On This Day During the 80s
Travel back through the 1980s and discover what happened on this day in music, movies, television, pop culture and more.
494 On This Day Articles
On This Day November 16 1985 – We Built This City by Starship Became the Number 1 Song in America
On this day November 16 1985, We Built This City by Starship became the number 1 song in America, marking one of the most recognizable anthems of the 1980s. The song blended catchy pop hooks with a bold message about the commercialization of rock and
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On This Day November 15 1985 – Cocteau Twins Released Tiny Dynamine
On this day November 15 1985, Cocteau Twins released Tiny Dynamine, an ethereal and beautifully atmospheric EP that captured the band’s dreamlike sound at its finest. Known for their lush textures and Elizabeth Fraser’s haunting vocals, the Cocteau Twins continued to expand their sonic world
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On This Day November 15 1985 – A University of Michigan Research Assistant Was Injured When a Package From the Unabomber Exploded
On this day November 15 1985, a University of Michigan research assistant was seriously injured after a package exploded in a computer science building on campus. The attack was later attributed to the Unabomber, who targeted universities and airlines throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
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On This Day November 15 1985 – Once Bitten Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 15 1985, Once Bitten premiered in theaters, a playful comedy that mixed teen romance with vampire fantasy. Starring a young Jim Carrey in one of his earliest leading roles, the film followed a high school student who becomes the target of
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On This Day November 15 1985 – Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 15 1985, Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer premiered in theaters, bringing the colorful world of the beloved animated character to the big screen. The film followed Rainbow Brite as she set out on an intergalactic adventure to save the universe’s
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On This Day November 14 1985 – Shadow Chasers Premiered on ABC
On this day November 14 1985, Shadow Chasers premiered on ABC, introducing a lighthearted mix of science and the supernatural. The series followed a straight laced anthropologist and an adventurous tabloid reporter who teamed up to investigate paranormal mysteries across the country. Combining humor, adventure,
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On This Day November 13 1985 – Phranc Released Folksinger
On this day November 13 1985, Phranc released her debut album Folksinger , a bold and honest record that introduced her unique blend of humor, simplicity, and heartfelt songwriting. Mixing elements of punk spirit with the storytelling tradition of folk music, Phranc crafted an album
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On This Day November 12 1985 – Hulk Hogan Appeared on an Episode of The A-Team
On this day November 12 1985, wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan made a special guest appearance on the hit NBC series The A-Team, bringing together two of the most recognizable names in 80s entertainment. The episode titled Body Slam featured Hogan teaming up with B A
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On This Day November 11 1985 – Depeche Mode Released Catching Up with Depeche Mode
On this day November 11 1985, Depeche Mode released Catching Up with Depeche Mode , a compilation album that introduced many American fans to the band’s early work and growing influence in electronic music. While fans in Europe already knew their rise through previous releases,
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On This Day November 11 1985 – Echo and the Bunnymen Released Songs to Learn and Sing
On this day November 11 1985, Echo and the Bunnymen released Songs to Learn and Sing, a compilation album that captured the best of the band’s early years and showcased their rise as one of the most distinctive voices in British post punk. The album
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On This Day November 11 1985 – Sandra Released The Long Play
On this day November 11 1985, German pop singer Sandra released her debut album The Long Play , a record that brought her smooth voice and catchy melodies to international attention. Produced by Michael Cretu, who would later become her husband and creative partner, the
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On This Day November 11 1985 – Pete Townshend Released White City A Novel
On this day November 11 1985, Pete Townshend released White City A Novel , a powerful concept album that blended rock and storytelling into a vivid exploration of urban life, struggle, and hope. The album told the story of a working class neighborhood in West
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On This Day November 11 1985 – Hawkwind Released The Chronicle of the Black Sword
On this day November 11 1985, British space rock legends Hawkwind released The Chronicle of the Black Sword , a concept album inspired by the fantasy writings of Michael Moorcock and his character Elric of Melniboné. The record brought together the band’s trademark cosmic sound
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On This Day November 9 1985 – Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer Became the Number One Song in America
On this day November 9 1985, the Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making history as one of the few television themes ever to hit number one. The instrumental track, written and performed by Hammer, perfectly captured
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On This Day November 9 1985 – White Lion Released Fight to Survive in the U.S.
On this day November 9 1985, White Lion released their debut studio album Fight to Survive in the U.S,, introducing the world to a band that would soon become one of the defining names in melodic hard rock. Fronted by vocalist Mike Tramp and guitarist
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On This Day November 9 1985 – Twisted Sister Released Come Out and Play
On this day November 9 1985, Twisted Sister released their fourth studio album Come Out and Play , following the massive success of their breakthrough Stay Hungry. The album saw the band pushing their theatrical style even further, combining their signature hard rock energy with
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On This Day November 9 1985 – WWF Wrestlers Released The Wrestling Album
On this day November 9 1985, the stars of the World Wrestling Federation released The Wrestling Album, a unique mix of music, entertainment, and over the top personality that captured the height of professional wrestling’s pop culture boom. Produced by Rick Derringer with executive production
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On This Day November 9 1985 – Helix Released Long Way to Heaven
On this day November 9 1985, Canadian hard rock band Helix released their fifth studio album Long Way to Heaven , continuing their steady rise through the 1980s rock scene. Fronted by vocalist Brian Vollmer, the band combined powerful riffs, melodic hooks, and an unapologetic
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On This Day November 9 1985 – W.A.S.P Released The Last Command
On this day November 9 1985, W.A.S.P released their second studio album The Last Command , an explosive follow up that cemented the band’s place as one of the leading forces in 80s heavy metal. Led by the charismatic and controversial Blackie Lawless, the album
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On This Day November 9 1985 – King Kobra Released Ready to Strike in the U.S.
On this day November 9 1985, King Kobra released their debut album Ready to Strike in the US, a powerful entry into the 1980s hard rock and metal scene. Formed by renowned drummer Carmine Appice, who had played with legends like Rod Stewart and Ozzy
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On This Day November 8 1985 – Target Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 8 1985, the suspense thriller Target premiered in theaters, starring Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon. Directed by Arthur Penn, the film told the story of a father and son whose distant relationship is tested when a family crisis draws them into
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On This Day November 8 1985 – That Was Then This Is Now Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 8 1985, That Was Then This Is Now premiered in theaters, bringing another S E Hinton story to the big screen following the success of The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. Directed by Christopher Cain, the film starred Emilio Estevez and Craig
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On This Day November 8 1985 – Transylvania 6 5000 Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 8 1985, Transylvania 6 5000 premiered in theaters, offering a comedic spin on the classic monster movie formula. Directed by Rudy De Luca and starring Jeff Goldblum, Ed Begley Jr, and Geena Davis, the film followed two tabloid reporters sent to
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On This Day November 7 1985 – Bob Dylan Released Biograph (Box Set)
On this day November 7 1985, Bob Dylan released Biograph , a monumental five LP box set that redefined how artists could celebrate their musical legacies. The collection featured 53 tracks, including hit singles, deep cuts, and rare recordings spanning two decades of Dylan’s influential
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