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

The Dark Stuff Wednesdays: What I’m Listening To This Week

Hey everyone, and welcome to the new video. Today is Wednesday, and this is the inaugural "What Am I Listening To, Wednesday?" I have four, fantastic new releases to discuss.

Suitor: https://suitor.bandcamp.com/album/saw-you-out-with-the-weeds-2

Cootie Catcher: https://cootiecatcher69.bandcamp.com/

Softcult: https://softcult.band/

Hair Person: https://hairperson.bandcamp.com/album/dorsia

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.

REVIEW: Slim Dunlap (The Replacements) 'Every Little Word' NEW 2CD Collection (VIDEO)

 On this episode, I am reviewing the brand new, 2 disc collection from former Replacements' guitarist, Bob "Slim" Dunlap, called 'Every Little Word.'

The set includes remastered versions of Slim's two solo album, The Old New Me and Times Like This, as well as 22 bonus tracks. The bonus material consist of studio outtakes from his solo album sessions, live recordings, and some of Slim's earliest known recordings ranging from 1978-1986.

This is as definitive a collection as one can get from Slim Dunlap.

Juliana Hatfield – Lightning Might Strike | Album Review (VIDEO)

 

On this episode, I'm diving deep into Lightning Might Strike, the newest album from Juliana Hatfield — an artist whose voice, songwriting, and emotional directness have been a constant thread through alternative rock (and my record collection) for decades.

From moments of sharp power-pop punch to quieter, more vulnerable reflections, Lightning Might Strike feels both deeply personal and unmistakably current.

Juliana Hatfield has never chased trends—and that’s exactly why her music continues to matter. Lightning Might Strike proves that honesty, hooks, and emotional clarity don’t age out.

Joey's Song Festival Review: Garbage, Go-Go's, Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls + More Unite to Fight Epilepsy (VIDEO)

On this episode, I am reviewing my recent road trip to Madison, WI to see the Joey's Song Freezing Man Festival 2026. Joey's Song is a charity that raises money for juvenile epilepsy research and holds an annual music festival to raise money. Find out more: Joeyssong.org .

This was my second year in attendance. For 2026, the festival focused more on the "all-star jam" concept as opposed to having artists come up and play a dedicated set. Members of Garbage, The Bangles, Goo Goo Dolls, The Go-Go's, Belly, Big Star, Letters To Cleo, Soul Asylum, Silversun Pickups, Eve 6, Guns N Roses, Tears For Fears, and more were in attendance.

Matt Pinfield (former MTV VJ) was the emcee for the festival. Matt was on my return flight, and I was able to confirm with him that he plans to be at next year's festival, too.

SNOWMEN: The Band You Need to Hear Right Now | Interview + Stories (VIDEO)

Today's video is my interview with the excellent New York City rock band SNOWMEN.

After forming at the beginning of 2024, the band gained a fair amount of notoriety from a handful of viral clips of their debut single, "You Can't Relate." The clips increased the band's profile from that of a local band to one with a national audience. New singles were released throughout 2025.

The band's sound is potent mix of punk, post-punk, 80s new wave, prog rock, and 2000s indie rock. SNOWMEN has just released its debut album, A Kick to the Face, and has its debut US tour booked for Spring 2026. 

2025 Concert Recap: 60 Artists, 3 States, 1 Unforgettable Year (VIDEO)

This week, I am recapping my year in live music. I took photos and/or video of (almost) every show I saw this year. Over 60 different artists!

Top 10 Albums of 1995 with ‪The Vinyl Potato‬ !! Numbers 10 - 6 #vinylcommunity (VIDEO)

Thanks for stopping by for the latest episode of The Dark Stuff. As always, I very much appreciate it. This week,  I'm collaborating with Will from the channel ‪VinylPotato‬, and we're talking 1995. Yeah, most people are posting their best of 2025 lists, we took it 30 years back for our video. This one includes numbers 10 - 6, and the rest is on Will's channel.

The link to Part 2 is in the comments.

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!

Mini Kiss Live Plus New Albums from Cheap Trick, Neko Case, The Beths, Guided By Voices & SNOWMEN (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing a concert from the hottest, littlest band in the world, Mini Kiss! in addition to seeing this unique tribute band, I also run through some of the best new release pick ups from the last month or so.

I am discussing the new albums from: SNOWMEN, the NYC band has just released it debut full-length, A Kick to the Face. It can be found on the streamers, or at the band's bandcamp page.

GUIDED BY VOICES has just released its 43rd album, Thick, Rich and Delicious. Another solid batch of indie pop from Robert Pollard and band.

I touch briefly on the new album from NEKO CASE, Neon Grey Midnight Green.

New Zealand indie rockers, THE BETHS, are back with a stellar new record called, Straight Line Was A Lie.

Finally, I cover the newest record from CHEAP TRICK, All Washed Up.

Hüsker Dü '1985 The Miracle Year' Box Set Review / Bob Mould / Grant Hart / Greg Norton (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing the brand new box set from Hüsker Dü called "1985: The Miracle Year." This has been one of my most anticipated releases of the year ever since the folks at Numero Group began teasing its release a few months ago.

The box is a 4 LP/2 CD set that features live recordings from Hüsker Dü from throughout 1985. The first album is a full concert, professionally recorded, from January 30, 1985. Initially, the band intended to release a live album that year, but it never happened...until now.

The second album features live recordings from throughout 1985 from venues around the world. The biggest highlight, for me, is the previously unreleased song, "Misty Modern Days." This track has circulated among tape traders for years, but it was an instrumental. This live version is not. It's a full song, with lyrics and everything!

The booklet is amazing. Tons of great photos and memorabilia. The detailed liner notes were written by Bob Mehr, who you may know from his Replacements biography, "Trouble Boys."

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?

R.I.P. ACE FREHLEY (1951-2025) / KISS / Frehley's Comet / The Spaceman (VIDEO)

R.I.P. Ace Frehley (April 27, 1951 - October 16, 2025), lead guitarist in my favorite band of all time, KISS. Enjoy Jendell...

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!

This Year's Week: RUSH, KISS, Journey, Replacements Movie, Joey's Song '26, New Bangles, + More (VIDEO)

You have stumbled upon the latest episode of "This Year's Week" where I compile a little bit of everything going on in the world of the Dark Stuff into one video!

We start off with an update on the Joey's Song Freezing Man Concert taking place in January 2026. I hit this festival (a benefit for juvenile epilepsy) last year and had such a good time...I'm going again. 

Next, I briefly address the end of my other channel, Rock N Roll Book Club‬.  We have called it a day after two years. But, ‪something is in the works.

We had a couple of health scares in the Kiss world, RUSH has a new drummer, and Journey is having personnel issues...AGAIN!!

I close out with a review of a new Bangles CD box, and some footage of this year's Farnam Fest.

It's an action packed episode!

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!

EXTC: Go 2 Omaha // Live at Reverb Lounge //Terry Chambers (XTC) and Friends (VIDEO)

 This week, I am reviewing a recent show from EXTC, the band featuring original XTC drummer, Terry Chambers. Since XTC stopped performing live in 1982, this is about the only way to hear XTC music performed in a live setting.

Terry Chambers formed this band a few years ago, and obtained permission from XTC's Andy Partridge to use the name. Hearing songs like "Making Plans For Nigel," "Life Begins at the Hop" and "This Is Pop" in a live setting was so fun! I never thought I'd hear these songs in any way other than the studio albums. This is a must-see show for any fan of XTC.

Opening the show was Omaha dream pop/shoegaze band, Minne Lussa.

Alex Williams Turns 80s Metal Into Outlaw Country | Space Brain Review (VIDEO)

Outlaw country artist, Alex Williams, is back with his third album, "Space Brain." This record is a departure from his previous work, as he covers '80s metal songs on this record. Alex gives the outlaw country treatment to songs by Ozzy Osbourne, Cinderella, Motörhead, Mötley Crüe, and many others. It's a great, new way to hear these classic songs!