Is it safe to say 80s rock/metal is on a comeback?

[screamingdaisy]

Not the hair metal crap, but the actual 80s metal. I'm trying to figure out if it's on a bit of a comeback, or if it's a regional bubble I'm in.

It seems like the kids who grew up with Rock Band (the game) are now starting rock bands. I'm seeing a lot of Priest/Maiden/Metallica influence, as well as 90s rock/grunge influence.

Thing is, the city I now live in is perma-stuck in the 90s, so I'm not sure if this is local or if it's wider.

[macaronisalad]

I would think that makes sense. I was born in '91 and can tell you 100% that video games got me into rock/metal, and ultimately playing guitar, but for me not Rock Band. The radio stations in the Grand Theft Auto games, in particular Vice City exposed me to a whole new world. Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth, Tesla, David Lee Roth, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, etc.

[Guitarbilly]

Yeah without a doubt. Even if you look at the new gear being released this year, there are a lot of 80s inspired gear coming back.
I think there's an interest in 80s music in general right now, including 80s metal.

[zozobra]

Stranger things definitely helped kick off a nostalgia for period. I've seen quite a few kids doing speed/thrash in E standard, complete with whammy bar abuse solos that'd make Kerry King blush.

[linthat22]

I know I've been listening to Thin Lizzy lately and Blue Murder (John Sykes kick) and it does seem that kind of music needs to come back.