165 Fun Facts About 80s Music

Which Culture Club single was the UK's biggest-selling record of 1983, spending six weeks at number one?

'Karma Chameleon' went to number one in 20 countries, including three weeks atop the US Hot 100 in early 1984, the band's only American chart-topper.

What was the first music video ever played on MTV when it launched on August 1, 1981?

"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles was the first music video aired on MTV at 12:01 AM on August 1, 1981.

Which artist released the hit song "Like a Virgin" in 1984?

Madonna released "Like a Virgin" in 1984. It became her first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the title track of her second studio album.

Which band performed "Don't Stop Believin'"?

Journey released "Don't Stop Believin'" in 1981. It became one of the most iconic rock anthems of the decade and remains one of the top-selling digital tracks of all time.

Which 1984 single was the first to take Prince to number one on the Billboard Hot 100?

'When Doves Cry' was Prince's first Billboard Hot 100 number one, holding the top for five weeks in summer 1984 and finishing as Billboard's year-end number one single of 1984.

Which British band sang "Every Breath You Take" in 1983?

The Police released "Every Breath You Take" in 1983. Written by Sting, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks and became the biggest hit of 1983.

Which Whitney Houston song became her first #1 hit in 1985?

"Saving All My Love for You" was Whitney Houston's first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985, from her self-titled debut album.

What was the name of the massive charity concert held on July 13, 1985, organized by Bob Geldof?

Live Aid was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985. It raised over $125 million for Ethiopian famine relief.

Which Bon Jovi song features the lyrics "Woah, we're halfway there"?

"Livin' on a Prayer" was released in 1986, co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1987, becoming Bon Jovi's signature song.

Which Cyndi Lauper hit became an anthem for female empowerment in 1983?

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was released in 1983 and became Cyndi Lauper's signature song and a feminist pop anthem. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Which Guns N' Roses single is the band's only Billboard Hot 100 number one?

"Sweet Child O' Mine" (1988) features Slash's iconic opening guitar riff, which he originally played as a string-skipping exercise. It became Guns N' Roses' only #1 hit.

Which Blondie song, from the film American Gigolo, was Billboard's number one single of 1980?

'Call Me' was produced by disco king Giorgio Moroder for American Gigolo and spent six weeks at number one; the sleeve used Richard Gere's image from the film poster.

Which Depeche Mode song became their signature hit in 1981?

"Just Can't Get Enough" was released in 1981 and became Depeche Mode's first major hit. Its catchy synth-pop melody made it a dancefloor staple of the early 80s.

Which U2 album, released in 1987, features "With or Without You" and "Where the Streets Have No Name"?

The Joshua Tree (1987) opens with 'Where the Streets Have No Name' and gave U2 its first US number one with 'With or Without You'; it won Album of the Year at the 1988 Grammys.

What was the name of the charity supergroup single organized by Bob Geldof in 1984?

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" was recorded by Band Aid in November 1984 to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief. The supergroup included members of Duran Duran, U2, Culture Club, and many more.

Which 1986 movie featured the Kenny Loggins hit "Danger Zone"?

"Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins was featured prominently in the 1986 film Top Gun starring Tom Cruise. The song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Which artist performed "Billie Jean" at the 1983 Motown 25 special, debuting the moonwalk?

Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special on March 25, 1983. His debut of the moonwalk during this performance became one of the most iconic moments in music history.

Which Duran Duran music video was famously filmed in Sri Lanka?

'Hungry Like the Wolf' was shot in Sri Lanka in April 1982 by director Russell Mulcahy, on the same trip that produced the 'Save a Prayer' video; 'Rio' was filmed in Antigua.

Which 1986 Berlin ballad from a fighter-pilot blockbuster won the Academy Award for Best Original Song?

It also took the Golden Globe. Giorgio Moroder wrote it with Tom Whitlock, the same team behind the film's other hit.

What was Def Leppard's best-selling album, released in 1987?

Hysteria (1987) sold over 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. It featured seven singles including "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites."

Which Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith collaboration helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream in 1986?

"Walk This Way" (1986) was a groundbreaking collaboration between Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith. It was one of the first rap-rock crossover hits and helped introduce hip-hop to MTV's predominantly rock audience.

Which The Cure album, released in 1989, featured the hits "Lovesong" and "Lullaby"?

Disintegration (1989) contains 'Lovesong', which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and 'Lullaby', the Cure's highest-charting UK single at number 5.

Which single spent 10 weeks at Hot 100 number one, the longest run of the 1980s?

