30 1980s + 1990s Rock Bands That Should Have Been Bigger

If you were rocking in the 1980s and 1990s, some of these acts will not only bring up a bit of nostalgia for you, but will also likely have you wondering why you never heard more from them.While there are bands that seemingly score hit after hit, each of the bands listed here only had a limited period in the spotlight. But it’s easy to hear and see why the acts listed should have enjoyed even greater success.In some cases, such as with Bulletboys and several other ’80s acts, the ’90s advent of grunge and their late arrival to the ’80s glam metal explosion shortened their window. Others such as early ’90s heavy hitters Helmet saw their window shortened as defections from a killer lineup left singer Page Hamilton as the last man standing.READ MORE: Do You Remember These Forgotten Rock Radio Hits of 1985?Every act here has a story, whether is be label issues, solo careers, band defections, a lack of radio recognition, a changing music scene or the simple act of struggling to meet the bar of their biggest hit.This collection of rock bands ranges from the glam metal of ’80s rising stars such as Autograph and Kix to the ’90s post-grunge rock of Splender and Tonic.Which ’80s and ’90s rock bands should have been bigger? Admittedly there are more than the bands who made this list, but here are a few choices we felt had the potential to have seen greater returns over the course of their run.15 1980s Rock Bands That Should Have Been BiggerTheir ’80s moments in the spotlight were fleeting, but should these acts have deserved better?Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire15 1990s Rock Bands That Should’ve Been BiggerWhile some of these bands tasted success, it never felt like their careers hit the highest point they should have.Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, LoudwireThe Second Best Song of 10 1980s One-Hit WondersYou may remember these ’80s rock songs, but what was the second best song by each of these bands?Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire