Hair Band History (December 21st)

Van Halen released "Jump" as the lead single from their forthcoming album "1984" in late December 1983. "[Eddie] told me he copied the synth part from 'Kiss on My List' and used it in 'Jump.' I don't have a problem with that at all." -Daryl Hall. Release information source: [US] Debuted Billboard Hot 100 on January 14, 1984.

December 21, 1986: After 20 shows in Europe, Bon Jovi brought the "Slippery When Wet" Tour back to North America and a concert in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that followed two nights in Bethlehem, with support from Cinderella.

With hit singles "I Saw Red" and the title track, 1990 was a good year for Warrant. Exposure on American radio and MTV helped make "Cherry Pie" a Top 10 album.

December 21, 1991: Written and composed by singer Eric Martin during his teen years, Mr. Big's "To Be With You", the third single from the album "Lean Into It", debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100. It would rise to No. 1 in February 1992.

December 21, 1978: After joining the band in late November, 15-year-old drummer Rick Allen played his first show with Def Leppard, a pre-Christmas dance event in Rotherham, England. Promotional posters had the band name written as 'Deff / Lepard'. Image: DefLeppardUK.com

December 1982: Ace Frehley was no longer in KISS, we just didn't know it yet. That is why his face is on the cover of the "Creatures Of The Night" album, even though Vinnie Vincent had taken his place. It was all business. We also learned that Ace had been in a bad car accident a few months earlier and completely totalled his Porsche. Paul Stanley said at the time "Ace is lucky to be alive."

December 21, 1985: KISS brought the "Asylum" Tour to New Haven, Connecticut. "Over the years the band has been in existence, the ritual of getting ready has literally stayed the same. Since the late Seventies we've had a Superman bed sheet that's taped across the door so that if people walk by and the door is open, you don't get a free glimpse. The time that we spend in the dressing room getting ready gives us a chance to focus on what we have to do and interestingly it's calmest time of the night. It's the calm before the storm." -Paul Stanley (Asylum tour program)

December 21, 1985: Mötley Crüe with special guest Autograph concluded the US leg of the "Theatre Of Pain" Tour at Hollywood Sportatorium in Pembroke Pines, Florida. With some time off before the start of a European tour in January 1986, Vince Neil spent the holidays in the Cayman Islands where he met up with Jon Bon Jovi and Pat Travers and jammed every night at a local pub.

My goodness, this looks like a fantastic time with the hair bands. Not sure when this happened, but this image from Autograph's "Star-studded" rager appeared in the December 1986 issue of Circus Magazine.

December 21, 1991: Britain's Kerrang! Magazine revealed "the year's best gobsmackers from those very nice people who make that luvverly loud music wot we all listen to." Highlights included: "My inspiration is right below my waist and in between my legs." -Jon Bon Jovi and "Hey! I bet I'm the only guy who trusts both of them at the same time!" -Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) on being friends with both Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe.