The Forgotten B-Sides of Hair Metal’s Underdogs
The ‘80s hard rock and glam metal explosion gave us some of the biggest anthems of all time, but beneath the radio hits and MTV-friendly singles were B-sides that never got their moment in the spotlight. These hidden gems showcase the raw, unfiltered energy of bands like Great White, Kix, Tesla, Y&T, and Keel—groups that had the talent but never reached the stratospheric heights of Mötley Crüe or Def Leppard.
What makes these tracks special? They weren’t made for mass appeal. B-sides often let bands experiment, stretch their sound, or just go full throttle without worrying about chart success. Here are five lost B-sides that deserve to be cranked up loud.
1. Great White – "Gone with the Wind" (B-side to "Rock Me," 1987)
Before Great White became known for blues-infused hard rock and later ballads like Once Bitten, Twice Shy, they had a grittier edge. Gone with the Wind is a moody, melancholic track that never made it to their Once Bitten album but showcases the band's soulful side. Jack Russell’s vocals are raw and emotional, and the bluesy guitar solo oozes feeling. It’s a slow burn that proves Great White was more than just another party band.
Why it matters: It highlights their deep blues influence and contrasts with their more commercial hits, showing the depth of their songwriting.
2. Kix – "Get Your Monkeys Out" (B-side to "Cold Blood," 1988)
Kix never took themselves too seriously, and this track is pure sleaze-rock fun. Coming off the success of their album Blow My Fuse, Cold Blood was a hit, but its B-side, Get Your Monkeys Out, was unapologetically wild. It’s fast, chaotic, and captures the reckless energy of Kix’s legendary live shows. If you’re looking for a song that embodies the no-rules, all-party ethos of the ‘80s, this is it.
Why it matters: A reminder that Kix was the ultimate underdog band—they never had massive chart success but built a cult following through sheer energy.
3. Tesla – "I Ain’t Superstitious" (B-side to "Love Song," 1989)
Tesla had a reputation for being one of the most musically talented bands of the glam era, and this track proves why. A bluesy cover of Willie Dixon’s classic, I Ain’t Superstitious leans into their hard-rock-meets-blues influences. It’s gritty, groove-heavy, and miles away from the polished ballads that made them famous.
Why it matters: While Tesla was often lumped in with hair metal, this track reminds us they were musicians first, bridging the gap between blues, classic rock, and metal.
(This track was mostly performed live. Unfortunately, I cannot find a suitable version, but enjoy the track nonetheless. )
4. Y&T – "Hands of Time" (B-side to "Don't Stop Runnin'," 1984)
Y&T should have been much bigger than they were. Despite having a devoted following, they never reached arena-headliner status. Hands of Time is an emotionally charged track with soaring melodies and a powerful vocal performance by Dave Meniketti. It’s classic Y&T storytelling, wrapped in a deep, brooding sound that sticks with you long after the song ends.
Why it matters: This song proves that Y&T had more depth than many of their poppier contemporaries. It’s a forgotten gem that deserves rediscovery.
5. Keel – "Speed Demon" (B-side to "The Right to Rock," 1985)
If you ever wondered what happens when hair metal meets speed metal, Speed Demon is your answer. Keel, fronted by Ron Keel (who later flirted with country rock), was known for anthemic choruses, but this track is pure, high-octane madness. It’s fast, reckless, and totally over-the-top—the way ‘80s metal should be.
Why it matters: This track captures the raw, untamed energy of early glam metal before it became too polished. It’s a glimpse into the wild side of the genre.
Why These Songs Matter
B-sides often tell a different story than the singles that made it onto the charts. They’re where bands took risks, showed their influences, or just let loose without label interference. For bands like Great White, Kix, and Y&T—groups that deserved more recognition than they got—these hidden tracks are proof of their true rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
If you love the raw, dirty, and underrated side of ‘80s rock, dig into these deep cuts. And if you’ve got a favorite forgotten B-side, drop it in the comments—let’s keep the lost anthems alive!
More stories to follow. Friday we tackle Rock’s long songs so stay tuned. Remember to subscribe to the blog. Get your copy of The Rock Atlas. Volume One out now.
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