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.
514 On This Day Articles
On This Day October 30, 1981 – Halloween II Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 30, 1981, Halloween II premiered in theaters, continuing the terrifying story that began with the original Halloween. The film picked up immediately after the events of the first movie, as Laurie Strode was rushed to the hospital and Michael Myers continued
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On This Day October 30, 1981 – Halloween Made Its Broadcast Premiere On NBC
On this day October 30, 1981, the original Halloween made its broadcast television premiere on NBC, bringing the chilling terror of Michael Myers into households across America for the very first time. The timing made the event even more exciting because Halloween II premiered in
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On This Day October 30, 1981 – Looker Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 30, 1981, the techno thriller Looker premiered in theaters, blending suspense, science fiction, and early commentary on digital manipulation and media obsession. The story followed a plastic surgeon who becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy involving powerful corporations, advanced technology, and
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On This Day October 29, 1981 – Lewis & Clark Premiered On NBC
On this day October 29, 1981, the sitcom Lewis & Clark premiered on NBC, offering a lighthearted look at life and adventure through the comedic misadventures of two lovable friends. The series followed a pair of buddies who move from the Midwest to Los Angeles
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On This Day October 29, 1981 – Rush Released Exit… Stage Left
On this day October 29, 1981, Rush released the live album Exit... Stage Left , a powerful showcase of the band’s musicianship at the height of their progressive rock success. Recorded during their Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves tours, the album captured Rush’s precision, energy,
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On This Day October 29, 1981 – Gimme A Break! Premiered On NBC
On this day October 29, 1981, the sitcom Gimme A Break! premiered on NBC, introducing audiences to the warm, hilarious, and heartfelt world of Nell Harper. Starring Nell Carter in a breakthrough television role, the show followed a housekeeper who becomes a guiding force and
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On This Day October 28, 1981 – Love Sidney Premiered On NBC
On this day October 28, 1981, the sitcom Love Sidney premiered on NBC, bringing a heartfelt and progressive story to the decade’s television lineup. The series starred Tony Randall as Sidney Shore, a single advertising illustrator who opens his home to a young woman and
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On This Day October 27, 1981 – Ringo Starr Released Stop And Smell The Roses
On this day October 27, 1981, Ringo Starr released his eighth studio album Stop And Smell The Roses , a record that showcased his upbeat personality and famous circle of collaborators. The album brought together an impressive lineup of musical friends including Paul McCartney, George
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On This Day October 26, 1981 – Battlestars Premiered On NBC
On this day October 26, 1981, the game show Battlestars premiered on NBC, bringing a unique twist to the celebrity panel quiz format that became a staple of television entertainment. Hosted by Alex Trebek, the show featured contestants trying to connect triangular spaces on a
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On This Day October 26, 1981 – Iron Maiden Played Its First Show With Bruce Dickinson In Bologna Italy
On this day October 26, 1981, Iron Maiden performed their first concert with Bruce Dickinson as the band’s new lead singer in Bologna, Italy, marking the beginning of a powerful new chapter in heavy metal history. Dickinson’s arrival brought a dramatic vocal range and commanding
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On This Day October 26, 1981 – The J Geils Band Released Freeze-Frame
On this day October 26, 1981, The J Geils Band released their album Freeze-Frame , the record that would propel them to the peak of their career and cement their place in 1980s rock history. Blending energetic rhythms, soulful hooks, and a touch of new
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On This Day October 25, 1981 – Todays F.B.I. Premiered On ABC
On this day October 25, 1981, the television series Todays F.B.I. premiered on ABC, updating the classic 1960s show The F.B.I. for a new generation. Produced by Quinn Martin, the same creator behind the original series, the show aimed to present a modern and more
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On This Day October 24, 1981 – Fitz And Bones Premiered On NBC
On this day October 24, 1981, the television drama Fitz And Bones premiered on NBC, introducing viewers to a story centered around journalism, investigation, and the challenges of uncovering the truth. Starring Tom Bosley and Jack Weston, the series followed two television reporters who worked
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On This Day October 24, 1981 – Billy Idol Released His Debut Album Don’t Stop
On this day October 24, 1981, Billy Idol released his self titled debut album Don't Stop , launching his solo career and establishing himself as one of the defining faces of 1980s rock. Blending punk attitude with polished production, the album introduced audiences to Idol’s
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On This Day October 23, 1981 – Elvis Costello And The Attractions Released Almost Blue
On this day October 23, 1981, Elvis Costello And The Attractions released their album Almost Blue , a bold departure from their usual new wave and rock style. Instead of original songs, the record consisted entirely of country covers, paying tribute to classic American artists
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On This Day October 23, 1981 – Steve Miller Band Released Circle Of Love
On this day October 23, 1981, the Steve Miller Band released their album Circle Of Love , marking the group’s first studio release in four years. Following the massive success of Book Of Dreams, the album showcased a more experimental approach with longer compositions and
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On This Day October 23, 1981 – Silence Of The North Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 23, 1981, the historical drama Silence Of The North premiered in theaters, telling the powerful true story of hardship, endurance, and survival in the Canadian wilderness. Directed by Allan King, the film starred Ellen Burstyn as Olive Frederickson, a woman who
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On This Day October 23, 1981 – The Pit Premiered In Canada
On this day October 23, 1981, the Canadian horror film The Pit premiered, offering a strange and unsettling blend of psychological tension and supernatural horror. Directed by Lew Lehman, the movie followed a socially awkward boy who discovers a mysterious pit in the woods filled
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On This Day October 23, 1981 – Nightmare Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 23, 1981, the psychological horror film Nightmare premiered in theaters, delivering a disturbing and violent tale that pushed the boundaries of early 1980s horror cinema. Directed by Romano Scavolini, the movie followed a man recently released from a mental institution who
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On This Day October 22, 1981 – The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization Union Was Decertified Following An Illegal Strike Broken By The R
On this day October 22, 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, known as PATCO, was officially decertified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority after leading an illegal nationwide strike earlier that year. The strike began in August 1981 when over eleven thousand air traffic
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On This Day October 21, 1981 – Bobby And The Midnites Released Their Debut Album
On this day October 21, 1981, Bobby And The Midnites released their self titled debut album, marking a new musical chapter for Grateful Dead guitarist and vocalist Bobby Weir. The album blended rock, jazz, and funk influences, showcasing Weir’s desire to explore new sounds beyond
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On This Day October 20, 1981 – Two Police Officers And An Armored Car Guard Were Killed By Members Of The Black Liberation Army And The Weather Underg
On this day October 20, 1981, a violent robbery in Nanuet, New York shocked the nation when members of the Black Liberation Army and the Weather Underground group ambushed a Brink’s armored car. The attack resulted in the deaths of two police officers and an
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On This Day October 19 1981 – INXS Released the Album Underneath the Colours
On this day October 19 1981, INXS released their second studio album Underneath the Colours, marking a major step forward in their sound and songwriting. The album blended new wave and rock influences with a more polished production, setting the stage for the band’s global
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On This Day October 18 1981 – Hawkwind Released the Album Sonic Attack
On this day October 18 1981, Hawkwind released Sonic Attack, an album that marked their return to a heavier, more experimental sound after a brief hiatus. Combining space rock with punk energy and science fiction themes, the record showcased the band’s signature mix of driving
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