'Physical' by Olivia Newton-John held Hot 100 number one for ten weeks, from 21 November 1981 to 23 January 1982, the longest run of any single in the 1980s; 'Endless Love' managed nine.

Which hair metal band released the power ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" in 1988?

Poison's only US number one was born in a Dallas laundromat, where Bret Michaels got the idea while phoning his girlfriend from a pay phone; it topped the Hot 100 for three weeks.

Which New Order song, released in 1983, became one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time?

"Blue Monday" (1983) by New Order is the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. Its innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines helped define the electronic dance music movement.

What instrument did Phil Collins famously play in addition to singing for Genesis?

Phil Collins was Genesis's drummer before becoming their lead singer after Peter Gabriel's departure. He continued to play drums throughout the 80s, both with Genesis and in his hugely successful solo career.

Which 1983 David Bowie song was his biggest commercial hit, reaching #1 in over a dozen countries?

"Let's Dance" (1983) was David Bowie's biggest commercial hit. Produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, it reached #1 in the US, UK, and many other countries, introducing Bowie to a mainstream pop audience.

Which 1985 Dire Straits song had one of the first computer-animated music videos?

'Money for Nothing' (1985) featured early computer-animated characters by Ian Pearson and Gavin Blair; Sting sings the 'I want my MTV' hook, and the clip opened MTV Europe's launch on 1 August 1987.

What was the name of the American charity single recorded by USA for Africa in 1985?

"We Are the World" was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced by Quincy Jones, and recorded on January 28, 1985. It featured 46 of America's biggest artists and raised over $63 million for African famine relief.

Which Tears for Fears single topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks from August 1985?

'Shout' reached Billboard Hot 100 number one on 3 August 1985 and held it for three weeks, the second US chart-topper from Songs from the Big Chair after 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'.

Which band released "Come On Eileen" in 1982?

Dexys Midnight Runners had a massive hit with "Come On Eileen" in 1982. It reached #1 in both the US and UK, but the band never achieved the same level of chart success again in America.

Which producer was behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album and also produced "We Are the World"?

Quincy Jones produced Michael Jackson's Thriller (1982), as well as Off the Wall (1979) and Bad (1987). He also produced the charity single "We Are the World" in 1985.

What was the name of the Beastie Boys' debut album, released in 1986?

Licensed to Ill (1986) was the Beastie Boys' debut album and the first hip-hop album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. It featured "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" and sold over 10 million copies.

Which synth-pop duo consisted of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke?

Erasure was formed in 1985 by Vince Clarke (formerly of Depeche Mode and Yazoo) and Andy Bell. They had numerous hits in the late 80s including "A Little Respect" and "Sometimes."

Which Talking Heads album, considered one of the greatest of the 80s, was produced by Brian Eno?

Remain in Light (1980) was the third and last Talking Heads album Brian Eno produced, recorded at Compass Point in the Bahamas and Sigma Sound in New York; it includes 'Once in a Lifetime'.

Which George Michael single was Billboard's number one song of 1988 in the United States?

'Faith' spent four weeks at Billboard Hot 100 number one from December 1987 and finished as Billboard's year-end number one single of 1988; in the UK it stalled at number two.

Which band released the 1986 thrash metal landmark "Master of Puppets"?

Metallica's Master of Puppets (1986) is widely considered a masterpiece of thrash metal. It was the band's last album with bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a tour bus accident later that year.

Which Kim Carnes hit spent nine non-consecutive weeks at number one in the US in 1981?

'Bette Davis Eyes' was co-written and first recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1974; Kim Carnes' 1981 version spent nine weeks at Hot 100 number one and was Billboard's top single of 1981.

Which album, released in Japan on October 1, 1982, is usually cited as the first commercial CD?

Billy Joel's 52nd Street, catalogue number 35DP-1, was among roughly 50 titles CBS/Sony released on 1 October 1982 alongside the Sony CDP-101 player, earning it the title of first commercial CD.

Which Smiths album includes "Reel Around the Fountain" and "Still Ill"?

The Smiths' self-titled debut album was released in February 1984. It reached #2 on the UK charts and is regularly cited by critics as one of the greatest debut albums ever made.

Which Mötley Crüe founding member was the drummer behind the band's roller-coaster drum kit stunts?

He and bassist Nikki Sixx formed the band in Hollywood in 1981; the live show also featured flame-thrower guitars and setting Sixx on fire.

Which 1980 John Lennon album was released just three weeks before his assassination?

Double Fantasy, a collaboration with Yoko Ono, was released on November 17, 1980. John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980. The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year posthumously.

Which pioneering hip-hop group released "The Message" in 1982?

