The 1980s were a playground for larger-than-life personalities, over-the-top fashion, and of course, jaw-dropping guitar riffs. Amid the glam and glitter of the hair metal era, many guitarists emerged with mind-blowing talent, but not all received the recognition they truly deserved.
While names like Eddie Van Halen and George Lynch are often celebrated, the decade also birthed a wealth of guitarists whose skill and creativity flew under the radar. These players helped define the sound of an era but remain overshadowed by their more famous peers.
This article takes a closer look at five guitarists who should have been household names. Their technical brilliance, innovative styles, and unforgettable contributions to hair metal deserve far more attention than they’ve gotten. Let’s give these unsung heroes their moment in the spotlight.
Vito Bratta (White Lion)
Vito Bratta, hailing from Staten Island, co-founded White Lion in 1983, and became renowned for his virtuosic guitar playing. While the band introduced many to his talents, Bratta’s musical journey started much earlier. He first played in the band Dreamer and even came close to joining Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band after Randy Rhoads’ tragic death.
Bratta’s style, filled with pinch harmonics and two-handed tapping, drew comparisons to Eddie Van Halen. However, these comparisons never sat well with him. In a rare 2023 interview, Bratta shared that the constant comparisons to Van Halen bothered him enough that he reached out to Eddie himself for advice.
Despite the comparisons and frustrations, Bratta remains one of the most underrated guitarists of his era. His distinct playing continues to earn respect, even if he’s now a musical recluse.
Robbin Crosby (Ratt)
When it comes to Ratt’s iconic riffs, names like Warren DeMartini often take the spotlight. While DeMartini’s shredding is legendary, the band’s secret weapon was guitarist Robbin Crosby. His contributions to Ratt’s sound have often been overlooked in favor of his more famous bandmate.
Before DeMartini joined Ratt in 1982, Crosby was already part of the band’s classic lineup. He had a hand in crafting some of Ratt’s biggest hits, including those from Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy. Crosby’s style was deeply rooted in blues, and he knew how to let the notes breathe—an unusual approach in a time when fast shredding was the norm.
Crosby’s ability to balance technique with emotion helped define Ratt’s sound. His contributions may have been overshadowed, but they’re undeniable when you listen closely to the band’s most memorable tracks.
Reb Beach (Winger)
Reb Beach is a guitarist in high demand, having played with major acts like Alice Cooper, Night Ranger, Whitesnake, and Dokken. However, it was his work with Winger, the band he co-founded in 1987, that launched his career. Despite the backlash Winger faced over the years, including the infamous “Seventeen” controversy, Beach’s talents go far beyond the hair metal label.
Beach’s guitar style is what truly set Winger apart. He combined the fast-paced shred techniques of the ‘80s with a progressive rock influence, showcasing a unique tapping style. This combination gave Winger a sound that was more complex than the typical glam metal formula.
Though Winger’s early work is often pegged as hair metal, the band evolved significantly. Pull (1993) showcased a heavier, more metal-oriented sound, challenging the genre’s limits and proving that Beach’s talents were far more versatile than many had realized.
Akira Takasaki (Loudness)
Akira Takasaki is often referred to as the Eddie Van Halen of Japan. He co-founded Loudness in 1981, alongside drummer Munetaka Higuchi, and the band made history as the first Japanese metal act to sign with a U.S. record label. Their breakthrough came with Thunder in the East, which introduced their heavy sound to American audiences.
The album’s single “Crazy Nights” became a hit after it was added to MTV’s rotation, expanding Loudness’ fanbase across the U.S. Takasaki’s innovative guitar techniques, including alternate picking and precise vibrato, helped define the band’s sound and set him apart from his peers.
Takasaki’s influence places him alongside other legendary guitarists like Marty Friedman and Paul Gilbert. His impact on the global metal scene remains significant, even if his name isn’t always the first to be mentioned outside of Japan.
John Norum (Europe)
While John Norum is often remembered for his iconic work with Europe on “The Final Countdown,” his guitar skills go far beyond that one hit. Known for his soulful, bluesy playing, Norum’s style blends melody with emotion, earning him a devoted following. Despite his talent, he remains an underrated figure in the rock world.
Norum’s influence stretches beyond Europe, with a successful solo career that includes the 1992 album Face The Truth. This record featured collaborations with rock legends like Glenn Hughes, Peter Baltes, and Mikkey Dee. He later worked with Baltes and Dee on Don Dokken’s Up From The Ashes, a standout project in his career.
In a 2024 interview, Norum reflected on how his approach to guitar has evolved. Once focused on speed and technicality, he now values rhythm and musicality more. His shift in priorities reveals his growth as an artist and his deeper understanding of what truly matters in music.