a promo photo thread for '80s/'90s bands oozing sobriety and wisdom in the present day

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dark clothes! short hair! serious faces! darker/grittier/rebootier!

A Smedley Adoption (get bent), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 18:30 (nine years ago)

def leppard shaking off their hair-band past:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/2012/08/def-leppard-publicity-2012-l.jpg

A Smedley Adoption (get bent), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 18:32 (nine years ago)

load-era metallica set the standard for this when they all cut their hair and started dressing like this right

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NALTARREVxQ/USZmlbCguGI/AAAAAAAAdqs/dTgqa6g7o2w/s1600/Metallica-Load-Trasera.jpg

marcos, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 18:36 (nine years ago)

that load photo is a combo of dark/gritty meets swingers bros; it's definitely of its era.

A Smedley Adoption (get bent), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 18:39 (nine years ago)

post reunion Wonder Stuff (not sure how many of these guys were in the original line up, tho)

http://www.addictmusic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Wonder-Stuff.jpeg http://images.artistdirect.com/Images/artd/amg/music/bio/511343_the-wonder-stuff_200x200.jpg

soref, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 18:46 (nine years ago)

http://www.100xr.com/artists/C/Cult/The.Cult.jpg
the cult (2007)

drash, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 18:56 (nine years ago)

http://redeglobo.globo.com/platb/files/2432/2012/03/Gene-loves-Jezebel_site.jpg

gene loves jezebel

soref, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 19:07 (nine years ago)

Gary Numan

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/07/garynuman-diehard-07-13-2010.jpg

sleeve, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 19:11 (nine years ago)

sorry, not a promo photo

sleeve, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 19:11 (nine years ago)

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2010/06/03/1225874/899073-blondie.jpg

Blondie

Half as cool as Man Sized Action (Dan Peterson), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 19:24 (nine years ago)

http://www.metropolis-records.com/images/artists/206.jpg
The Rezillos

everything, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 19:34 (nine years ago)

That's a good one, all the dayglo fun sucked right out of them.

Half as cool as Man Sized Action (Dan Peterson), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 19:45 (nine years ago)

http://i.imgur.com/Oj3LcMO.jpg

pplains, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 20:05 (nine years ago)

Rancid

pplains, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 20:05 (nine years ago)

It dawns on me I have accidentally based my adult look on "Load" era Lars and/or Kirk. Whoops.

chr1sb3singer, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 20:06 (nine years ago)

Also that Rancid photo is legit darker/grittier, maybe too dark

chr1sb3singer, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 20:09 (nine years ago)

i thought that rancid guy was the clown from prodigy for a second there...

scott seward, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 20:50 (nine years ago)

tbh most of these people actually do look better post-makeover. Rik Savage is almost handsome in that Def Lep photo, and, Kirk's conspicuous labret piercing aside, that second Metallica photo could be almost any band on Hydra Head or something

Also, Gary Numan looks super cool and Ian Astbury much improved without the long hair imo

Wimmels, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 21:00 (nine years ago)

gene loves jezebel on the other hand have that distinct *sigh - yeah we're still a thing apparently* vibe.

scott seward, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 21:03 (nine years ago)

Ian Astbury much improved without the long hair imo

a goth Will Ferrell

Οὖτις, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 21:06 (nine years ago)

Also, Gary Numan looks super cool and Ian Astbury much improved without the long hair imo

― Wimmels, Tuesday, June 30, 2015 4:00 PM (5 minutes ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

hmm

nose, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 21:07 (nine years ago)

http://2014.campbestival.net/media/Pop_Will_Eat_Itself_pwei1396359237.jpg

Pop Will Eat Itself (still some long hair, but they've got the ~seriousface~ thing down)

soref, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 21:28 (nine years ago)

http://images.complex.com/complex/image/upload/t_article_image/q7olswqgrrxx5nslclr7.jpg

Michael "007" Bolton

... (Eazy), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:08 (nine years ago)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RZ9k5%2BTYL._SX355_.jpg

... (Eazy), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:10 (nine years ago)

urgh God..

https://poplifer.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/suede.jpg

piscesx, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:18 (nine years ago)

http://www.vanyaland.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cranberries.jpg

piscesx, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:19 (nine years ago)