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released "The Message" in 1982. Its gritty depiction of inner-city life was groundbreaking for hip-hop, moving beyond party music to social commentary.

Which Rick Springfield hit, inspired by a real person, spent two weeks at #1 in 1981?

"Jessie's Girl" (1981) was inspired by a real girl Springfield was attracted to who was dating his friend. It spent two weeks at #1 and won the Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen kept playing after a New Year's Eve 1984 car crash despite what injury?

His arm was severed by the seat belt when his Corvette hit a wall; doctors reattached it, but it was amputated after an infection. The band's biggest success followed.

Which 1986 Peter Gabriel song pioneered stop-motion claymation in its award-winning video?

"Sledgehammer" (1986) featured a revolutionary music video using stop-motion animation, claymation, and pixilation directed by Stephen R. Johnson. It won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards.

Which R.E.M. album, released in 1987, was their commercial breakthrough and featured "The One I Love"?

Document (1987) was R.E.M.'s fifth album and their commercial breakthrough, reaching #10 on the Billboard 200. "The One I Love" became their first Top 10 single.

Which 1989 Pixies album contains "Here Comes Your Man" and "Monkey Gone to Heaven"?

Doolittle (1989), the Pixies' second studio album, produced by Gil Norton, includes 'Monkey Gone to Heaven' and 'Here Comes Your Man' and reached number 8 on the UK albums chart.

Which stark 1982 Bruce Springsteen album was recorded alone on a four-track cassette machine in his bedroom?

Nebraska was meant as demos: Springsteen taped it on a 4-track cassette recorder in his bedroom, and the spare, haunting takes were released as they were, a world away from the E Street Band.

Which November 1982 album featured the hit singles 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It'?

Released November 30, 1982, it spun off seven hit singles and turned the music video into an event.

Which benefit concert for farmers did Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young found in 1985?

Farm Aid was first held on 22 September 1985 in Champaign, Illinois, after Bob Dylan remarked at Live Aid that some of the money should go to American farmers facing foreclosure.

Which hip-hop label was co-founded by Rick Rubin in his New York University dorm room in 1984?

Def Jam's first release was not hip-hop at all but a single by Rubin's own punk band, Hose; Russell Simmons joined as co-founder soon after.

Which 1985 Madonna single was written for the film Vision Quest?

'Crazy for You', written by John Bettis and Jon Lind for the 1985 film Vision Quest, became Madonna's second Billboard Hot 100 number one in May 1985.

Which 1981 single was Kim Wilde's debut, reaching number 2 in the UK?

'Kids in America', Kim Wilde's debut single, was written by her father Marty Wilde and brother Ricky Wilde and peaked at number 2 in the UK in February 1981.

Which band recorded 'Eye of the Tiger', the theme song for Rocky III?

Survivor wrote 'Eye of the Tiger' at Sylvester Stallone's request after Queen refused to license a song for Rocky III; it spent six weeks at Hot 100 number one in 1982 and won a Grammy.

Which Men at Work song topped the US and UK charts at the same time in early 1983?

'Down Under' topped the Australian chart in December 1981, then held number one in both the US and UK in January 1983, while the album Business as Usual also led the US chart.

Which Lionel Richie ballad from White Nights won the 1985 Oscar for Best Original Song?

'Say You, Say Me', written for the film White Nights, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and spent four weeks at Hot 100 number one from December 1985.

Which genre label, popularised by Sire's Seymour Stein for electronic post-punk pop, dominated the early 1980s?

New Wave was the tag Sire Records boss Seymour Stein pushed to sell post-punk acts to US radio; by the early 1980s almost any synthesizer-driven act, from Blondie and Talking Heads to Devo, carried it.

Which 1986 Cyndi Lauper ballad was her second and final US number one?

'True Colors' reached Hot 100 number one on 25 October 1986, Cyndi Lauper's second chart-topper after 'Time After Time'; she later named her True Colors Fund for homeless LGBT youth after it.

Which Belinda Carlisle single reached Billboard Hot 100 number one in December 1987?

'Heaven Is a Place on Earth', co-written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, topped the Hot 100 on 5 December 1987, Belinda Carlisle's only US number one as a solo artist.

What rock band released the multi-platinum album "Slippery When Wet" in 1986?

Slippery When Wet (1986) is Bon Jovi's best-selling album, certified 12-times platinum in the US, and carried the Hot 100 number ones 'You Give Love a Bad Name' and 'Livin' on a Prayer'.

Which 1981 Rush album opens with "Tom Sawyer"?

