GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi’s highly anticipated exhibit 80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music is now open in Cleveland, Miss. On Thursday, Sept. 25, the Museum celebrated the grand opening with an unforgettable event featuring iconic special guests Dee Snider, Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda, and Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister, who shared stories and insights about their careers and the incredible impact of 80s rock. The program was moderated by Alan Hunter, original MTV VJ, with contributions from celebrated rock photographer Mark Weiss. Guests enjoyed an inside look at the era that defined a generation of music and its lasting influence on the world of rock. The exhibit will be on display at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, Miss., through 2026, offering fans of all ages the chance to experience the energy, style, and groundbreaking sounds of 80s rock.
“Last night was an incredible way to celebrate the opening of 80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music,” said Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. “As a longtime fan of this genre, it was thrilling to welcome Dee Snider, Eddie ‘Fingers’ Ojeda, and Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister, along with Alan Hunter and Mark Weiss, to share their stories and insights. This exhibit highlights the lasting impact of 80s rock, and we are excited for fans near and far to experience it. We are so grateful to our artists, sponsors, and Curatorial team for helping bring this one-of-a-kind exhibit to life.”
Presented by Maddox Foundation, 80s Rock: The Wildest Decade in Music explores the history, influence, and cultural impact of 1980s rock. The groundbreaking exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the decade that defined a generation of music, highlighting iconic artists, unforgettable moments, and the stories behind the songs that shaped the sound of 80s rock. Contributing Sponsors for this exhibition are Visit Mississippi, Entergy, and South Delta Planning and Development District.
The exhibit features iconic artifacts from 1980s rock legends, including Twisted Sister’s Love is for Suckers album-themed guitar and stage-worn jacket, Ozzy Osbourne stage costume, Mötley Crüe’s drum kit, Def Leppard Washburn bass, and Guns N’ Roses smashed bass with Appetite for Destruction lithograph. Guests can also explore iconic photographs from the era captured by celebrated rock photographer Mark Weiss and have their photo taken in front of the famous Sunset Strip venue, the Whisky a Go Go.
Supporting Sponsors for this exhibit include Ergon, Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, Planters Bank, Quality Steel Corporation, and Visit Cleveland. Participating Sponsors include Ten One Strategies and Hammons and Associates.
A special thank you to partners Hard Rock International, GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, Mark Weiss, MTV, Mo Pop Museum, and the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for their collaboration and support.
GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 3 pm. The Museum is closed on Mondays. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, or by visiting grammymuseumms.org.
About the Author
