Cinderella

It's been 40 years. How did things pan out for the band's that were just making an imprint on the music scene in 1986?

From the Sunset Strip to the global stage, these bands helped define the year.

There's way more substance here than haters would lead you to believe.

The hair metal era exploded in a big way while some classic rock and thrash favorites were still going strong in 1986.

It was the decade of the guitar hero — but sometimes one wasn't enough.

The genre was more than hits and filler.

They were defined by their tireless work ethic and defiant attitude.

Many of the scene's biggest bands caught lightning in a bottle on their first try.

The genre's best bands had a penchant for reinvention — making this list especially difficult.

May the birthdays be filled with plenty of candles for these rock stars celebrating this month.