Moving Pictures (1981) opens with 'Tom Sawyer', co-written with lyricist Pye Dubois, and also contains 'Limelight' and the instrumental 'YYZ'; it became Rush's best-selling studio album.

Which 1989 Madonna song drew attention for its controversial video with religious imagery?

Madonna's 1989 hit "Like a Prayer" blended pop and gospel music and was accompanied by a highly debated music video that explored themes of religion and sexuality.

Which synth-riff Van Halen song was the band's most successful single and only US number one?

'Jump' topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks from February 1984, Van Halen's only US number one; Eddie Van Halen's Oberheim synthesizer riff replaced the band's usual guitar lead.

Which 1987 Michael Jackson album has 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and a hit title track?

Bad (1987) produced a then-record five Hot 100 number ones; Michael Jackson wrote all but two tracks, with 'Man in the Mirror' coming from Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard.

Which British synth-pop band released the iconic 1981 hit song "Don't You Want Me"?

The British synth-pop band The Human League achieved international success with their 1981 album "Dare," which featured the iconic hit single "Don't You Want Me."

Which George Michael ballad was Billboard's number one single of 1985 in the US?

'Careless Whisper', released in 1984 and credited in the US to Wham! featuring George Michael, spent three weeks at Hot 100 number one from February 1985 and was Billboard's year-end number one single of 1985.

Which 1985 single gave Starship its first Billboard Hot 100 number one?

'We Built This City', co-written by Bernie Taupin and Martin Page, reached Hot 100 number one on 16 November 1985, Starship's first chart-topper; 'Sara' followed in 1986.

The video for a-ha's "Take On Me" combined live-action footage with what technique?

Rotoscoping, animators tracing over live footage frame by frame, gave 'Take On Me' its pencil-sketch look; directed by Steve Barron, the video won six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards.

Which Yes single, produced by Trevor Horn, topped the Hot 100 in January 1984?

'Owner of a Lonely Heart', from the Trevor Horn-produced album 90125, reached Hot 100 number one on 21 January 1984 for two weeks, the only US chart-topper of Yes's career.

Which 1980 Queen hit was built on a John Deacon bass line inspired by Chic's 'Good Times'?

"Another One Bites the Dust" owes its riff to Chic: Bernard Edwards said Deacon had been hanging around their studio; Sylvester Stallone asked to use it in Rocky III and was refused.

Robert Palmer's 'Addicted to Love' video features a backing band composed entirely of what?

Photographer Terence Donovan filled the band with five female fashion models styled after Patrick Nagel paintings; keyboardist Julie Pankhurst and drummer Kathy Davies were among them.

Which duo scored six Hot 100 number ones between 1977 and 1984, including 'Maneater'?

Hall & Oates had six Hot 100 number ones: 'Rich Girl', 'Kiss on My List', 'Private Eyes', 'I Can't Go for That', 'Maneater' and 'Out of Touch'; Billboard later ranked them the most successful duo in chart history.

Which Toto song, written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, hit number one on the Hot 100 in February 1983?

'Africa', written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, reached Hot 100 number one on 5 February 1983, Toto's only US chart-topper; Weezer's 2018 cover followed a fan campaign on Twitter.

Which future Friends star danced on stage in Springsteen's 1984 'Dancing in the Dark' video?

Courteney Cox, then an unknown actress, was picked to dance with Springsteen in Brian De Palma's 'Dancing in the Dark' video, shot at the Saint Paul Civic Center in June 1984.

Which 1983 album was the first heavy metal record to top the Billboard 200?

Quiet Riot's Metal Health reached number one on the Billboard 200 in November 1983, the first heavy metal album to do so, carried by the Slade cover 'Cum On Feel the Noize'.

Which artist recorded the 1984 hit "Somebody's Watching Me", with uncredited vocals from Michael Jackson?

Rockwell is Kennedy Gordy, son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who signed to the label under a pseudonym; his friend Michael Jackson sang the chorus of 'Somebody's Watching Me' uncredited.

Which rock guitarist played the solo on the 1983 hit 'Beat It'?

Tito Jackson had recorded a solo first, but it was scrapped when Van Halen was called in.

Lionel Richie was lead singer of which R&B group before his solo career?

Lionel Richie gained fame as the lead singer and songwriter for The Commodores before launching a highly successful solo career in the 1980s.

The 1985 protest single 'Sun City', written by Steven Van Zandt, was credited to which supergroup?

Artists United Against Apartheid called for a boycott of the South African resort of Sun City; Van Zandt gathered rockers, rappers and jazz players after leaving the E Street Band.

Which British synth-pop duo had hits with 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' and 'Here Comes the Rain Again'?

