Then and Now

Thinking about just how much we love the '90s, we take a look back at what some of our favorite rock stars looked like and compare them to today.

The '80s were something special, weren't they?

Released in March 1984, Rob Reiner's 'This Is Spinal Tap' is a comedic film about a fictional British heavy metal band.

Nearly four decades after the creation of punk rock, many of the genre's iconic stars are still going strong. Some continue rocking with the bands that first made them famous, while others are soldiering on with new groups or venturing into non-musical creative pursuits. How have your favorite punk rockers fared over the years? As you stroll (or scroll) through our Punk Icons Then and Now gallery, salute the worthy and gob on the has-beens.

By now, you’ve probably already read a story on the whereabouts of the ‘Nevermind’ baby, or the porn star gracing the cover of Blink-182’s ‘Enema of the State,’ but there are so many other “Where Are They Now?”-type mysteries left in the world of album sleeves.

Set in the glam rock scene of the early '70s, 'Velvet Goldmine' is a film that tells the story of a fictional singer named Brian Slade, a character largely inspired by David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust period. Directed by Todd Haynes, the movie looks and sounds as extravagant and explosive as the era it was based on.

Although it wasn’t a huge box office hit when it was released back in 1995, ‘Empire Records’ is considered a cult classic by many folks who came of age during the post-grunge era. The film follows a pack of young record store employees over the course of one day. Naturally, all kinds of angsty drama ensues, calling to mind such beloved '80s John Hughes classics as 'The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen

Based on the 1995 Nick Hornby novel of the same name, 2000’s ‘High Fidelity’ tells the story of music-obsessed record store owner Rob Gordon (John Cusack) and his damaged love life. Largely set at a fictional Chicago shop called Championship Vinyl, the movie also features Gordon’s best friends and employees: Barry (Jack Black) and Dick (Todd Louiso).

Set on the streets of 1980s Edinburgh, Scotland, 1996’s ‘Trainspotting’ follows the trials and tribulations of a group of young heroin addicts. Based on the novel of the same name by Scottish writer Irvine Welsh and directed by Danny Boyle (‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ ‘127 Hours’), the film often takes a humorous tone despite its obviously dark subject matter. That delicate balance, plus the cast’s gri

Inspired by his teen years in Modesto, Calif., ‘American Graffiti’ is George Lucas’ love letter to the early ‘60s. Released in 1973, the film was directed and co-written by the then-relatively unknown filmmaker, and its young cast included Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford and Charles Martin Smith.