"The '80s were the worst period. You had these horrible pop bands growing their hair and calling themselves metal"

Geezer Butler's quote about the '80s is a reflection of the era's music scene. He is referring to the increase of pop bands that were attempting to pass themselves off as metal bands. He is likely describing the glam metal bands of the time, which were characterized by their long hair and pop-influenced sound. He is expressing his contempt for these bands, as he believes they are not true metal bands. He is likewise most likely expressing his aggravation with the mainstream music market, which was promoting these bands and their noise over more conventional metal bands. His quote is a reflection of the viewpoint of lots of metal fans of the time, who felt that the '80s were a period of diminished music that was not true to the metal genre.