I'm curious if you could name some examples of "fluff that went away" in this particular genre, that was mainstream? By mainstream I mean either charted or got radio play, during that era? I mean also, please don't rattle off a list of bands no ones ever heard of :)
That's a tricky question because "went away" is fuzzy. For example Ministry were popular in the early, mid 90's - apparently they're still going, I had no idea. There are many who technically haven't gone away, but they're far from the spotlight these days. A certain fluff example: Body Count.
Meat Loaf has wrecked his voice and doesn't sing anymore. However, he is on tour: he talks about the music and another guy actually performs his old songs.