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 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
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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
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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
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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
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On This Day October 31, 1980 – Touched By Love Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 31, 1980, the heartfelt drama Touched By Love premiered in theaters. The film told the story of a young therapist who inspires a connection between a disabled girl and her idol, Elvis Presley, through a series of letters. Based on true
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On This Day October 31, 1980 – The Awakening Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 31, 1980, the horror film The Awakening premiered in theaters, bringing ancient Egyptian curses and supernatural terror to the big screen. Loosely inspired by the novel The Jewel Of The Seven Stars by Bram Stoker, the film told the story of
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On This Day October 31, 1980 – I’m A Big Girl Now Premiered On ABC
On this day October 31, 1980, the sitcom I'm A Big Girl Now premiered on ABC, introducing audiences to a lighthearted comedy about family, independence, and generational clashes. The show starred Diana Canova as Diana Cassidy, a newly divorced woman who moves back in with
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On This Day October 31, 1980 – Klaus Schulze Released Dig It
On this day October 31, 1980, Klaus Schulze released his album Dig It , marking a new chapter in electronic music with his first fully digital recording. Known for his pioneering work in synthesizer composition and ambient soundscapes, Schulze created a record that captured the
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On This Day October 30, 1980 – Its A Living Premiered On ABC
On this day October 30, 1980, the sitcom Its A Living premiered on ABC, introducing viewers to a fun and lively show set high above Los Angeles in a glamorous restaurant atop a luxury hotel. The series followed a group of waitresses balancing their jobs,
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On This Day October 29, 1980 – Neil Young Released Hawks And Doves
On this day October 29, 1980, Neil Young released his album Hawks And Doves , a record that showcased his ability to shift styles while staying true to his storytelling roots. The album was split into two distinct sides, pairing earlier recorded folk rock material
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On This Day October 27, 1980 – Hawkwind Released Levitation
On this day October 27, 1980, the British space rock band Hawkwind released their album Levitation , an innovative and high energy record that marked a major moment in the band’s evolution. Known for their cosmic themes and experimental sound, Hawkwind combined progressive rock and
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On This Day October 27, 1980 – Ladies Man Premiered On CBS
On this day October 27, 1980, the sitcom Ladies Man premiered on CBS, introducing audiences to a lighthearted comedy about a single father navigating life in a house full of women. Starring Lawrence Pressman as Alan Thackeray, the show followed a widowed writer raising his
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On This Day October 27, 1980 – Gambit Premiered On NBC
On this day October 27, 1980, the game show Gambit premiered on NBC, marking the return of the popular quiz and card game hybrid that first found success in the 1970s. Hosted by Wink Martindale, the series combined trivia questions with a blackjack inspired format,
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On This Day October 27, 1980 – Blockbusters Premiered On NBC
On this day October 27, 1980, the quiz show Blockbusters premiered on NBC, bringing a new and strategic twist to the classic trivia format. Hosted by the always personable Bill Cullen, the show featured contestants answering general knowledge questions to complete a path across a
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On This Day October 25, 1980 – Woman In Love By Barbra Streisand Became The Number One Song In America
On this day October 25, 1980, Barbra Streisand reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit single Woman In Love , one of the most iconic ballads of the decade. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, the song
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On This Day October 24, 1980 – Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Released Organisation
On this day October 24, 1980, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark released their second studio album Organisation , a darker and more atmospheric follow up to their debut. The record showcased the band’s growing sophistication, blending cold synthesizer textures with emotional depth to create one
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On This Day October 24, 1980 – Japan Released Gentlemen Take Polaroids
On this day October 24, 1980, the British band Japan released their fourth studio album Gentlemen Take Polaroids , a sophisticated and atmospheric record that helped define the emerging new romantic and art pop sound of the early 1980s. The album marked Japan’s transition from
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On This Day October 24, 1980 – Cheap Trick Released All Shook Up
On this day October 24, 1980, Cheap Trick released their album All Shook Up , marking a bold shift in style for the band as they collaborated with legendary producer George Martin of Beatles fame. The record showcased a more experimental and adventurous sound, blending
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On This Day October 23, 1980 – John Lennon Released Just Like Starting Over
On this day October 23, 1980, John Lennon released his single Just Like Starting Over , marking his long awaited return to music after a five year hiatus. The song served as the lead single from his upcoming album Double Fantasy, which he recorded with
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On This Day October 20, 1980 – Donna Summer Released Her Eighth Album The Wanderer
On this day October 20, 1980, Donna Summer released her eighth studio album The Wanderer , marking a new era in her career as she transitioned from the disco sound that made her famous to a more rock influenced and new wave inspired style. It
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On This Day October 20, 1980 – U2 Released Their Debut Album Boy
On this day October 20, 1980, U2 released their debut album Boy , a powerful introduction to the band’s youthful energy and emotional depth. Recorded at Dublin’s Windmill Lane Studios, the album explored themes of innocence, discovery, and the confusion of growing up. Bono’s soaring
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On This Day October 18 1980 – The Jacksons Released the Album Triumph
On this day October 18 1980, The Jacksons released Triumph, their fourteenth studio album and one of their most successful projects of the decade. The record marked a major creative high point for the group, showcasing a mature sound that blended funk, soul, and pop
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On This Day October 18 1980 – Motel Hell Premiered in Theaters
On this day October 18 1980, the cult horror comedy Motel Hell was released in theaters, blending dark humor with gruesome satire to deliver one of the most bizarre horror films of the decade. The movie followed Farmer Vincent and his sister Ida, who run
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On This Day October 17 1980 Dire Straits Released Their 3rd Album Making Movies
On this day October 17 1980, Dire Straits released their third studio album Making Movies , a masterful blend of rock and storytelling that elevated the band’s reputation worldwide. The record captured both emotional depth and musical precision, showcasing the group’s ability to craft songs
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