1981 was on a social basis a dark period in the UK. The summer riots of 1981 dominated the headlines (fast forward 30 years later!!) but this was more of a race issue than just pure looting. The IRA hunger strikes culminating in elected member of the House Bobby Sands dieing at age of 27, the bombing on the mainland continued with the blast at the Grand Hotel in Brighton where the Tories were having there conference. On a positive the social highlight was Charles and Diana Royal wedding which became a national event (cue 30 years later again!)
Musically only one Group dominated the charts Adam and the Ants led by the charismatic Adam Ant with his wacky clothing and make up.
Synth Pop was beginning to rule the waves with a influx of groups from all corners of the UK such as Ultravox, Depeche Mode, OMD, Human League and Soft Cell. The Human League had a huge hit with Don't you Want me and Soft Cell had a massive Summer number 1 with Tainted Love which went on to be the biggest selling single in the UK.
Following on from the unfortunate death of John Lennon he had two posthumous number one in succession with Imagine and Woman and shortly after that Roxy Music had a number one with Jealous Guy which was penned by John Lennon.
Good old rock and roll had a resurgence with the Welsh Elvis Shakin Stevens notching 2 Number ones with This ole House and Green Door. Also Motown was enjoying a purple patch when Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson also enjoyed a spell at the top. Michael was to leave Motown and enjoy even greater success as the eighties progressed.
As said the summer was in turmoil with riots and this was summed up by the Specials classic hit Ghost Town which reflected the anger of Britain at that time. However, all was not lost as Bucks Fizz won the eurovision to lift spirits and in the process helped themselves to a top spot with Making your mind up.
The Europeans were not to be outdone as Julio Igelsias and Joe Dolce both hit the top of the parade. Joe Dolce was to cause more angst as his annoying hit Shaddap your face kept the classic Ultravox track Vienna off the deserved number one spot. Bizarrely Vienna was the fourth biggest selling single of 1981 even outselling Shaddap Your Face.
1981 also saw the death of two pioneers of music firstly Bill Haley passed away and then the iconic reggae star Bob Marley passed away at a young age through Cancer. Both of there legacy still live on today.
The album was dominated by Adam and the Ants with the release of Kings of the wild frontier which enjoyed 12 weeks at number 1 and was by far the biggest selling album of 1981. ABBA had there usual 2 number one albums. The Police to match there single success also had a long spell at number one with ghosts in the machine. Also John Lennon, Queen, Shakin Stevens and Human League also enjoyed the status of number one albums and singles.
New romantics were hitting the top with Adam and the Ants dominating with the likes of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet in the background.
Did you know?
MTV debuts 1st August on cable TV in the USA
Kerrang Magazine makes it debut in June with ACDC on the cover
Recommended Listening/purchasing
Kings of the wild frontier - Adam and the Ants
Dare - Human League
Double Fantasy - John Lennon
Vienna - Ultravox
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