You’re right - Van Halen was the quintessential 80s band.
Maybe they were left off the list because their first albums came out in the late 70’s.
I think that’s probably why Eddie didn’t want DLR in the band anymore, and wanted to go in a different direction.
Always the problem with trying to give something eras. It always starts before you want to. If only social and artistic movements would have more respect for the calendar ;)
Gotta say, I don’t remember calling these bands “hair bands” in the 80s.
Maybe VH isn’t on the list because it’s not considered one?
What about Metallica?