When They Were Young: Photos of Your Favorite Bands

April 29, 2014 | 3:39pm ET

Before you were the latest version of yourself, all self-assured in your chosen cultural aesthetic and hip little haircut, you were no doubt an awkward young person with awful clothes and an equally terrible bowl cut. (News Editor Chris Coplan dyed his tips blonde and wore baggy sweaters; I looked like a metrosexual Harry Potter.) Luckily, many of your favorite bands and artists started out very much the same way: before they slapped on the demonic makeup, wore a nice tailored suit, or found the miracle of hair product, these same musicians were all young and fresh-faced, ready to tackle their dreams of stardom head-on. Some have remained nearly as youthful and exuberant, while others are clearly on a different path than they began. Still, with our little gallery, one universal truth does emerge: real superstars aren’t born, they first must throw away their JNCO pants.

Get ready for a little “awws” and enthusiastic laughter. And a special thanks to the Internet, for preserving all of our most embarrassing moments ad infinitum.