store days where the clerks had all the inside information about new music. Before the internet, before streaming, where else did you discover new music that wasn't on the radio or MTV? At the record store. In this instance, you get to be the cool person behind the counter making the suggestions about what to play or what to buy.

Less Than Zero: The Soundtrack That Defined the Dark Side of the ‘80s // Neon, Drugs & Great Music (Rock of Aging)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika take a trip to the darker side of Hollywood in the late 1980s. The 1987 film, Less Than Zero, told a tale of extreme wealth and extreme behavior among a circle of friends navigating young adulthood. The movie starred some of the biggest actors of the era: Andrew McCarthy, Robert Downey Jr, Jami Gertz, and James Spader.

Neither of us was old enough to see this R-rated movie in the theater when it was released in 1987. The soundtrack, on the other hand, was an instant classic. Less Than Zero produced one of the best soundtracks of the entire decade!

Aerosmith, Slayer, Poison, LL Cool J, The Bangles, are just a few of the artists on this album. We go through the entire thing: the good, the bad, and the...meh. We get to the bottom of why this soundtrack is celebrated more than the actual movie.

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about the new heavy metal band from Brooklyn, Castle Rat (https://castlerat.com/). This doom metal band has been winning over crowds for years, and has just released a new album called, The Bestiary.

For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she explains the difference between 8pm - 10pm Hollywood in 1987, and 2am - 4am Hollywood in 1987. It could get pretty dark on those streets the later you're out there.

 

Our 10 Favorite 80's Metal Music Videos // Rock of Aging // Headbangers Ball

In this episode of Rock of Aging, we crank the volume and fire up the TV for a celebration of our favorite 1980s metal music videos. Back when MTV ruled the culture, videos weren’t just promotion—they were events. Bigger hair, louder guitars, cinematic concepts, wild performances, and enough smoke machines to fill an arena.

Dave and Erika each count down the videos that defined the era for them—from arena-ready anthems and sleaze-soaked party clips to dark, dramatic epics and pure headbanging chaos. We talk about which bands understood the power of image, which videos still hold up today, and how visual style helped turn hard rock and metal bands into larger-than-life icons.

We each picked our five favorites -- and we had only one overlap! Can you guess which video?

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about a recent box set from the 80s band, Hüsker Dü. The collection, 1985: The Miracle Year, features professionally captured live recordings from this legendary band from throughout 1985. For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she brings us back to 1980s basement culture. If you had a basement in the 80s, you were no doubt camped out down there every Saturday night for Headbanger's Ball

Rock of Aging Talks The Big 4 of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax // metal (VIDEO)

 

In this episode of Rock of Aging, we are talking about the harder side of 80's metal! Erika and Dave debate The Big 4 of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax. Let's just say that we don't see eye to eye on this part of the 80s metal scene.

For Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive, he is talking about a new band from Ireland called SPRINTS who has just released an EP called 'Trickle Down.' For Erika's Atmosphere Check, she sums up how she sees the differences between the Hollywood glam scene and the heavier, thrash scene.

The 80's Hard Rock & Metal Bands We've Seen Live The Most! (VIDEO)

 

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika are talking live shows. Which 80's metal and hard rock bands have we seen the most times in concert? Club shows, theater shows, arena shows, stadium shows, festivals -- they all count!

We both have a lengthy history of seeing concerts, beginning in the early 1980s. But who have we seen the most times over the years? Specifically, which hard rock and metal bands have we seen the most amount of times?

Who have you seen the most? Leave it in the comments!

Also in this episode, we have Dave's (Not So) Deep Dive. This time around, he will be discussing the album "Turn-Ons" by the band, The Hotrats. Erika's Atmosphere Check will take us back to 1980s pre-concert prep -- locking down the right clothes & the right look. What about transportation? Who's driving? Are we even old enough to drive?

Our Favorite "Lost" 80's Hard Rock and Metal Albums (That Deserved Better) (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika discuss their favorite "lost" 80s hard rock/heavy metal albums. Our definition of a lost album is either one by an unknown band that seemed to have major potential, but was ultimately ignored, OR an album from a more established band that failed to live up to the commercial standards of past releases. We have some of both.

We'll be discussing lost albums from Lillian Axe, Bang Tango, Sea Hags, Blue Öyster Cult, Bad Company, and Richie Sambora.

Back When Videos Meant Everything: The Rise (and Fall) of MTV: Rock of Aging (VIDEO)

 In this episode of Rock of Aging, Dave and Erika rewind to the glory days of MTV, when music videos weren’t optional, they were everything. Before streaming, before algorithms, before phones in our pockets, MTV told us what mattered — what to wear, how bands looked, and which artists became legends.

