4 Rock Stars From the 1980s Who Disappeared Without a Trace

So many rock stars made it big in the 1980s, only to have completely disappeared by the 2020s. Where are they now? Let’s find out!

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1. Izzy Stradlin

Izzy Stradlin is best known as the co-founding and guitarist of Guns N’ Roses. He left the band in 1991 at the height of their fame. Though, that’s not exactly shocking. Stradlin had always been very mysterious, considering he helped write some of their biggest songs (“Sweet Child O Mine” is just one example) and yet never seemed interested in being in the spotlight.

After quitting, Stradlin kicked off a solo career. He reunited with Guns N’ Roses in 2006 and went on tour with them in Europe. However, he didn’t attend the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He does occasional gigs and features, but he’s more or less stepped away from the public eye in recent years.

2. Scott Smith

This example of rock stars from the 1980s who disappeared is quite tragic. The 1980s rock band Loverboy featured the bass stylings of Scott Smith for years. You might know the band by songs like “Working For The Weekend” and “Lucky One”, the latter of which Smith helped write.

In 2000, Smith and some friends were on a boat in Vancouver, headed to Mexico. As the group neared San Franscisco’s coast, an enormous wave hit them and knocked Smith overboard. Following an enormous search and assistance from the coast guard, Smith was never found. He was later pronounced dead.

3. All the Members of Vixen

This all-woman metal outfit from Minnesota was a pretty big deal in the 1980s. Their debut album launched a few charting hits, including “Edge Of A Broken Heart” and “Cryin’”. The band’s follow-up singles didn’t stick to that initial momentum, though. They lasted through the 1990s and a newer version of the band still exists today. 

Sadly, after the death of founder Jan Kuehnemund and the departure of several original members, Vixen as it once was no longer exists.

4. All the Members of Fine Young Cannibals

These pop rock stars from the 1980s that disappeared are best known for the 1988 charting hit “She Drives Me Crazy”. They had quite a few other successful songs, but you can’t beat that dance-rock hit.

So, what happened to them? The band broke up in 1992, though they did get back together in 1996 for a greatest hits compilation and a new single. Outside of that, the band has been done for years.

Photo by Graham Tucker/Redferns

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