Rock music from the 1980s doesn’t get a lot of respect, with much of the focus going to such dated style elements as big hair and heavy eyeliner. The curators at Grammy Museum Mississippi have decided, in the immortal words of Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”

In their new exhibit “’80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music,” Grammy Museum Mississippi tells the story of what it calls “one of the most under-appreciated eras in rock history.” The exhibit will explore how hair metal and glam metal became so popular and why their fans remain loyal to this day.

The exhibit will open to the public on Friday, Sept. 26, and will be on display through 2026. It will feature artifacts and memorabilia from bands who made a huge splash during the ’80s, including Mötley Crüe, Poison, Skid Row, Warrant, Ratt, Guns N’ Roses, Cinderella, Def Leppard, Lita Ford and Vixen.

Fans will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of a large backdrop depicting the exterior of the iconic Sunset Strip venue Whisky a Go Go.

“We couldn’t be more excited to debut our new special exhibit ‘’80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music’,” Emily Havens, executive director of Grammy Museum Mississippi, said in a statement. “Not only is this genre of music one of my personal favorites, but the bands who were launching their careers on the Sunset Strip during this decade made an impact on young people that has lasted for generations. We’re here to give the bands of hair metal and glam metal their due credit and tell the story of one of the most under-appreciated genres of music in rock history.”

An exclusive pre-opening event will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m., featuring a reception and program with stories and conversation from members of Twisted Sister. This event is reserved for exhibit sponsors and Grammy Museum Mississippi members. Tickets for members are available at the museum’s website.

The exhibit will feature artifacts, instruments and memorabilia from bands of the ’80s hair and glam metal scene, and bands from the pre-glam ’70s scene, including:

  • Ozzy Osborne stage costume
  •     Mötley Crüe’s drum kit
  •     Def Leppard Washburn bass
  •     Guns N’ Roses smashed bass and Appetite for Destruction lithograph
  •     Pink bodice worn by Nancy Wilson of Heart
  •     Lita Ford’s “Black Widow” guitar and outfit
  •     Poison autographed guitars and signed memorabilia
  •     Guitar played by Ratt
  •     Warrant drumhead
  •     Photographs from the era by Mark Weiss

Grammy Museum Mississippi, in Cleveland, Mississippi, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, or by visiting the museum’s website.



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