Outrageous Pop Singers of the 80's

The 80's were an interesting era, and while we have Lady Gaga and Ke$ha these days, they don't even compare to the craziness that was the 1980's.  Some of the popular artists in during that decade were simply over the top and here are the top ten.

10. Mark Mothersbaugh - Lead singer of Devo, Mothersbaugh only had one big hit with Whip It, but his crazy style and unique group made quite the impression.  The music video for Whip It is often referenced when talking about the 80's in general and represents all that was the 1980's.

9.  Michael Jackson - That's right the king of pop.  He is the greatest entertainer of all time, but he was also one of the most ridiculous artists of the 80's.  While putting out hit after hit, Jackson continued his bodily transformation.  The 80's were a confusing time for everyone, and Michael Jackson was one of the most confused.

8. David Bowie - A unique sensation, David Bowie blew up to a megastar during the 1980's.  Bowie brought something to rock that had never been seen before, and gained a sort of cult following.  Very good in concert, Bowie is still performing today in his own, interesting style.

7. Prince - Another mega-star of the 1980's.  Prince went through multiple different phases of change, changing his name and the name of his band countless times, but every time he was putting out hits and awing people around the world.  While his music was and is loved, his personal life and wardrobe can be classified as outrageous.

6. Elton John - My favorite artist on the list, Elton John is known for his peculiar wardrobe choices and for being one of the first openly gay artists.  One of the best live performers of all time, Elton John rocked through the 80's and is still pumping out hits.

 5. Rick Astley - This guy? This guy really had a hit love song, only in the 80's.  He is not as ridiculous as some of the others, but the simple fact that he had a hit song and was winning over girls with his love songs gives him number 5. 

4. Gary Numan - What is to be said about Mr. Numan?  Basically a one hit wonder, Numan did it in style.  No one else talked about being in a car quite like him.  With his flair and fashion, he fit right in with the rest of the 1980's and was a star.

3. Dee Snider - Lead singer of Twisted Sister sure knew how to put on a show.  With a few hits, one smash hit, Dee personified the 80's with his outlandish makeup and big time wig.  He gave the world the best angry teen anthem with We're Not Gonna Take It.  Since those days Dee has calmed down a bit and lost the wig, but during the 80's he was as cool as it gets.

Boy George - Not sure what to say about this one, the lead singer of Culture Club was a unique spirit in his own right.  Bringing the world the great Karma Chameleon, Boy George didn't have many hits to follow.  His antics as a front man made him hugely famous yet his music dwindled.  Nonetheless he rocked the 80's and fit in with the rest of the decade.

1.  Pete Burns - The most outrageous pop singer of the 1980's has to be Pete Burns.  The lead singer of Dead or Alive brought us You Spin Me Right Round as well as some wild antics and bodily changes.  During the 1980's Burns was a crazy performer and he continued his craziness up to this day.  Unlike a lot of performers on this list, he continued his crazy ways and even took them to new heights (look at him today).