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 January 10 1980 – The Age of Plastic by The Buggles Was Released
On this day January 10 1980, The Age of Plastic by The Buggles was released, introducing a futuristic pop sound built on synthesizers sharp melodies and studio experimentation. The album presented a vision of modern life shaped by technology media and artificial imagery, themes that
Read More
On This Day January 7 1980 – Rhythm and Blues Singer Larry Williams Was Found Dead in Los Angeles
On this day January 7 1980, Larry Williams was found dead in his Los Angeles home from a gunshot wound at the age of 44. Williams was a major figure in early rhythm and blues, known for influential recordings that later shaped rock and roll
Read More
On This Day January 7 1980 – A Fatal Accident Occurred on Disneyland’s People Mover
On this day January 7 1980, an 18 year old boy was crushed and killed while riding the Disneyland PeopleMover at Disneyland. The incident occurred after he attempted to jump from one moving car to another, resulting in a tragic accident that shocked park guests
Read More
On This Day January 6 1980 – Skag Premiered on NBC
On this day January 6 1980, Skag premiered on NBC, introducing a gritty crime drama centered on an undercover narcotics officer working the streets of Los Angeles. The series aimed for a realistic and hard edged tone, focusing on drug enforcement and the personal toll
Read More
On This Day January 5 1980 – Please Dont Go by KC and the Sunshine Band Hit Number One on the US Billboard Charts
On this day January 5 1980, Please Dont Go by KC and the Sunshine Band reached number one on the US Billboard charts, marking a major crossover moment at the dawn of the new decade. The song stood apart from the group’s earlier upbeat disco
Read More
On This Day January 5 1980 – Final Episode of A New Kind of Family Aired on Television
On this day January 5 1980, the final episode of A New Kind of Family aired on television, bringing an end to the short lived family sitcom. The series focused on a blended household navigating everyday life and relationships, reflecting changing family structures that were
Read More
On This Day January 5 1980 – Final Episode of Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo Aired
On this day January 5 1980, the final episode of Scooby Doo and Scrappy Doo aired on television, closing out an era of Saturday morning animation that carried familiar characters into a new generation. The series expanded the classic Scooby Doo formula by adding Scrappy
Read More
On This Day January 5 1980 – Final Episode of Spider Woman Aired
On this day January 5 1980, the final episode of Spider-Woman aired on television, bringing an end to the short lived animated superhero series. The show centered on Jessica Drew, a government agent who gained superhuman abilities, blending action adventure with mystery and science fiction
Read More
On This Day January 4 1980 – The Romantics Released Their Debut Album
On this day January 4 1980, The Romantics by The Romantics was released, introducing a high energy power pop sound that blended raw rock spirit with catchy melodies. The album delivered a stripped down approach rooted in classic rock influences while fitting perfectly into the
Read More
On This Day January 1 1980 – The First Far Side Comic Was Published in the San Francisco Chronicle
On this day January 1 1980, the first Far Side comic strip by Gary Larson was published in the San Francisco Chronicle, introducing readers to a completely new style of humor. The single panel cartoon immediately stood apart from traditional newspaper comics with its offbeat
Read More
On This Day December 31 1980 – Arc of a Diver by Steve Winwood Was Released
On this day December 31 1980, Arc of a Diver by Steve Winwood was released, marking his second solo album and a major creative breakthrough at the start of the decade. The record showcased Winwood’s multi instrumental talent and smooth blend of rock soul and
Read More
On This Day December 30 1980 – Disney’s Wonderful World Switched from NBC to CBS
On this day December 30 1980, The Wonderful World of Disney officially moved from NBC to CBS after airing on NBC for more than 20 years. The move marked a major shift for one of the most enduring and recognizable family television programs in American
Read More
On This Day December 27 1980 – (Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon Hit Number One on the US Billboard Charts
On this day December 27 1980, (Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon reached number one on the US Billboard charts, becoming a defining moment in early 80s music history. The song marked a return to a warm, classic pop sound and quickly resonated with
Read More
On This Day December 26 1980 – Maniac Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 26 1980, Maniac premiered in theaters, introducing audiences to one of the most disturbing and controversial horror films of the early 1980s. The movie stood out for its gritty realism, graphic violence, and unsettling psychological focus, pushing slasher cinema into far
Read More
On This Day December 26 1980 – Stand in the Fire Live Album by Warren Zevon Was Released
On this day December 26 1980, Stand in the Fire by Warren Zevon was released, capturing the raw intensity of his live performances during a pivotal moment in his career. The album showcased Zevon’s sharp songwriting, dark humor, and commanding stage presence, presenting his music
Read More
On This Day December 24 1980 – Unexplained Lights Reported Near RAF Woodbridge in England
On this day December 24 1980, witnesses reported sightings of unexplained lights near RAF Woodbridge in England, sparking one of the most debated mystery events of the decade. Military personnel described strange lights in and above the nearby forest, leading to widespread attention from the
Read More
On This Day December 24 1980 – Americans Shined Lights for 417 Seconds to Remember the Iran Hostages
On this day December 24 1980, Americans across the country turned on lights for 417 seconds in a symbolic act of unity to remember the Americans being held hostage in Iran. The number of seconds represented the total days the hostages had been in captivity
Read More
On This Day December 19 1980 – Seems Like Old Times Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 19 1980 Seems Like Old Times premiered in theaters and delivered a lively romantic comedy about a writer wrongly accused of a crime who turns to his ex wife for help. The film followed the chaos that erupted as she tried
Read More
On This Day December 19 1980 – The Jazz Singer Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 19 1980 The Jazz Singer premiered in theaters and presented a modern retelling of the classic story about a young man torn between family expectations and his desire to pursue a music career. The film followed his struggle to balance tradition
Read More
On This Day December 19 1980 – The Formula Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 19 1980 The Formula premiered in theaters and delivered a tense mystery thriller centered on a secret energy formula connected to powerful political and corporate interests. The film followed a detective who uncovered a dangerous trail of corruption while investigating a
Read More
On This Day December 19 1980 – Inside Moves Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 19 1980 Inside Moves premiered in theaters and presented a heartfelt drama about a man rebuilding his life after a difficult setback. The film followed his friendship with a group of regulars at a neighborhood bar, each dealing with their own
Read More
On This Day December 19 1980 – 9 to 5 Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 19 1980 9 to 5 premiered in theaters and delivered a sharp comedic story about three office workers pushed to the edge by their selfish and overbearing boss. The film followed their unlikely partnership as they stood up to workplace mistreatment
Read More
On This Day December 19 1980 – Raging Bull Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 19 1980 Raging Bull premiered in theaters and delivered a powerful biographical drama centered on the turbulent life of boxer Jake LaMotta. The film followed his rise in the ring, his battles with jealousy and anger, and the destructive impact his
Read More
On This Day December 17 1980 – Any Which Way You Can Premiered in Theaters
On this day December 17 1980 Any Which Way You Can premiered in theaters and continued the story of a laid back brawler and his unforgettable orangutan companion as they found themselves wrapped up in new fights, road adventures, and unexpected trouble. The film blended
Read More