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60875000/jpg/_60875823_duran_wireimage.jpg

piscesx, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:21 (nine years ago)

http://www.mojo4music.com/media/2015/03/Blur-cover-comp-shot-770.jpg

piscesx, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:22 (nine years ago)

got a tweet from @Liz4Leader the other day telling me that Dave Rowntree is backing Liz Kendall for Labour Party leader xp

soref, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:29 (nine years ago)

Oh come on - the PSBs always essentially looked like that.

everything, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:30 (nine years ago)

oozing sobriety and wisdom in the present day - possible Liz4Leader campaign slogan?

soref, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:31 (nine years ago)

http://www.liketotally80s.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wang-chung-2012.jpg

Wang Chung

soref, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:42 (nine years ago)

I like when these guys relapse. The Cult in 2012:

http://www.powerlinemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/the_cult_2012.jpg

the top man in the language department (誤訳侮辱), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:47 (nine years ago)

haha

drash, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:54 (nine years ago)

lollll

A Smedley Adoption (get bent), Tuesday, 30 June 2015 22:59 (nine years ago)

http://i.imgur.com/dY2Geaql.jpg

Papa Roach

pplains, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 23:16 (nine years ago)

http://i.imgur.com/agE3VqQ.jpg

pplains, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 23:26 (nine years ago)

I recently expressed admiration in another thread for this Culture Club pic in which they avoid this trap by looking old yet comfortable and alive:

http://imgick.lehighvalleylive.com/home/lvlive-media/width620/img/musikfest/photo/17345234-mmmain.jpg

Eyeball Kicks, Tuesday, 30 June 2015 23:36 (nine years ago)

http://www.ticketline.co.uk/images/artist/level-42/level-42.jpg

Level 42

... (Eazy), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 00:11 (nine years ago)

(Anton Corbijn's photos of rockers aging with dignity has a big influence on this whole style.)

... (Eazy), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 00:12 (nine years ago)

That Level 42 photo should be captioned "Don't worry - my sister's kid plays bass; we'll teach him the songs in a day."

the top man in the language department (誤訳侮辱), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 00:32 (nine years ago)

somewhat dated but

http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/images/artists/r-e-m.jpg

Brad C., Wednesday, 1 July 2015 00:47 (nine years ago)

that's not a huge change for r.e.m. though! aside from stipe's hair, har har.

A Smedley Adoption (get bent), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 01:23 (nine years ago)

Suede starting to creep into Spitting Image territory like good Brit rockers should.

scott seward, Wednesday, 1 July 2015 02:09 (nine years ago)

I get that this guy was always serious-faced, dark and gritty, but still I think this belongs here:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/quietus_production/images/articles/10654/michael_gira_1352805705_crop_550x366.jpg

anthony braxton diamond geezer (anagram), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 08:36 (nine years ago)

http://i.imgur.com/FuVjlvel.jpg

anthony braxton diamond geezer (anagram), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 08:39 (nine years ago)

http://i.imgur.com/jI4o4pMm.jpg

anthony braxton diamond geezer (anagram), Wednesday, 1 July 2015 08:43 (nine years ago)

http://odi-music.net/uploads/posts/2008-04/1209586356_goldenearring-35yearsscaninlay.jpg

Siegbran, Wednesday, 1 July 2015 11:30 (nine years ago)

The Boo Radleys:

https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Boo-Radleys-Promo-July-202166351-1-696x442.jpg

joni mitchell jarre (anagram), Monday, 25 October 2021 12:11 (three years ago)

The Boo Radleys:

🖼


Ooh er, wouldn't want to meet them in a dark alley, etc.

Typo? Negative! (Boring, Maryland), Monday, 25 October 2021 13:57 (three years ago)

Sice Rogan?

peace, man, Monday, 25 October 2021 14:19 (three years ago)

heh

bobo honkin' slobo babe (sic), Monday, 25 October 2021 15:33 (three years ago)

I can’t believe I was never aware of this thread before, this is great

Legalize Suburban Benches (Raymond Cummings), Sunday, 31 October 2021 19:06 (three years ago)

the new Porcupine T(h)ree:

https://i.redd.it/1hzuf72kmlw71.jpg

Max Florian, Monday, 1 November 2021 14:09 (three years ago)

It's tough for these bands. because they are going to be criticized either if they are trying to look young, or if they look too much like people their own age.

