The tour bus; the rolling backstage where the 1980s really happened. These candid photos of rock legends capture the private moments between arena-shaking shows of artists like Beastie Boys, Debbie Harry, and Metallica.
From cramped bunks to lounges buzzing with pre-show rituals, each image freezes the raw energy of life on the road. Fans searching for authentic 80s music nostalgia, vintage concert photography, and behind-the-scenes band culture, this one is for you.
1
Angus Young
From AC/DC, on their tour bus in the 80s.
2
Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemons
In front of their bus for the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour.
3
John Deacon, Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor of Queen
Playing Scrabble on the tour bus in 1986.
4
Led Zeppelin
When their tour bus turned into a tour jet.
5
The Cure
Sleeping in their bus during the Seventeen Seconds tour, in 1980.
6
Beastie Boys and Billy Idol
Backstage at Madonna’s Virgin Tour, 1985
7
Lita Ford
On her tour bus in 1984.
8
LL Cool J
In Columbus, Georgia during the RUN DMC Raising H/ll Tour, in 1986.
9
Malcolm and Brian
From AC/DC, on the bus during the Back In Black Tour, in 1980/1981.
10
Beastie Boys
Giving a tour of their bus on video when touring.
11
Rush
Drinking some beers when on the road.
12
Run DMC and Beastie Boys
On a tour bus in the Together Forever Tour, in 1987.
13
The band Death
On tour in Europe 1988.
14
Debbie Harry
Heading to Philadelphia while on tour.
15
Van Halen
Playing around before hitting the stage.
16
Motley Crue
And their infamous tour bus.
17
Metallica
Waiting for their tour bus to be fixed in 1983.