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.
152 On This Day Articles
On This Day July 23 1988 – Hold On to the Nights by Richard Marx Hit Number 1 in the US
On this day July 23 1988, Hold On to the Nights by Richard Marx reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving him his first chart topping single. The emotional ballad struck a chord with audiences during the summer of 88, capping off
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On This Day July 23 1988 – Now That’s What I Call Music 3 Was Released in the UK
On this day July 23 1988, Now That's What I Call Music 3 was released in the UK, continuing the hugely popular compilation series that had taken the country by storm. With a curated mix of chart topping hits from the spring and summer of
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On This Day July 22 1988 – Caddyshack II Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 22 1988, Caddyshack II premiered in theaters as the sequel to one of the most beloved comedies of the early 1980s. Directed by Allan Arkush, the film attempted to recapture the outrageous spirit of the original, but this time with a
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On This Day July 22 1988 – Big Top Pee Wee Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 22 1988, Big Top Pee Wee premiered in theaters as the follow up to the beloved cult hit Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the film once again starred Paul Reubens as Pee Wee Herman, this time trading his
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On This Day July 22 1988 – Mr. North Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 22 1988, Mr. North premiered in theaters, offering a gentle and charming story set in 1920s Newport, Rhode Island. Directed by Danny Huston and based on the novel by Thornton Wilder, the film starred Anthony Edwards as Theophilus North, a curious
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On This Day July 20, 1988 – Midnight Run Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 20, 1988, Midnight Run premiered in theaters and delivered one of the most entertaining action comedies of the late 80s. Directed by Martin Brest, the film starred Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in a perfect odd couple pairing that blended
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On This Day July 28 1987 – Ice‑T Released His Debut Solo Album Rhyme Pays
On this day July 28 1987, Rhyme Pays by Ice‑T was released introducing a gritty and unapologetic voice in late 80s hip hop. The album featured tracks like Six In The Morning, Reincarnated Thug, and Body Rock that helped define the gangsta rap sound with
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On This Day July 27 1987 – 10,000 Maniacs Released Their Second Album In My Tribe
On this day July 27 1987, In My Tribe by 10,000 Maniacs was released marking a major milestone in the band’s career. Their second album featured layered guitar textures, steady rhythms, and Natalie Merchant’s signature vocal delivery guiding a set of thoughtful and introspective songs.
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On This Day July 27 1987 – Triumph Released Their Third Album Surveillance
On this day July 27 1987, Surveillance by Triumph was released marking a turning point in the band’s career and serving as the final studio album with guitarist Rik Emmett. Known for combining hard rock power with progressive arrangements, the album pushed Triumph’s sound into
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On This Day July 27 1987 – Dead Can Dance Released Their Third Album Within The Realm Of A Dying
On this day July 27 1987, Within The Realm Of A Dying Sun by Dead Can Dance was released, delivering a bold and atmospheric shift in the band’s sonic identity. Their third album moved away from their earlier post punk influences and embraced orchestral arrangements,
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On This Day July 24 1987 – La Bamba Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 24 1987, La Bamba premiered in theaters, bringing the story of rock and roll legend Ritchie Valens to life for a new generation. Directed by Luis Valdez, the film starred Lou Diamond Phillips as the young Mexican American musician who rose
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On This Day July 24 1987 – Superman IV The Quest for Peace Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 24 1987, Superman IV The Quest for Peace premiered in theaters. The fourth and final film in the original Superman series once again starred Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel and attempted to bring the iconic hero into the political
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On This Day July 22 1987 – Summer School Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 22 1987, Summer School premiered in theaters, bringing a dose of lighthearted fun to the summer movie season. Directed by Carl Reiner, the comedy starred Mark Harmon as Freddy Shoop, a carefree gym teacher roped into teaching remedial English over summer
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On This Day July 21, 1987 – Guns N Roses Released Their Debut Album Appetite for Destruction
On this day July 21 1987, Appetite for Destruction was released by Guns N Roses and brought a raw and ferocious sound back into the rock spotlight. In an era dominated by polished production and flashy glam bands, this album stood out as something real.
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On This Day July 21 1987 – Madonna Released the Soundtrack to Who’s That Girl
On this day July 21 1987, Madonna released the soundtrack to the film Who's That Girl , marking another major moment in her dominance of 1980s pop culture. The album featured four new Madonna tracks, including the upbeat title song which became a number one
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On This Day July 21 1987 – Lion Released Their Debut Album Dangerous Attraction
On this day July 21 1987, Lion released their debut full length album, Dangerous Attraction . Known for their blend of hard rock and melodic metal, Lion delivered a powerful debut packed with blazing guitar solos, soaring vocals, and polished production that appealed to fans
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On This Day July 21 1987 – Dio Released Their Fourth Album Dream Evil
On this day July 21 1987, Dio released their fourth studio album, Dream Evil . Led by the legendary Ronnie James Dio, the album continued the band’s tradition of powerful vocals, dark fantasy themes, and epic metal soundscapes. It marked the last full studio album
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On This Day July 20, 1987 – Too Short Released His Fourth Album Born to Mack
On this day July 20, 1987, Born to Mack was released by Too Short, marking a turning point in the rise of independent West Coast rap. As his fourth album, Born to Mack was the first to gain major attention outside of Oakland and would
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On This Day July 18, 1987 – Karen’s Song Premiered on FOX
On this day July 18, 1987, Karen's Song premiered on FOX and marked one of the network’s early steps into original programming during its first full year on air. Starring Patty Duke, the series followed the story of a forty year old divorced woman who
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On This Day July 18, 1987 – The New Adventures of Beans Baxter Premiered on FOX
On this day July 18, 1987, The New Adventures of Beans Baxter premiered on FOX and brought a fast paced mix of teen comedy, spy action, and cartoon like energy to the brand new network. Created by Savage Steve Holland, the same mind behind Better
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On This Day July 30 1986 – Nothing in Common Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 30 1986, Nothing in Common premiered in theaters, blending comedy and heartfelt drama in a film that marked a turning point for both of its stars. Starring Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason, the movie followed David Basner, a charming and successful
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On This Day July 30 1986 – The Assam Garden Premiered in Theaters
On this day July 30 1986, The Assam Garden premiered in theaters, offering a quiet and introspective British drama centered on healing, memory, and unlikely friendship. The film starred Deborah Kerr in her final major role as Helen Graham, a recently widowed woman living in
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On This Day July 28 1986 – A Current Affair Debuted On TV With Maury Povich
On this day July 28 1986, A Current Affair debuted on television with Maury Povich as its lead presenter. The show introduced a new tabloid style format that mixed celebrity gossip, human interest stories, scandal investigations, and dramatic news clips into a fast paced broadcast
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On This Day July 28 1986 – R.E.M. Released Their Fourth Album Lifes Rich Pageant
On this day July 28 1986, Lifes Rich Pageant by R.E.M. was released marking a defining moment in the band’s rise from college radio favorites to mainstream rock innovators. The album features a more direct and punchy sound than earlier work including standout tracks like
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