They weren't bigger than Motley until the Black Album. Here is what Google says.
AI Overview
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While Mötley Crüe was undoubtedly one of the most commercially successful and influential bands of the 1980s metal scene, it's difficult to definitively declare them the "biggest." Other bands like Metallica and Van Halen also achieved significant commercial and cultural impact. Mötley Crüe's MTV-fueled success and mainstream appeal, particularly with their second album "Shout at the Devil," certainly solidified their place in the top tier of 80s metal.
Here's a more detailed look at why Mötley Crüe is often considered a key band of the era:
Commercial Success:
Mötley Crüe sold over 80 million albums worldwide, including 25 million in the U.S., solidifying their commercial dominance.
MTV Impact:
The band's success was significantly boosted by MTV, which played a major role in popularizing their music and image.
Mainstream Appeal:
Mötley Crüe's blend of heavy metal, glam rock, and a penchant for controversy resonated with a broader audience, contributing to their mainstream success.
Cultural Impact:
The band's lifestyle, image, and music helped shape the 80s metal scene and influenced a generation of musicians.
Also from AI
Key Bands and Album Sales (1982–1992)
1. Metallica
• Estimated Sales: ~20–25 million albums (U.S. alone, 1982–1992).
• Key Albums:
• Master of Puppets (1986): 6x Platinum (6 million, RIAA).
• …And Justice for All (1988): 8x Platinum (8 million, RIAA).
• Metallica (1991, “Black Album”): 16x Platinum (16 million, RIAA by 1992’s end, though sales continued to grow).
2. Def Leppard
• Estimated Sales: ~15–20 million albums (U.S.).
• Key Albums:
• Pyromania (1983): 10x Platinum (10 million, RIAA).
• Hysteria (1987): 12x Platinum (12 million, RIAA).
• Why They Rank High: Def Leppard’s polished hard rock/metal sound dominated the ‘80s. Pyromania and Hysteria were massive, with Hysteria spawning seven hit singles and selling over 25 million worldwide by the early ‘90s. Their crossover appeal rivaled pop acts.
• Context: Often labeled “hair metal,” their production and hooks made them a commercial powerhouse.
• Mötley Crüe
• Key Albums: Shout at the Devil (1983, 4x Platinum), Theatre of Pain (1985, 4x Platinum), Girls, Girls, Girls (1987, 4x Platinum), Dr. Feelgood (1989, 6x Platinum).
• Sales: ~10 million (U.S.). Their “hair metal” dominance and MTV presence drove sales.
• Note: They rivaled Bon Jovi in the glam metal scene but had less global reach.
You can’t include 1982-1992 and then exclude 1991.
The crue should certainly be on the HOF by the way.
ultimateclassicrock.com