Eurythmics were Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, ex-lovers who kept working together; 'Sweet Dreams' went to number one in the US in 1983.

Which Bobby Brown single reached Billboard Hot 100 number one in January 1989?

'My Prerogative', co-written by Bobby Brown with Gene Griffin and Teddy Riley, topped the Hot 100 on 14 January 1989, his first number one as a solo artist.

Duran Duran, known for stylish music videos, led which subgenre of New Wave?

New Romantic grew out of London's Blitz club around 1979-80 and also produced Spandau Ballet, Visage and Culture Club; Duran Duran rode it into the MTV-driven Second British Invasion.

What song, originally by Gloria Jones, became a major synth-pop hit for Soft Cell in 1981?

"Tainted Love" had been a 1964 Northern Soul favourite by Gloria Jones before Soft Cell's 1981 version went to number one in the UK and became the decade's definitive synth cover.

Which artist's 1987 hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' later became a widespread internet meme?

Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" was a global hit in 1987 and gained renewed fame decades later as the subject of the "Rickrolling" meme.

Which Bonnie Tyler power ballad was written and produced by Jim Steinman?

'Total Eclipse of the Heart', written and produced by Jim Steinman, topped the charts in both the UK and US in 1983; Steinman later reused it as 'Totale Finsternis' in his musical Dance of the Vampires.

Which West German band had a global hit in 1983 with '99 Luftballons'?

The band and its singer share the name. An English version, '99 Red Balloons', followed, but the German original was the one that climbed the US chart.

Which metal subgenre of the late 1980s was later derided as 'hair metal'?

Glam metal acts such as Mötley Crüe, Ratt and Warrant paired hard rock with teased hair, spandex and makeup; critics later dismissed the whole scene as 'hair metal'.

Simple Minds' 1985 number one "Don't You (Forget About Me)" featured in which teen film?

The Breakfast Club opens and closes with it, yet Simple Minds nearly refused to record a song they had not written; it became their only US number one.

Whose 1984 single 'What's Love Got to Do with It', from the album Private Dancer, marked a huge comeback in her mid-40s?

Tina Turner was 44 and years past her split from Ike when Private Dancer made her a solo superstar; 'What's Love Got to Do with It' was her first and only US number one.

Which 1985 Kate Bush single topped charts in eight countries after featuring in Stranger Things?

'Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)', released in August 1985, was originally titled 'A Deal with God' until EMI balked; its 2022 use in Stranger Things took it to UK number one.

Which Wham! single kept 'Purple Rain' stuck at number two on the Hot 100 in November 1984?

'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', Wham!'s first US number one, led the Hot 100 for three weeks from 17 November 1984, holding Prince's 'Purple Rain' at number two.

Whitney Houston's 1985 debut topped the Billboard 200 for how many weeks?

Whitney Houston spent 14 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 in 1986, powered by three Hot 100 number ones: 'Saving All My Love for You', 'How Will I Know' and 'Greatest Love of All'.

Born in the U.S.A. came out in June 1984 on which label, Bruce Springsteen's home since his 1972 signing?

Columbia Records has released every Springsteen studio album; Born in the U.S.A. is his best seller at over 30 million copies worldwide.

U2's The Joshua Tree was produced by Brian Eno and which other producer?

Daniel Lanois co-produced The Joshua Tree with Brian Eno, as the pair had The Unforgettable Fire in 1984; the album won the 1988 Grammy for Album of the Year.

Which 1986 Queen album took its title from a line in the film Highlander?

Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic took its title from a line in Highlander, which used several of its songs, including 'Who Wants to Live Forever' and 'Princes of the Universe'.

Live Aid was organised by Bob Geldof and which other musician?

Midge Ure of Ultravox co-wrote 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' with Bob Geldof and co-organised Live Aid on 13 July 1985, a broadcast watched by an estimated 1.9 billion people.

Band Aid recorded 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' in a single day at which London studio?

Band Aid cut 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill on 25 November 1984, with Trevor Horn lending his studio and Midge Ure producing.

Which Fleetwood Mac member's 1981 solo debut Bella Donna topped the Billboard 200?

Stevie Nicks released Bella Donna in July 1981; it reached number one on the Billboard 200 and included the Tom Petty duet 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around'.

Duran Duran took their name from a character in which 1968 film?

In Barbarella (1968) Milo O'Shea played the villain Durand Durand; the Birmingham band, formed in 1978, adapted his name.

In 1985 Wham! became the first Western pop group to visit which country?

