Top 14 Rock Tours of the 1980s
The year 1980 saw a significant evolution in live rock music as iconic bands from the ’70s navigated new lineups, new musical styles, and fresh directions as they entered a new decade. Notably, rock tours played a crucial role in showcasing these transitions for both artists and audiences.
One of the standout tours of 1980 was Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ Tour. Following his departure from Black Sabbath, Osbourne established a new band featuring guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads. The release of the critically acclaimed Blizzard of Ozz album propelled Osbourne to embark on a successful European tour, performing a mix of new material and classic Sabbath hits.
Meanwhile, Black Sabbath, with the addition of Ronnie James Dio, set out on the ‘Heaven and Hell’ Tour in support of their album of the same name. The band enthralled audiences across Europe with a combination of classic hits and new tracks, proving their resilience and artistic growth despite lineup changes.
Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking ‘The Wall’ Tour in 1980 set a new standard for live rock performances. The elaborate staging, featuring a towering wall between the band and the audience, mesmerized fans in select cities. Although capturing the epic scale of the show proved challenging at the time, subsequent releases like the live album ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ have immortalized this iconic tour.
Led Zeppelin, amidst internal and external pressures in 1980, embarked on their last European tour before drummer John Bonham’s tragic passing. The band’s decision to streamline their setlist and focus on their classic energy hinted at a resurgence that was sadly cut short.
Van Halen’s relentless rise continued with the ‘World Invasion’ Tour following the release of their third album. Delivering new hits like “And the Cradle Will Rock…” to arena-sized crowds, Van Halen solidified their status as rock superstars.
ZZ Top’s ‘Expect No Quarter’ Tour showcased the band’s return from a hiatus with a more experimental sound and extensive touring. Their electrifying performances, including a memorable live recording in Germany, reaffirmed their place in rock music.
Journey’s ‘Departure’ Tour in support of their hit album marked another milestone in the band’s journey to superstardom. The departure of founding member Gregg Rolie paved the way for a new era of success with the addition of Jonathan Cain.
On the other hand, Kiss faced challenges with the lukewarm reception to ‘Unmasked’ but found unexpected success in Australia and New Zealand. This refreshing support rejuvenated the band, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback in the following years.
Judas Priest’s ‘British Steel’ Tour exemplified the band’s razor-sharp sound and marked a highlight in their extensive world tour. The tour’s success underscored Judas Priest’s status as heavy metal pioneers and solidified their place in rock history.
Overall, the rock tours of 1980 not only showcased the evolution and resilience of iconic bands but also provided unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. These tours, with their unique performances and unmatched energy, left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape and continue to inspire generations of music enthusiasts.