10 Best Hard Rock Bands Of The 1980s

In the era between glam rock and heavy metal, Van Halen sprouted from California to become the next prime musical force. Throughout their tenure with David Lee Roth, the band cranked out an endless supply of party rock bangers that hit like a sonic tidal wave.

Much of the band's innovations came from guitarist Eddie Van Halen, whose use of tapping techniques single-handedly (or double-handedly?) reshaped the way guitarists approached the instrument. Alongside Eddie, vocalist David Lee Roth had an incredible charisma with a voice that brought a swagger to each guitar riff.

While the band blasted onto the scene in the late 70's with their self-titled record, their work going into the 80's brought even more greatness with songs like "Everybody Wants Some," "Unchained," and the ultimate party anthem "Panama."

When the band reached their commercial pinnacle, they were dealt a heavy blow when Roth quit the group in 1985. Remarkably, the band found an equally proficient singer in Sammy Hagar, with whom they jumpstarted another creative hot streak with albums like 5150. The 80's may have been an era of highs and lows for Van Halen, but never once did their spectacular musicianship ever falter.