Meaning: The quote "The '80s were the worst period. You had these horrible pop bands growing their hair and calling themselves metal." by Geezer Butler, a renowned musician and songwriter, reflects the sentiments of many fans and musicians who were active in the heavy metal and hard rock scenes during the 1980s. This period was characterized by a significant shift in the music industry, particularly within the metal genre, as it saw the rise of commercialized and glamorized bands that deviated from the authentic and raw sound of traditional heavy metal.

During the 1980s, the music industry experienced a surge in the popularity of glam metal, also known as hair metal, which was characterized by its flamboyant and visually extravagant style. Bands such as Poison, Motley Crue, and Bon Jovi became synonymous with this subgenre, gaining widespread commercial success and mainstream attention. While these bands achieved commercial success, their music was often criticized for being formulaic, lacking depth, and pandering to commercial trends.

Geezer Butler's remarks about "horrible pop bands growing their hair and calling themselves metal" reflect a common sentiment among purist heavy metal fans and musicians who saw the commercialization of the genre as a departure from its authentic roots. The emphasis on image and marketability often overshadowed the musical integrity and artistic depth that had defined the earlier heavy metal movement.

Furthermore, the 1980s also saw the emergence of pop-influenced bands that attempted to capitalize on the popularity of heavy metal by incorporating elements of the genre into their music. This led to a dilution of the distinct characteristics of traditional heavy metal, as bands with little to no connection to the genre began to adopt its aesthetic and sound, leading to a watering down of the authenticity of the genre.

Geezer Butler, as a founding member and primary lyricist of Black Sabbath, one of the pioneering bands in the heavy metal genre, was particularly vocal about his disapproval of the direction that the genre was taking during the 1980s. Black Sabbath, along with other influential bands such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, had laid the groundwork for heavy metal in the 1970s, emphasizing dark and heavy riffs, introspective lyrics, and a rebellious attitude. The commercialization and mainstream appeal of the 1980s metal bands stood in stark contrast to the authentic and rebellious spirit of the genre's origins, prompting criticism from purists like Butler.

In conclusion, Geezer Butler's quote encapsulates the frustration and disillusionment felt by many purist heavy metal fans and musicians during the 1980s. The rise of commercialized and image-focused bands led to a departure from the authentic roots of heavy metal, with many feeling that the genre had been diluted and misrepresented. Despite the challenges faced during this period, heavy metal continued to evolve, and a resurgence of traditional and underground metal in the following decades reaffirmed the enduring impact of the genre's authentic spirit.