Halfway there but for you, Monday, 1 November 2021 14:30 (three years ago)

Xp Seems like that band have always looked more or less like that though.

Kim Kimberly, Monday, 1 November 2021 14:31 (three years ago)

if you're not gonna look cool dont take band pictures. like obviously porcupine tree is gonna look like the second shift at guitar center.

adam, Monday, 1 November 2021 14:34 (three years ago)

if you're not gonna look cool dont take band pictures

aka the My Bloody Valentine rule

the plant based god (bendy), Monday, 1 November 2021 16:02 (three years ago)

two months pass...

"This rustic folk trio, known for their contemplative anthems about life in nature, return with uh hold on I'm getting a new signal here, apparently this is...Interpol?" pic.twitter.com/QsDgsPINL9

— Ned Raggett (@NedRaggett) January 26, 2022

Precious, Grace, Hill & Beard LTD. (C. Grisso/McCain), Wednesday, 26 January 2022 17:45 (three years ago)

Luv 2 go hiking in white Vans w/black socks

Gimme little drink / From your Dunkin cup (morrisp), Wednesday, 26 January 2022 17:50 (three years ago)

Just not the same without Carlos.

Tapioca Tumbril (James Redd and the Blecchs), Wednesday, 26 January 2022 17:53 (three years ago)

Turn Down that Loud Noise

I Am Fribbulus (Xax) (Doctor Casino), Wednesday, 26 January 2022 18:18 (three years ago)

https://scenestr.com.au/media/k2/items/cache/e5514d8bf6472607358a133db9c4c2ff_XL.jpg

immodesty blaise (jimbeaux), Wednesday, 26 January 2022 18:44 (three years ago)

two months pass...

It’s finally here. Season 6. Sorry it took 27 years. pic.twitter.com/GB9q3t16Zf

— Scott Thompson (@ScottThompson_) April 13, 2022

Piven After Midnight (The Yellow Kid), Wednesday, 13 April 2022 22:50 (three years ago)

'Bell.. Biv.. Devoe!'

piscesx, Wednesday, 13 April 2022 23:02 (three years ago)

Dave Foley not involved(?)

begrudgingly bound by duty of candor (morrisp), Wednesday, 13 April 2022 23:12 (three years ago)

holy shit that's a name I haven't heard in a long long time
also prompted me to remember Four On The Floor, which also aired in the late 80s in the UK

( X '____' )/ (zappi), Wednesday, 13 April 2022 23:13 (three years ago)

Dave Foley not involved(?)


He’s lying down in that picture.

Otto Insurance (Boring, Maryland), Wednesday, 13 April 2022 23:14 (three years ago)

xp i always get them mixed up with Four On The Floor! I wonder why; they were on Channel 4 around the same era maybe?

piscesx, Thursday, 14 April 2022 12:19 (three years ago)

one month passes...

Kasabian dragging the thread up into the 2000s

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/b4e3d2f4d333d1061142453d6cc737012c28d581/748_642_4196_2519/master/4196.jpg?width=465&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=45a23b93d3d10b3fd2e056bfbd235b14

the road by tarmac mccarthy (Matt #2), Tuesday, 17 May 2022 07:23 (three years ago)

one month passes...

The Black Crowes announce 2020 reunion tour dates https://t.co/tXmqQadttj pic.twitter.com/EA6TxRCU3v

— Stereogum (@stereogum) November 11, 2019

deep luminous trombone (Eazy), Monday, 11 July 2022 19:00 (two years ago)

five months pass...

First time seeing this picture of King Crimson where they look like Sugar Ray pic.twitter.com/4OUhPfqiOC

— stú (@rinbcage) December 15, 2022

an icon of a worried-looking, long-haired, bespectacled man (C. Grisso/McCain), Saturday, 17 December 2022 21:13 (two years ago)

actually they look like everclear!

budo jeru, Sunday, 18 December 2022 03:40 (two years ago)

Lol

Soda Stereo Total (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 18 December 2022 03:45 (two years ago)

Not Another King Crimson Tour (2001)

Master of Treacle, Sunday, 18 December 2022 06:20 (two years ago)

three months pass...

I know this doesn't strictly meet the thread title's intent, but feels like the thread has evolved over time.

Welcome to today's game of "new Hold Steady promo photo" or "dads waiting in the pickup line at a Brooklyn elementary school"?