Wham! played Beijing's Workers' Gymnasium on 7 April 1985, the first concert by a Western pop group in China, after manager Simon Napier-Bell spent more than a year courting officials.

Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were both members of which band before forming Eurythmics?

The Tourists broke up in 1980; Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) brought Eurythmics global acclaim in 1983.

Which 1985 Dire Straits album was the first to sell a million copies on CD?

It has sold over 30 million copies and is the eighth-best-selling album in UK history.

How did Phil Collins travel from London to Philadelphia to play both Live Aid concerts?

Phil Collins played Wembley, took a helicopter to Heathrow and boarded Concorde to New York, reaching Philadelphia in time to drum for Eric Clapton and the Led Zeppelin reunion.

Tears for Fears were formed in 1981 in which English city?

Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith met as teenagers in Bath and formed Tears for Fears there in 1981 after their mod band Graduate split.

Depeche Mode were formed in 1980 in which Essex town?

Depeche Mode formed in Basildon, Essex, in 1980; Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke had all grown up in the new town.

New Order formed in 1980 after the suicide of which Joy Division singer?

Ian Curtis died in May 1980, on the eve of Joy Division's first American tour; Sumner, Hook and Morris carried on as New Order with keyboardist Gillian Gilbert.

The Smiths formed in which city in 1982?

Manchester produced The Smiths in 1982, as it had Joy Division; after the 1987 split, drummer Mike Joyce's lawsuit over royalties outlived the band by years.

The Cure were formed in 1976 in which Sussex town?

Robert Smith and Lol Tolhurst, schoolmates in Crawley, Sussex, started the band as Malice in 1976; it became Easy Cure, then The Cure in 1978.

Which two brothers played guitar and bass in Spandau Ballet?

Gary Kemp wrote the songs and played guitar while his younger brother Martin Kemp played bass; both later starred as the Kray twins in the 1990 film The Krays.

A-ha were formed in 1982 in which city?

Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Pål Waaktaar formed A-ha in Oslo in 1982 before moving to London to find a record deal.

Bon Jovi were formed in 1983 in which New Jersey town?

Jon Bon Jovi grew up in Sayreville, New Jersey, and formed the band there in 1983 with keyboardist David Bryan, his bandmate from the local act Atlantic City Expressway.

Who produced Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction?

Mike Clink, previously an engineer for Ron Nevison, produced Appetite for Destruction, released by Geffen on 21 July 1987 and later certified 18× platinum by the RIAA.

Eddie Van Halen named his studio 5150 after what?

Van Halen's 1986 album with Sammy Hagar carried the same name.

Which former Montrose frontman replaced David Lee Roth as Van Halen's singer in 1985?

Sammy Hagar had fronted Montrose and built a solo career before the 'Van Hagar' era began in 1985; Gary Cherone later had a single-album stint in the job.

Mötley Crüe were formed in 1981 by which two members?

Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee founded Mötley Crüe in Los Angeles in January 1981; Mick Mars joined through a classified ad and Vince Neil, a schoolmate of Lee's, completed the line-up.

Bruce Dickinson replaced which singer in Iron Maiden in 1981?

Paul Di'Anno sang on Iron Maiden's first two albums before being sacked in 1981; Bruce Dickinson, formerly of Samson, debuted on The Number of the Beast (1982).

AC/DC's Back in Black (1980) was the first album with which singer, after Bon Scott's death?

Brian Johnson, formerly of Geordie, joined AC/DC in April 1980 after Bon Scott died of alcohol poisoning that February; Back in Black followed in July.

Journey was formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of which band?

Guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Gregg Rolie left Santana to form Journey in San Francisco in 1973; Escape (1981), with 'Open Arms', became their only Billboard 200 number one.

Huey Lewis and the News's 'The Power of Love' featured in which 1985 film?

'The Power of Love' was written for Back to the Future, in which Huey Lewis cameos as the teacher who rejects Marty McFly's band; it became the group's first US number one.

Janet Jackson's 1986 album Control was made with which production duo?

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, former members of The Time, produced Control in Minneapolis; Janet Jackson had just fired her father Joseph as her manager.

Before her singing career, Paula Abdul was head choreographer for which group?

Paula Abdul joined the Laker Girls at 18 and became their head choreographer; the Jacksons spotted her at a game and hired her to choreograph their 1984 'Torture' video.

Which single made Debbie Gibson the youngest woman to write, produce and sing a Hot 100 number one?

'Foolish Beat' reached Hot 100 number one in June 1988, when Debbie Gibson was 17, making her the youngest artist to write, produce and perform a chart-topping single.

Which producer, who discovered New Edition, wrote most of New Kids on the Block's early work?