We dig into how music videos transformed songs into visual events, turned musicians into larger-than-life icons, and reshaped rock culture forever. From late-night video marathons to world premieres that stopped time, MTV didn’t just play music — it created mythology.

This is a love letter to the era when image, attitude, fashion, and sound collided… and rock was never the same.

80's Metal Meets FESTIVUS: Airing Grievances with the Rock of Aging Crew // A Festivus Miracle! (VIDEO)

Help celebrate an 80's metal Festivus with Dave and Erika! Today's video is the 12th episode of Rock of Aging, and it's our first ever holiday show.

For this special episode, we decided to celebrate the "alternative" holiday of FESTIVUS, as celebrated on the TV show, Seinfeld. With an 80s metal vibe, we'll be airing our grievances, offering up Festivus miracles, and maybe even our feats of strength!

We hope you'll love this episode. Please leave your grievances in the comments!

Rock of Aging Ep. 11 -- When the ’70s Turned Hair Metal: The Best and Worst Reinventions (VIDEO)

Today's video is the 11th episode of Rock of Aging, and this month, we are looking back to the 1970s. Heavy metal was invented in the 1970s, and it was a massive decade for this music: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, and KISS helped to define the decade's music. But what about when those artists hit the 1980s?

Success in the 70s did not automatically guarantee similar success in the 80s. What did it take to "make it" in this decade? Which bands did the 80s the best? Who thrived, and who merely survived? This is the question that Erika and Dave attempt to answer in this video. 

Who understood the assignment of the 1980s and who did not?

Rock of Aging: The Nightmare Never Ends – Alice Cooper Live! (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, your co-hosts, Dave and Erika, are reviewing a recent show from the legendary Alice Cooper. Alice performed at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha, Nebraska on August 27, 2025.

Despite being a lifelong hard rock and metal fan, Dave had never seen Alice Cooper in concert. For a first Alice show, it was impressive. The king of "shock rock" can still shock, even at age 77. Among the members of Alice's first-rate band is guitarist Nita Strauss. She was also a crowd favorite.

All photos and videos shot by Dave or Erika.

NOTE: We post a new episode of Rock of Aging on the 10th of every month!

Rock of Aging: Tom Keifer & L.A. Guns Bring Back the Glory Days (Eddie Trunk Guest Spot!) (VIDEO)

In this episode of Rock of Aging, your co-hosts, Dave and Erika, are reviewing a recent show from Tom Keifer Band and L.A. Guns. The two 80s metal legends were playing together at Steelhouse in Omaha, Nebraska on September 26, 2025.

Sirius XM's Eddie Trunk appeared at the Keifer/Guns show and acted as emcee for the evening!

All photos and videos shot by Dave or Erika.

NOTE: We post a new episode of Rock of Aging on the 10th of every month

Rock of Aging Episode 10: Hitting Concerts from ALICE COOPER, TOM KEIFER, LA GUNS, ALEX WILLIAMS (VIDEO)

Today's video is the tenth episode of Rock of Aging, and this month, we hit "the road" and saw three excellent, 80s metal themed concerts. We caught shock rock legend, Alice Cooper, on his 'Too Close For Comfort Tour,' Cinderella's Tom Keifer Band with L.A Guns as support, and outlaw country artist turned 80s metal enthusiast, ‪Alex Williams‬.

Even at age 77, Alice Cooper still delivers the theatrical, rock n roll spectacle that he has been known for for decades. Both Tom Keifer (Cinderella) and L.A. Guns played blistering sets that featured songs from throughout their careers. Finally, outlaw country artist, Alex Williams gave the audience a huge taste of his new album, Space Brain, which is comprised entirely of heavy metal covers from artists like Ozzy, Skid Row, Judas Priest, and Mötley Crüe.

Sirius XM's Eddie Trunk appeared at the Keifer/Guns show and acted as emcee for the evening!

Each one was a unique experience, and we're here to talk about all of it. Plus we have photos and video from all three shows!

Rock of Aging Episode 9: Ranking the KISS Ballads: The Good, The Bad, & The Sappy (VIDEO)

Today's video is the ninth episode of Rock of Aging: the series where my co-host Erika and I explore the depths of our "hair metal" past, and try to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. Rock of Aging is your go-to spot for 80s metal conversion and community.

This month, we're talking my all-time favorite band, KISS. We haven't done any KISS themed videos yet on this show, so we really took it to another level for this one! Knowing Erika's fondness for the 80s metal power ballad, we decided to look into KISS's contribution to the genre. Kiss has released ballads in the 70s, the 80s, and the 90s. But which ones are the best?! Which ones just suck?

We attempt to answer this seemingly unanswerable question and we rank the Ten Best Ballads from KISS!