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/0030966724_10.jpg

Maxmillion D. Boosted (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Thursday, 13 April 2023 21:21 (two years ago)

one month passes...

Attack Attack! in 2023

https://images.discovery-prod.axs.com/2023/02/uploadedimage_63dd38c996963.jpg

(of 2008 Stick Stickly fame)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDzt6yI3Dw8

peace, man, Thursday, 25 May 2023 12:58 (one year ago)

now it takes all five of them to look like one crab :( ;_;

least said, sergio mendes (sic), Thursday, 25 May 2023 13:32 (one year ago)

lol

peace, man, Thursday, 25 May 2023 15:29 (one year ago)

I cannot match the faces in the photo to the video

Terrycoth Baphomet (bendy), Thursday, 25 May 2023 15:48 (one year ago)

Stick Stickly in presaging 100gecs-style hyperpop by a good few years shocker

Do I look like I know what a jpeg is? (dog latin), Thursday, 25 May 2023 15:58 (one year ago)

xp: just checked their wikipedia and only two of the original band members are still in it.

peace, man, Thursday, 25 May 2023 17:01 (one year ago)

three months pass...

holy shit skrillex is oozin like a mofo

https://i.postimg.cc/zXmjj3Wd/mysteryman.jpg

Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Wednesday, 6 September 2023 17:14 (one year ago)

Must admit I enjoyed a mooch through this thread, though many of the images are long gone.

I've some sympathy for those who have to be photographed despite being fatter, balder, less beautiful etc ... It must be weird.

djh, Wednesday, 6 September 2023 20:58 (one year ago)

(Not that I have to be photographed but I can feel the pain, nevertheless).

djh, Wednesday, 6 September 2023 21:06 (one year ago)

one year passes...

Come see us on tour!! We have new shows coming in hot and we want to see you there🔥

Tickets on sale now at https://t.co/92CcUaDgdS 🎟️ or through the link in our bio pic.twitter.com/DB40JoQPSl

— Air Supply Music (@AirSupplyMusic) January 7, 2025

braunschweiger winter (Eazy), Friday, 10 January 2025 01:32 (four months ago)

The Villages lol, a rock and roll town.

The Whimsical Muse (Boring, Maryland), Friday, 10 January 2025 02:55 (four months ago)

just need an oxygen tank in the frame to tie it all together

budo jeru, Friday, 10 January 2025 03:15 (four months ago)

one month passes...

Pantera pic by Ross Halfin, a name to stir the memories of 80s-era Kerrang! readers (i.e. me)

https://www.billboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PANTERA-cr-Ross-Halfin-press-2025-billboard-1548.jpg

the patron saint of epilepsy and beekeepers (Matt #2), Tuesday, 4 March 2025 17:11 (two months ago)

two weeks pass...

https://i.scdn.co/image/ab6761610000e5eb580d1c8b58c11f498e0760c5

311 - ten years on from their last appearance in these parts

Doctor Casino, Thursday, 20 March 2025 14:16 (two months ago)

Guy on the left letting the side down with half of his shirt

student defenestration time (Matt #2), Thursday, 20 March 2025 14:45 (two months ago)

That Skrillex picture from 2023 looks like AI mashed up four different people into one image (with two of them being Kit Harington and Drake)

The Mikest Whitest monologue ever (flamboyant goon tie included), Thursday, 20 March 2025 14:56 (two months ago)

The 311 photo makes me think of the ordeal of shopping for jeans.

jmm, Thursday, 20 March 2025 15:00 (two months ago)

... at their age

Please play Lou Reed's irritating guitar sounds (Tom D.), Thursday, 20 March 2025 15:06 (two months ago)

Woah-oh
Faded is the color of your denim jeans

Doctor Casino, Thursday, 20 March 2025 15:26 (two months ago)

Is 311 the sum total of their ages?

pplains, Thursday, 20 March 2025 15:49 (two months ago)

two months pass...

https://static.stereogum.com/uploads/2025/05/blackflag-1747507940.jpg

Greg Ginn's Black Flag Experience

Lithium Just Madison (C. Grisso/McCain), Thursday, 22 May 2025 22:44 (yesterday)

lol those are his grandkids

I am the stranger, killing the Boer (Boring, Maryland), Thursday, 22 May 2025 23:15 (yesterday)


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