Cyndi Lauper and Hulk Hogan, 1985. Photo by Barry King/WireImage/Getty Images.
The 80s was a colourful decade, to say the least. Whilst showmanship and wild stage antics were not a new tactic in entertainment, they were certainly lifted to new heights by brave and bold artists including Prince, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper and Grace Jones who refused to fit the mold.
For those wondering why we've not included David Bowie in this list; the 80s was his most subdued era following the extravagance of the 70s. Always an innovator and so ahead of himself, it is no surprise that he decided to tone it down when everyone else started hamming it up. Classic Bowie.
Here, we have sourced some images that truly sum up the flamboyant 80s, by the icons that in-turn inspired fashion and cultural movements through their freedom of expression.
Prince - 1985
"I had a massive ego [at youth]. Massive. But that's not such a bad thing. Because at least you're aspiring to be something, you consider yourself great because you want to be great."
(Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Madonna - 1984
"to me, the whole process of being a brush stroke in someone else's painting is a little difficult."
(Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Elton John - 1986
“The great thing about rock and roll is that someone like me can be a star.”
(Photo by Bob King/Redferns/Getty Images)
Split Enz - 1984
(Photo by Bob King/Redferns/Getty Images)
Cher -1987
“Until you’re ready to look foolish, you’ll never have the possibility of being great.”
(Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)
Grace Jones - 1983
“I can't run out of different ideas. I am different. When can I run out of me?”
(Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson - 1984
I love putting on an outfit or a costume and just looking at myself in the mirror. That's fun to me."
(Photo by Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images)
Kiss - 1983
"The makeup is simply an extension of the personality and colors, clothing, makeup all express something."
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Cyndi Lauper - 1983
“On my darkest days, I wear my brightest colors.”
(Photo by Terry Lott/Sony Music Archive/Getty Images)
Twisted Sister - 1987
(Photo by Mark Weiss/Getty Images)
Judas Priest - 1987
(Photo by Bill Marino/Sygma via Getty Images)
Boy George - 1984
“I wear makeup and dress this way because I think it makes me look better. I am not doing it to get people to stare at me.”
(Photo by Mike Prior/Getty Images)
If the 80s was your jam, you should follow our 'Hits of the 80s' playlist here...
