1982 War and Peace

1982 saw the news dominated by war and security. Britain went to war with Argentina over the Falklands which saw many service people on both sides suffer horrific losses.

Security was also on the news with the IRA bombings in Hyde Park and Regents Park which saw more service people die. Also the Queen awoke to find a Michael Fagan having a chat with her on her bed. 1982 saw the demise of the Ford Cortina and ceased production. A great British legacy now defunct for progress.

In terms of Music Culture Club made the headlines with Men dressed up as women wearing make up (took some getting used to back then). Bucks fizz also carried on there success with 2 number ones with Land of make believe and the camera never lies.

The Jam also called it a day but went out with 2 number ones with the classic Town Called Malice and Beat Surrender. Shakin Stevens was still around and he hit the top with Oh Julie. Extreme hits were still hitting the top with Tight Fit Lion sleeps tonight and Goombay dance Band ditty 7 tears and yes it did give me tears! also Legends Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder also had a duet Ebony and Ivory which went all the way to the top.

The Germans also enjoyed British success with electro pioneers Kraftwerk classic Das Model and Nicole (Eurovision winner) enjoying German dominance. 1982 also saw two solo artists who left for pastures new enjoy success on there own. Those in the dock were Adam Ant (ex Adam and the Ants) and Captain Sensible (Ex-Damned) and were guilty of 2 classic number ones with goody two shoes and Happy Talk.

Also Madness scored there first number one with House of Fun as there prolific hit factory went into overdrive. Towards the end of year saw some big sales and 2 films profited from this. Rocky film wouldn't be a Rocky film without Survivor who enjoyed the top with Eye of the tiger and Fame went top by Irene Cara. However, British interest was still strong with Dexys Come on Eileen the perennial disco foot stomping favourite, Musical Youth Pass the dutchie and the equally classic Do you really want to hurt me by newcomers Culture Club which fused reggae and pop. The reggae theme continued with Eddy Grant I don't want to dance.

The year ended in a Marmite moment with Rene and Renato enjoying a spell at the top with Save your Love in stark contrast to the beginning of the year when the Human League Classic Dont You want me was ruling the waves.

In terms of Albums Barbara Streisand enjoyed 9 weeks on the top with Love Songs and was the biggest selling album of 1982. The Americans enjoyed more success with Barry Manilow live album and our love affair with Fame continued with the film soundtrack and the Kids from fame both hitting the top along with the film and TV programmes to follow.

ABBA continued there prolific 2 albums a year and both hitting the top but 1982 was the year of compilation albums with John Lennon, Madness, Abba and The Jam enjoying the heady heights. The steel city of Sheffield also celebrated 2 new successes with ABC and The Human League with Lexicon of Love and Dare. However, the old diehards of Roxy Music and Dire straits enjoyed success with there works.

The two surprising number ones were Status Quo and Iron Maiden. Two distinct styles, Quo rocking style guaranteed audience but metal was now pushing into the mainstream and Iron Maiden were determined to punch above there weight.

Deaths of 1982 was dominated by the legendary Blues Brother John Belushi.

Did you know? Channel 4 Made its debut in November
Eurovision contest was held in Harrogate
Hacienda Nightclub opens in Manchester