Are we in the new 80s?

[BigGuitars]

I kind of feel like there’s a heavy spirit of 80s hard rock that is becoming prominent in the guitar community now. I know that the affinity for the 80s never really died in the guitar community, but it seems especially prominent now. Guitar manufacturers making HH/Floyd 80s-inspired shred axes again, now back in high demand. Lots of the 80s style throughout the YouTube guitar community. The amplifier industry with all the boutique modded-marshall clones. It seems that the 80s were the definitive golden era of guitar virtuosity and mastery, and I think there is an obvious yearning for it currently. Don’t know if it’s just me. I always hoped 80s metal would finally get the recognition it deserves. I think it’s starting to see a resurgence. What do y’all think?

 

[panhead]

Barely except maybe here. Its all about the fast right hand and two or three notes and don't forget the metallic chugga chugga. Havent you heard. What they call metal now is like finger nails on a chalkboard to Me.

 

[Shask]

I think so also. The guitar stores are lined with neon pink and orange Jackson guitars, and I am seeing many posts across many forums where people are asking about Chorus pedals, lol.

 

[ZR4400]

 

[Bloodrock]

Better going back to 80’s shred than staying in the modern metal quagmire. Hopefully we’ve reached the lowest limits of down tuning and actual playing is coming back around.

 

[wIsEbLooD]

nope, I think they are just marketing to older people who will buy that retro gear.

 

[Goat]

I hope you're wrong.

 

[SpiderWars]

I think it would have to be different enough that in most peoples minds it wouldn't truly be metal.
Some combo of styles that explodes due to some big new star that has shreddy guitar of some sort as a prerequisite.

 

[lespaul6]

I'll take it over all this chung chung, all bar chords, really tired crap that seems to be real popular.... I thought it was cool when metallica did it in 87 but I didnt think everyone would cop their style. I had to start listening to county guitarists to actually hear good musicianship..

 

[Goat]

nope, I think they are just marketing to older people who will buy that retro gear.

Rock Music
1955 - 1994
R.I.P.

 

[romanianreaper]

Believe it or not, there are a ton of teens who are learning the songs we all cut our teeth on. My friend's son plays Metallica, Judas Priest, hair metal, etc. and I've heard kids at Guitar Store playing the old riffs I was learning at their age.

I think kids are getting into that stuff like I got into Hendrix and The Doors. They are realizing that older stuff had some great guitar playing, awesome scales, etc. There are some bands doing that stuff but not like the 80s!

 

[flatheads_4ever]

Not even close. The 80's were awesome. There was a whole attitude that will never be recreated.

Ed

 

[Purpleibby]

I'd say yes...and not just in the guitar world...the synth world in full blown 80's mode too. Pay no mind to folks who STILL haven't gotten over the mere 4 years of commie rock(traumatized!) ...the trend died people and rock/metal lived. Get over it.

 

[Monkey Man]

I too get the feeling it's made a resurgence, and it's a good thing IMHO... and not a moment too-late.

 

[sytharnia1560]

nope, I think they are just marketing to older people who will buy that retro gear.

yep totally this I think ... companies have only just now realised that people who were of the age to be all in on the scene are now late 40's and up so i theory have a bit more disposable cash so are banking on them having fond memories of all the bright sparkly crackled guitars from their (our) youth

 

[Thunkful]

Don't care what the mainstream thinks, just give me my superstrat and i do the rocking.

 

[mnemonic]

 

[JimAnsell]

nope, I think they are just marketing to older people who will buy that retro gear.

Rock Music
1955 - 1994
R.I.P.

yup. i stretch it out a bit though.
Rock and heavy metal
1955-2005.
R.I.P

as far as the new 80's? I wish... although i think you guys would hate it if there was a new wave of young, pretty boy hair bands with gunslinger guitarists, rehashing 1983-1988's style of guitar rock. It would be all "they're all ripping off van halen, dokken, ratt, crue, etc".
just look at how Greta Van Fleet got hated on by so many old farts saying "zep rip off!!!"

 

[LP Freak]

I never looked at them as a rip off, I think of it more as keeping the rock alive.

 

[nigelpkay]

In the metal world, at least in the underground, there is a lot of bands doing the retro NWOBHM thing circa 80-83, even right down to the clothes, you know, leather vests, bullet belts, mirror shades etc.. most are playing Gibson’s — Explorer’s, V’s, SG’s etc.. maybe some Jackson’s and B.C. Rich.
I like the odd band here and there, but copying the image and sound without some good song writing doesn’t go very far with me.

In terms of mid-late 80’s, I don’t see anything except some nostalgia gear, as you said the polka dot Kramers, Satchel sig guitar. Just saw Fender is doing a run of the HM Strat. At least Charvel is making guitars that are appealing to modern players too besides their 80’s colors. Don’t see many new bands doing this era at all. Even the old bands still on the circuit like Ratt can’t fill a club. Might be some nostalgia going on because of the recent Motley Crüe movie.