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.
262 On This Day Articles
On This Day February 15 1986 – Fortune Dane Premiered on ABC
On this day, February 15, 1986, Fortune Dane premiered on ABC. The short-lived crime drama starred Carl Weathers as the titular character, a tough and resourceful detective working to bring justice to the streets. Despite Weathers’ strong screen presence and action-packed storytelling, the show only
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On This Day February 10 1986 – Live in New York City by John Lennon Was Released
On this day, February 10, 1986, Live in New York City , a posthumous live album by John Lennon, was released. The album featured recordings from Lennon’s famous 1972 Madison Square Garden concerts, which were his last full length live performances before his tragic passing
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On This Day February 9 1986 – Halley’s Comet Appeared in the Inner Solar System
On this day, February 9, 1986, Halley’s Comet made its much anticipated return to the inner solar system, giving astronomers and skywatchers a rare opportunity to witness one of the most famous celestial events. As the only known short-period comet visible to the naked eye
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On This Day February 8 1986 – The Hinton Train Collision Occurred Near Hinton Alberta
On this day, February 8, 1986, the Hinton Train Collision occurred near Hinton, Alberta, marking one of the deadliest rail disasters in Canadian history. A Via Rail passenger train collided head on with a Canadian National (CN) freight train, resulting in a devastating crash that
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On This Day February 7 1986 – Hannah and Her Sisters Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 7 1986, Hannah and Her Sisters premiered in theaters, offering a thoughtful and character driven film that became one of the most acclaimed movies of the decade. The story focused on family relationships, romantic entanglements, and personal reflection, unfolding through interconnected
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On This Day February 7 1986 – F/X Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 7 1986, F/X premiered in theaters, delivering a clever and suspenseful thriller that blended crime, illusion, and technical ingenuity. The film centered on the world of special effects and deception, using visual tricks and practical creativity as key elements of its
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On This Day February 6 1986 – Final Episode of Ripley’s Believe It or Not Aired
On this day February 6 1986, the final episode of Ripley’s Believe It or Not aired, bringing an end to a long running television series built around strange facts, unusual stories, and incredible real life curiosities. The show became a staple of American television by
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On This Day February 5 1986 – Kiss by Prince Was Released
On this day February 5 1986, Kiss by Prince was released as a single, quickly becoming one of the most distinctive and influential songs of the 1980s. Stripped down, rhythmic, and driven by sharp guitar work and a minimalist groove, the track stood out immediately
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On This Day February 4 1986 – Control by Janet Jackson Was Released
On this day February 4 1986, Control by Janet Jackson was released, marking a major turning point in her career and in 1980s pop music. As her third studio album, Control introduced a stronger creative voice, pairing confident vocals with tightly produced tracks that immediately
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On This Day February 3 1986 – Mean Business by The Firm Was Released
On this day February 3 1986, Mean Business by The Firm was released, delivering a polished hard rock album from the supergroup featuring seasoned musicians with arena level presence. The record leaned into tight songwriting and professional production, emphasizing groove driven rock over excess flash.
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On This Day February 1 1986 – The Final Episode of Inspector Gadget Aired
On this day February 1 1986, the final episode of Inspector Gadget aired, bringing an end to one of the most recognizable animated series of the decade. The show became known for its slapstick humor memorable theme song and the bumbling but lovable title character
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On This Day February 1 1986 – War Games by Grave Digger Was Released
On this day February 1 1986, War Games by Grave Digger was released, delivering a raw and aggressive heavy metal album rooted in speed power and traditional metal grit. The record featured driving riffs forceful vocals and a no nonsense approach that reflected the underground
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On This Day February 22 1986 – Ozzy Osbourne Released The Ultimate Sin
On this day February 22 1986 Ozzy Osbourne released his fourth studio album The Ultimate Sin , a record that blended heavy metal power with a polished 80s production style. The album became a commercial success reaching number six on the Billboard 200 and producing
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On This Day February 19 1986 – Ikari Warriors Released in Japan
On this day, February 19, 1986, Ikari Warriors was released in Japan by SNK. The arcade run and gun shooter became one of the most popular action games of the 80s, later making its way to the NES and other home consoles. Inspired by the
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On This Day February 27 1985 – Diamond Life by Sade Was Released in the United States
On this day February 27 1985, Diamond Life by Sade was released in the United States, introducing American audiences to a refined blend of soul, jazz, and sophisticated pop. Featuring standout tracks that balanced smooth vocals with cool, understated production, the album offered a striking
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On This Day February 25 1985 – Everytime You Go Away by Paul Young Was Released
On this day February 25 1985 Paul Young released Everytime You Go Away a song that would later become his biggest hit. The heartfelt ballad climbed the charts and eventually reached number one in America on July 27 1985, holding the top spot until August
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On This Day February 23 1985 – Final Episode of Its Your Move Aired
On this day February 23 1985 the final episode of It's Your Move aired marking the end of the short lived sitcom starring Jason Bateman. Despite its clever writing and Bateman’s standout performance the series lasted only one season with a total of 18 episodes
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On This Day February 19 1985 – William J. Schroeder Became the Second Human to Receive an Artificial Heart
On this day, February 19, 1985, William J. Schroeder made medical history as the second human to receive a permanent artificial heart. Unlike the first recipient, Barney Clark, who received his artificial heart on December 1, 1982, but remained hospitalized until his passing, Schroeder became
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On This Day February 19 1985 – She’s the Boss by Mick Jagger Released
On this day, February 19, 1985, Mick Jagger released She’s the Boss, his debut solo album. Stepping out from his iconic role as The Rolling Stones’ frontman, Jagger explored a more modern 80s sound, blending rock, pop, and funk influences. The album was a commercial
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On This Day February 19 1985 – The Breakfast Club Soundtrack Released
On this day, February 19, 1985, The Breakfast Club soundtrack was released, featuring the iconic music that helped define the classic John Hughes teen film. The album reached #15 on the Billboard charts, fueled by its unforgettable hit single, Don’t You (Forget About Me) by
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On This Day February 18 1985 – Starpeace by Yoko Ono Released
On this day, February 18, 1985, Yoko Ono released Starpeace , her seventh studio album and a concept record promoting peace and unity. The album served as her response to the Cold War tensions of the 1980s, offering an optimistic vision for a world without
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On This Day February 16 1985 – Careless Whisper by Wham! Became the #1 Song in America
On this day, February 16, 1985, Careless Whisper by Wham! featuring George Michael reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, staying at the top spot from February 16 to March 8. The song was a massive international success, also hitting #1 in the UK,
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On This Day February 15, 1985 – Vision Quest Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 15, 1985, Vision Quest premiered in theaters. Directed by Harold Becker, the coming of age sports drama starred Matthew Modine as a determined high school wrestler who embarks on a personal journey to prove himself. The film also featured Linda Fiorentino,
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On This Day February 15 1985 – A Classic Case by Jethro Tull with the London Symphony Orchestra Released
On this day, February 15, 1985, A Classic Case was released in the U.K., featuring Jethro Tull performing alongside the London Symphony Orchestra. This symphonic rock album reimagined some of the band’s most well known songs with orchestral arrangements, blending progressive rock with classical influences.
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