Barbie® and the Rockers were released in 1986 in the US. A second line came out the following year, gaining Ken and "real dancing action" (in the female dolls) at the cost of their unique wardrobes.
In Europe, the original Rockers were available under the name Barbie and the Rock Stars. Other countries, particularly in South America, released dolls that differed significantly from their US counterparts. Brazil saw several subsequent doll lines that took the 80s pop aesthetic and ran with it.
The name in parentheses next to each country is the Mattel licensee that produced the dolls. The years represent the "box date" of each line, typically the year before they hit the shelves.
United States[]
Rockers ©1985[]
Rockers ©1986[]
Argentina (Top Toys)[]
Rock Stars ©1985[]
There are at least two Barbie variants without the logo on the top. One has red tights and another has pink.
Venezuela (Rotoplast)[]
Rockers ©1986[]
The first Diva shown above is very similar to the US version, with different fabrics used for the coat and pants. The second Diva is a rare version in a unique outfit, and there is an even rarer color variant.
Brazil (Estrela)[]
Em Ritmo de Rock ©1986[]
"Em ritmo de rock" translates to Rock Beat. In Brazil, Barbie's boyfriend was called Bob prior to 1987.
Roqueiros ©1987[]
New Wave ©1988[]
Rock Stars ©1989[]
These dolls were also influenced by Barbie and the Sensations, a line which was released in late 1987/early 1988.
Peru (Basa)[]
Rockers (year unknown)[]
The Peruvian Rocker Barbie appears to be the most varied. Some versions were similar to Rocker Barbie from Venezuela with different colored jackets and tights: red (shown), blue, and purple. Others had a unique crop top in the same three colors (red shown), paired with silver leggings and a micro-miniskirt. There was also a Rocker Ken in a silver suit and tie with shirt, socks, and fingerless gloves colored to match the Barbie variants (red shown, missing gloves). A subsequent Barbie release mirrored the second US wave, with red and blue variants known to exist.
Photos of the Peruvian Rockers remain difficult to find, and I appreciate any help from other collectors. The photos above are courtesy of Patricia's Barbies and Ari008 on Flickr. I have collected some additional pictures in a Flickr gallery.
For more information on these dolls, check out these videos from Donnie's Anectdolls and more on YouTube:
Promotional[]
Estrela catalog scans courtesy of Ana Caldatto
Fashions[]
Two sets of fashions were released in the US, coinciding with the two waves of Barbie and the Rockers. Here is a Flickr photo gallery collecting photos of these fashions on dolls.
Rocker Fashions ©1985[]
Concert Tour Fashions ©1986[]
