All Those Wasted Years (Live at the Marquee)
By Sean Reveron – Originally published March 4, 2016
Back in 1984, something unexpected was brewing in the California punk scene, particularly in the Bay Area. Until then, punks—especially those into hardcore—wanted nothing to do with Hair Metal. It was seen as phony, flashy, and the total opposite of what punk stood for. Bands like Poison were written off as posers. But then came a Finnish band that shook things up: HANOI ROCKS.
Calling themselves a “Glam Rock” group, Hanoi Rocks somehow managed to catch the attention of punks worldwide. For reasons that are still hard to explain, a large segment of the punk community started vibing with their sound and style. One big example was an international punk show organized by Goldenvoice, featuring heavyweights like Dead Kennedys, Reagan Youth, B.G.K., Raw Power, and RIISTETYT.
But when RIISTETYT took the stage, many punks were surprised. Instead of the expected crusty, leather-clad hardcore look we’d seen in grainy Maximum Rocknroll photos, the band showed up looking like glam rockers. They didn’t even want to play their older, rawer material. Raw Power had a similar vibe, sporting glammed-up looks. Even Discharge, one of hardcore’s most iconic bands, began shifting toward a glam style, and a few NorCal peace punks were doing the same.
As for me, I got into Hanoi Rocks’ music, but I never adopted the glam fashion. What drew people in, I think, was that this band didn’t just look cool—they had real musical chops. Their brand of rock and roll had an edge and an energy that clicked with punks. Sure, they were stylish and charismatic, but they also had that raw, swagger-filled spirit that many other glam bands lacked. Compared to the likes of Poison, Hanoi Rocks felt a lot more authentic and rebellious.
There’s no doubt they had an influence on the generation that came after. Even if you didn’t go glam, it was hard to ignore what Hanoi Rocks brought to the table. They were different. They had attitude. And they could put on one hell of a show.
So, what do you think made Hanoi Rocks resonate so strongly with punks back then? While you’re pondering that, check out All Those Wasted Years (Live at the Marquee)—Hanoi Rocks in full force, delivering the goods.
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