Maurice Starr assembled New Kids on the Block in Boston in 1984 after losing New Edition, and wrote and produced most of their first two albums, including 'Hangin' Tough'.

Which 1986 Run-DMC album became the first multi-platinum hip-hop record?

Raising Hell (1986) reached number three on the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum, the first multi-platinum hip-hop album; it also produced the group's first top-ten single.

Public Enemy was formed in 1985 in which New York town?

Chuck D and Flavor Flav formed Public Enemy in Roosevelt, on Long Island, in 1985; their debut Yo! Bum Rush the Show appeared in 1987.

Kylie Minogue first found fame playing which character in Neighbours?

Kylie Minogue played mechanic Charlene Mitchell from 1986 to 1988; Charlene's wedding to Jason Donovan's Scott Robinson drew around 20 million UK viewers when it aired there in 1988.

Which Bananarama single reached number one in the US in 1986?

Bananarama's Stock Aitken Waterman-produced cover of Shocking Blue's 'Venus' topped the Hot 100 in September 1986, the group's only US number one.

The Go-Go's 1981 debut album, a cornerstone of US new wave, was called what?

Beauty and the Beat, released by I.R.S. in July 1981, topped the Billboard 200 for six weeks and carried 'We Got the Beat' and 'Our Lips Are Sealed'.

Which Bangles hit of 1986 was written by Prince?

Prince wrote 'Manic Monday' under the pseudonym 'Christopher' and gave it to the Bangles; it reached number two in the US in 1986, held off by his own 'Kiss'.

R.E.M. formed in 1980 in which Georgia college town?

Michael Stipe and Peter Buck met in an Athens record store and R.E.M. played their first show there on 5 April 1980; the B-52's came from the same college town.

Kenny Loggins's 'Footloose' spent how many weeks at number one in 1984?

'Footloose' held the Hot 100 top spot for three weeks from 31 March 1984, Kenny Loggins's only chart-topper and the first of the film's two number ones, ahead of 'Let's Hear It for the Boy'.

Which producer composed the music for 'Flashdance... What a Feeling'?

Irene Cara co-wrote the lyrics and won a Grammy; the song won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Relax' replaced which song at UK number one in January 1984?

'Relax', produced by Trevor Horn for ZTT, knocked Paul McCartney's 'Pipes of Peace' off UK number one on 28 January 1984 and stayed there five weeks despite a BBC radio ban.

Europe's 'The Final Countdown' reached number one in how many countries?

'The Final Countdown', from Europe's 1986 album of the same name, reached number one in 25 countries, including the UK, where it spent two weeks on top in December 1986.

Bryan Adams's 1984 album Reckless was the first by a Canadian to achieve what?

Its six charting singles included 'Summer of '69' and the US number one 'Heaven'.

Which INXS single was the band's only US number one?

'Need You Tonight', the lead single from Kick, topped the Hot 100 in January 1988; 'Devil Inside' and 'New Sensation' peaked at two and three.

'The Safety Dance' was written after its singer was thrown out of a club for doing what?

Ivan Doroschuk wrote it as a protest against bouncers who banned pogoing.

Tracy Chapman's 1988 debut was boosted by her appearance at which concert?

At Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Tribute at Wembley on 11 June 1988, Tracy Chapman played an extra set when Stevie Wonder's equipment failed; her album topped the Billboard 200 that August.

Sony's Walkman was adapted from which small recorder used by journalists?

Sony engineers stripped the recording circuit from the Pressman, a pocket cassette recorder sold to journalists, to make the first Walkman, the TPS-L2, launched on 1 July 1979.

Roughly how many Roland TR-808 drum machines were built between 1980 and 1983?

Roland built about 12,000 TR-808s before production ended in 1983, when the batch of faulty transistors that gave the unit its sound could no longer be sourced.

Who directed Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video, released in December 1983?

Landis co-wrote it with Jackson; Ola Ray co-starred.

'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' came from the writers of which earlier Whitney Houston hit?

George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam of Boy Meets Girl wrote 'How Will I Know' (1985) and 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' (1987); Narada Michael Walden produced both Whitney Houston hits.

N.W.A's Straight Outta Compton became the first gangsta rap album to do what in July 1989?

An FBI agent sent a warning letter over 'Fuck tha Police'.

Queen and David Bowie's 'Under Pressure' reached UK number one in which year?

'Under Pressure', written with David Bowie at Queen's Montreux studio, reached UK number one in November 1981; Hot Space included it the following year.

Which Queen member wrote 'Radio Ga Ga'?

