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.
3,607 On This Day Articles
On This Day October 9 1981 – On the Way to the Sky Was Released by Neil Diamond
On this day October 9 1981, On the Way to the Sky was released, the fifteenth studio album by Neil Diamond. Showcasing his signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and rich melodies, the album continued Diamond’s legacy as one of the most beloved singer songwriters of
Read More
On This Day October 9 1981 – The Prowler Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 9 1981, The Prowler premiered in theaters, adding another chilling entry to the golden age of 1980s slasher films. Known for its intense atmosphere and graphic special effects, the film told the story of a mysterious killer who returns decades after
Read More
On This Day October 9 1981 – Full Moon High Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 9 1981, Full Moon High premiered in theaters, offering a comedic twist on the classic werewolf story. The film followed a high school football star who is bitten by a werewolf during a trip to Romania and returns home years later
Read More
On This Day October 8 1981 – Mike Love Released the Album Looking Back with Love
On this day October 8 1981, Looking Back with Love was released, marking the debut solo album by Mike Love of The Beach Boys. The album saw Love stepping out on his own to explore a mix of nostalgic themes and contemporary pop influences while
Read More
On This Day October 8 1981 – Still Was Released By Joy Division
On this day October 8 1981, Still was released, a compilation album by British post punk band Joy Division. The album served as both a tribute and a final chapter for the group following the death of lead singer Ian Curtis in 1980, collecting rare
Read More
On This Day October 7 1981 – Mr. Merlin Premiered On CBS
On this day October 7 1981, Mr. Merlin premiered on CBS, introducing audiences to a magical twist on the classic sitcom format. The series followed the legendary wizard Merlin, now living in modern day San Francisco disguised as a mechanic, who takes a young apprentice
Read More
On This Day October 7 1981 – Get Lucky By Loverboy Was Released
On this day October 7 1981, Get Lucky was released, the second studio album by Canadian rock band Loverboy. Building on the momentum of their debut, the album catapulted the band to international fame and became one of the defining rock releases of the early
Read More
On This Day October 6 1981 – Egyptian President Anwar Sadat Was Murdered by Islamic Extremists
On this day October 6 1981, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated during a military parade in Cairo by members of an extremist group within the Egyptian Islamic Jihad. The shocking event occurred as Sadat was reviewing troops during celebrations marking the anniversary of the
Read More
On This Day October 6 1981 – Priscilla Barnes Made Her Debut on Threes Company as Terri Alden
On this day October 6 1981, Priscilla Barnes made her debut on the hit sitcom Threes Company , stepping into the role of Terri Alden and joining one of television’s most beloved comedy ensembles. Terri, a smart and compassionate nurse, brought a fresh dynamic to
Read More
On This Day October 6 1981 – Bette Davis Passed Away at Age 81 From Breast Cancer
On this day October 6 1981, legendary actress Bette Davis passed away at the age of 81 from breast cancer. One of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers, Davis built a career defined by bold performances, strong characters, and an uncompromising dedication to her craft. Over a
Read More
On This Day October 5 1981 – Speak & Spell Was Released by Depeche Mode
On this day October 5 1981, Speak & Spell by Depeche Mode was released. The band’s debut album marked the arrival of one of the most influential synth pop acts of the decade, introducing a fresh, electronic sound that would help define the music landscape
Read More
On This Day October 3 1981 – The Hunger Strike at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland Ended
On this day October 3 1981, the seven month long hunger strike at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland came to an end. The strike, led by Irish republican prisoners, was launched in protest against the British government’s refusal to grant them political status. The
Read More
On This Day October 2 1981 – Ghost in the Machine Was Released by The Police
On this day October 2 1981, Ghost in the Machine by The Police was released. It was the band’s fourth studio album and marked a bold evolution in their sound, incorporating more complex arrangements, darker lyrical themes, and a broader range of musical influences including
Read More
On This Day October 2 1981 – 7 Was Released by Madness
On this day October 2 1981, 7 by Madness was released. It was the band’s third studio album and marked a period of growth and experimentation as they expanded their trademark ska and pop sound with richer instrumentation and more mature songwriting. The album featured
Read More
On This Day October 2 1981 – Paternity Premiered in Theaters
On this day October 2 1981, Paternity premiered in theaters, bringing a comedic and heartfelt take on family, fatherhood, and the desire for parenthood to the big screen. The film starred Burt Reynolds as Buddy Evans, a successful New York bachelor who decides he wants
Read More
On This Day September 29, 1981 – Magic Windows by Herbie Hancock Was Released
On this day September 29, 1981 Magic Windows by Herbie Hancock was released. The legendary jazz musician’s thirty second studio album continued his innovative exploration of fusion, blending jazz, funk, soul, and electronic elements into a forward thinking sound that reflected the evolving landscape of
Read More
On This Day 1981 – Physical by Olivia Newton-John Was Released
On this day in 1981 Physical by Olivia Newton-John was released. The single became one of the most iconic pop songs of the decade, redefining her career and cementing her status as one of the era’s most successful artists. Physical combined an irresistible beat with
Read More
On This Day September 28, 1981 – The Galaga Arcade Game Was Released in Japan
On this day September 28, 1981 the iconic arcade shooter Galaga was released in Japan. Developed and published by Namco, Galaga became one of the most beloved and influential arcade games of the 1980s, building upon the foundation set by its predecessor, Galaxian, and taking
Read More
On This Day September 26, 1981 – Iron Maiden Hired Bruce Dickinson as Their New Lead Singer
On this day September 26, 1981 Iron Maiden officially hired Bruce Dickinson as their new lead singer, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s history and the future of heavy metal. Dickinson replaced original vocalist Paul Di'Anno, bringing a more powerful and operatic vocal style
Read More
On This Day September 25, 1981 – The Rolling Stones Opened Their US Tour in Philadelphia
On this day September 25, 1981 The Rolling Stones kicked off their highly anticipated US tour with a massive concert in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tour supported their album Tattoo You and marked one of the biggest rock events of the early 80s, drawing huge crowds
Read More
On This Day September 25, 1981 – Carbon Copy Premiered in Theaters
On this day September 25, 1981 the comedy film Carbon Copy premiered in theaters. The movie starred George Segal and marked the film debut of Denzel Washington, blending humor with social commentary in a story about family, race, and identity. The plot followed a successful
Read More
On This Day September 25, 1981 – So Fine Premiered in Theaters
On this day September 25, 1981 the comedy film So Fine premiered in theaters. Blending satire and farce, the movie starred Ryan O’Neal as Bobby Fine, a college professor who unexpectedly takes over his father’s struggling clothing business and accidentally launches a fashion craze. The
Read More
On This Day September 25, 1981 – The Boogens Premiered in Theaters
On this day September 25, 1981 the horror film The Boogens premiered in theaters. Blending creature horror with classic suspense elements, the film became a cult favorite among fans of early 80s monster movies. The story followed a group of miners and their friends who
Read More
On This Day September 23, 1981 – Rich and Famous Premiered in Theaters
On this day September 23, 1981 the drama Rich and Famous premiered in theaters. The film told the story of two women whose lifelong friendship is tested by jealousy, ambition, and personal struggles as they pursue their careers as writers. Starring Jacqueline Bisset and Candice
Read More