1984 - Do they Know Its Frankie..

The news in 1984 was dominated by two events one nationally and the other internationally. Firstly Britain was locked in a year long Miners Strike which ripped the heart out of communities and families. With the Unions and the government at loggerheads there was no real winner. Overseas the BBC report by Michael Burke regarding the famine in Ethiopia pricked a lot of consciences and eventually Aid was sent and a charity single to help raise funds and awareness.

1984 nearly saw the UK cabinet destroyed in a hotel in Brighton when a bomb went off. The Provisional IRA attempted to assassinate the whole government but failed. However, In India PM Indira Ghandi was assassinated by her two Sikh guards. This set of civil disobedience and over 2700 Sikhs were killed in the trouble.

Also the comedian/magician Tommy Cooper died on stage during a live TV programme. 1984 also saw the Olympic carnival arrive in LA with Tessa Sanderson, Daley Thompson and Seb Coe earning Gold. While at the winter Olympics in Sarajevo Torvell and Dean earned Gold with 12 perfect 6.0 to the music of Bolero.

Finally, British telecom was privatised and this was the keyword for 80s Britain.

The Music scene in Britain was thriving amongst all the chaos. The UK single sales were the second highest recorded sales since records began. In terms of success the city of Liverpool enjoyed huge success. Paul McCartney enjoyed a number one with Pipes of Peace and perhaps the biggest thing to hit the charts since the 60s was Frankie Goes to Hollywood who enjoyed 3 number ones over a 16 week period with Relax, Two Tribes and Power of Love. In fact the single Relax was banned by the BBC and as a result the song enjoyed huge success and stayed 42 weeks in the top 40.

European success was limited to the German artist Nena who went to number one with 99 red balloons. The Americans success was limited but provided huge hits in terms of sales. Lionel Richie enjoyed a 6 week stay at the top with Hello and Stevie Wonder also a 6 week stay with I just Called to say I love you. Heady times For Motown records. Also Chaka Khan enjoyed the top spot with the Prince written song I feel for you.

British Bands were also in the act and possibly the two biggest in the teen market were Duran Duran and Wham. Duran Duran struck first with the Reflex but wham countered with Wake me up and Freedom. Not being content with that George Michael released his first solo single the Careless Whisper and this duly went to the top.

We also had a one hit wonder with Jim Diamond I should have known better. He obviously did as we never heard from him again. However the year ended with the 2 biggest selling singles of that year being locked at number one and two for 5 weeks. At Number 2 was Last Christmas by Wham and the coveted Christmas spot was Band Aid do they know its Christmas time. Both worthy number ones but there can only be one winner.

Deaths in the musical world saw Jackie Wilson, Luke Kelly the Irish folk singer and Marvin Gaye leave us but not forgotten.

Did you know?

Hello by Lionel Richie was Motown label first Million selling UK single.

Frankie goes To Hollywood were the first group since fellow Liverpudlians Gerry and the Pacemakers to have 3 number ones from there first 3 releases.

Half penny and the pound note went out of circulation.

Virgin Atlantic makes its first maiden flight.

The Album charts also was an assortment of all types. The NOW success gathered more momentum as NOW 1, 2 and 3 all hit the top in 1984. Now 4 failed as CBS released a Rival called Hits Album which kept the top spot under strong pressure. The Liverpool success continued with Paul McCartney Regards to Broad Street and Frankie's Welcome to the pleasure dome match the singles success.

From over the pond, American success was limited to Two number ones but what big successes they were. Michael Jackson Thriller (The biggest selling album of all time) and Lionel Richie Cant slow down (Biggest seller in 1984) set the bench mark.

British artists also enjoyed success with Paul Young No Parlez, Howard Jones Human Lib, David Bowie Tonight, Thompson Twins Into the gap and Wham Make it big all enjoyed similar success.

Reggae was enjoying a period of dominance when Island records released the Iconic album Legend by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The album stayed at the top for 12 weeks and there wasn't a home that didn't have this masterpiece.

There was also Celtic dominance when Eurthymics started the trend with Touch, followed by Simple Minds sparkle in the rain. Later on in the year U2 Unforgettable Fire reached the pinnacle to be replaced by Celtic folk rock band Big Country Steeltown album.

Recommended Listening/Purchasing

Sparkle in the Rain - Simple Minds
No Parlez - Paul Young
Make it Big - Wham
Welcome to the pleasure dome - Frankie Goes to Hollywood