Drummer Roger Taylor wrote 'Radio Ga Ga' after hearing his young son say 'radio ca-ca'; Queen played it at every concert from 1984 to 1986, including Live Aid.

Prince's 'Kiss' was the lead single from which 1986 album?

Parade, the 1986 soundtrack to Prince's film Under the Cherry Moon, yielded 'Kiss', which topped the Hot 100 in April 1986 and won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

Def Leppard's 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' came about how?

VH1 ranked it number two among the 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s.

Starship's 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' was the theme to which 1987 film?

Written by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond for Mannequin, the Andrew McCarthy–Kim Cattrall comedy, it gave Starship a US number one and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

The first version of Pet Shop Boys' 'West End Girls' in 1984 was produced by whom?

Bobby Orlando, the New York Hi-NRG producer, cut the first 'West End Girls' with Pet Shop Boys in 1984; the 1985 re-recording with Stephen Hague topped the UK and US charts in 1986.

Phil Collins's 'Against All Odds' won which Grammy in 1985?

'Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)' won Phil Collins the 1985 Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male; it was also nominated for the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Joan Jett's 1982 hit 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' was a cover of a 1975 song by which English band?

The Arrows' Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker wrote it for their glam band in 1975; Jett saw them play it on British TV, and her version topped the US chart for seven weeks in 1982.

Bobby McFerrin's 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' (1988) was the first Hot 100 number one recorded how?

Recorded entirely a cappella, every sound being Bobby McFerrin's overdubbed voice and body percussion, it led his album Simple Pleasures and topped the Hot 100 for two weeks in 1988.

Which German producer founded Milli Vanilli in 1988, hiring other singers for the records?

Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus only danced and lip-synced; after Farian confessed, the duo's Best New Artist Grammy was revoked.

'In the Air Tonight' was the lead single from which 1981 Phil Collins album?

Face Value, released in February 1981, opens with 'In the Air Tonight', written on a drum machine as Phil Collins worked through his divorce; the single reached UK number two.

Billy Idol has said 'White Wedding' (1982) was inspired by whose wedding?

Billy Idol has said the lyric was sparked by his sister's wedding while she was pregnant, a 'shotgun wedding' in his words; the single peaked at number 36 in the US in 1983.

Which single from ZZ Top's 1983 album Eliminator reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100?

'Legs', released as a single in 1984, reached number eight on the Hot 100, the highest placing of Eliminator's singles; the album was later certified diamond by the RIAA.

'Love Shack' (1989) came from which comeback album by the B-52's?

Cosmic Thing (1989) returned the B-52's to the charts three years after Bouncing off the Satellites; 'Love Shack', produced by Don Was, reached number three in the US, the band's first top-40 hit.

Salt-N-Pepa's 'Push It' was first released in 1987 as the B-side to which single?

'Push It' first appeared in 1987 on the flip side of 'Tramp', Salt-N-Pepa's cover of the Otis Redding–Carla Thomas duet; a Cameron Paul remix pushed it to number 19 on the Hot 100 in 1988.

Who wrote Pat Benatar's 1983 hit 'Love Is a Battlefield'?

Holly Knight and Mike Chapman wrote 'Love Is a Battlefield', one of two studio tracks on the 1983 live album Live from Earth; it reached number five in the US and won Pat Benatar a Grammy.

John Mellencamp has said 'Jack & Diane' was based on which 1962 Tennessee Williams film?

Mellencamp has said Paul Newman's 1962 film Sweet Bird of Youth sparked the song; released as John Cougar on American Fool, 'Jack & Diane' spent four weeks at number one in October 1982.

Tom Petty's 1989 solo debut Full Moon Fever was heavily shaped by which Traveling Wilburys bandmate?

Lynne's glossy production smoothed out the Heartbreakers' roots rock; Orbison and Harrison also contributed before the April 1989 release.

Which duo recorded the Dirty Dancing theme '(I've Had) The Time of My Life'?

Bill Medley, once half of the Righteous Brothers, and Jennifer Warnes recorded it for the 1987 film; written by Franke Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz, it won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Whitesnake's 1987 smash 'Here I Go Again' was a re-recording of a track from which earlier album?

First recorded for Saints & Sinners in 1982 by David Coverdale and co-writer Bernie Marsden, 'Here I Go Again' was remade for Whitesnake's 1987 album and topped the Hot 100 that October.

'Walk Like an Egyptian' was the Bangles' first US number one, taken from which 1986 album?

Different Light (1986), the Bangles' second album, yielded 'Walk Like an Egyptian', which spent four weeks at Hot 100 number one from December 1986 and was Billboard's top single of 1987.