Rock of Aging: Dave's 80s Metal Starter Pack Pick -- SCORPIONS

Today's video is taken from "Rock of Aging Ep. 7: Your Hair Metal Starter Pack // 5 Essential 80s Metal Albums (Spandex Optional)" 

Here, I am talking about how I first discovered Scorpions and why I believe "Love at First Sting" is essential to anyone starting an 80s metal collection.

Rock of Aging Ep. 7: Your Hair Metal Starter Pack // 5 Essential 80s Metal Albums (Spandex Optional) (VIDEO)

Today's video is the seventh episode of "Rock of Aging." In this series, my co-host Erika and I are 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. Rock of Aging is your go-to spot for 80s metal and conversation! 

This month, we are offering up our picks for "Five Essential Hair Metal Albums to Start Your Collection." We each pick five (and two runners up) and offer up our reasons for why they must be included! These picks are a place to start, that's all.

Rock of Aging Ep. 6: L.A. Guns LIVE Photos & Video 🤘🏻NEW Album Review 'Leopard Skin' (VIDEO)

Today's video is the sixth episode of "Rock of Aging." 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, Erika and I devote the entire episode to the legendary sleaze rockers, L.A. Guns. The band is a favorite for both of us, and we actually met each other at an L.A. Guns show a few years ago! In this episode, we talk about the entire history of the band, the newest record, and seeing the band live in 2025!

After telling our L.A. Guns "origin stories"  - we both somehow wound up on the band's tour bus in the early 90s - we review the band's newest album, Leopard Skin. Then we jump over to Barnato (a club in West Omaha) to review the concert. We have lots of great videos and photos from the "intimate" show.

If you're fan of L.A. Guns, you have chosen the right video to click on! Stay until the end for a special announcement regarding L.A. Guns' return to Omaha

Rock of Aging Ep 5: 80s Metal in 2025: Seeing Warrant, BulletBoys, Trixter, Pretty Boy Floyd LIVE 🤘🏻(VIDEO)

Today's video is the fifth episode of "Rock of Aging." 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, Erika and I hit road to see some classic 80s metal bands. First up, we hit the "Spirit of 1989" tour which featured Trixter, Enuff Z'nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Christian Shields. Less than a week later, we caught the "Let The Good Times Rock" tour featuring Warrant and Bulletboys. A good time was had by all. 

In this video we attempt to discover:

Can BulletBoys lead singer, Marq Torien, still fit into the same pants he wore in 1988?

Which lead guitarist hit on Erika at the Spirit of 1989 tour?

What were you doing the first time you heard "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Warrant? 

Are those Tommy John elbow socks being worn by Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd?

Who the heck is in Enuff Z'nuff these days?

Where the heck was Warrant's Jerry Dixon?

We learn all this and much more!

 

WARRANT, BULLETBOYS, STRETCH Live at The Astro, Omaha, NE 4/12/25 (PHOTOS)

Warrant at The Astro 4/12/25

Hit The Astro once again for the recent Warrant/Bulletboys concert. I had some history with both of these bands back in the 80s, but I hadn't seen or heard much from either band since that time. I was curious who was still in each of the bands. Obviously, the late frontman for Warrant, Jani Lane, would not be there. But who actually would be?

Stretch opened the show

The first band, Stretch, features the owner of Grinder's in Kansas City, and he has appeared on the Food Network many times. (Hat tip to my Rock of Aging co-host Erika for actually knowing that!).

Marq Torien and Bulletboys played next

Bulletboys was up next. Though my fandom of this band was more shortlived than with Warrant, I thought Bulletboys put on a better show on this night. I didn't realize Marq played guitar (I had only seen him as the singer in the old videos), and that he was actually quite good. Before the band started, he was noodling some Van Halen and it sounded great.

During the set, BB also played "Everybody Wants Some!" by Van Halen. I remember a time in the late 80s when the knock on Bulletboys was that they ripped off Van Halen...

Just as I was warming up to the band, and feeling pretty positive about them, Torrien ruined it by saying, "Fuck Joe Biden." Dude, bad move. Keep your politics to yourself. No one cares what you think. And note, Nebraska may be a "red" state, but Omaha went solidly for Harris in '24 and Biden in '20. Read the room.

Warrant was the headliner, and they opened with one of their best known songs, "Down Boys." The band played a decent set, though it lacked some of the enthusiasm of Bulletboys.

Lead singer of Warrant, Robert Mason

Warrant still features Joey Allen and Erik Turner on guitar, and Steven Sweet on drums. For some reason, bassist Jerry Dixon was not there. He was featured in the show advertisements, but Robbie Crane was playing bass on this evening.

The show closed with Bulletboys joining Warrant on stage for "Cherry Pie." The crowd loved it, and it finally got them on their feet after a night of mostly sitting.

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?