The biggest news in 1986 was the Nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in the Ukraine where 190 tonnes of highly radioactive Uranium was thrown into the atmosphere and to this effects parts of Ukraine and Belarus.
Journalist John McCarthy was kidnapped in Beirut and was later released in 1991. Also we saw the emergence of sports baddest man on the planet Mike Tyson capture his first world title in Las Vegas.
The royals had there ups and downs with Hampton Court Palace submerged in fire but the royal wedding of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at Westminster abbey help lift the mood.
1986 most talked about news was the hand of god goal that ended England's world cup hopes in Mexico. Diego Maradona small part ensured Argentina progresses all the way at England's expense.
The number one singles of 1986 went from the sublime to the ridiculous. 1986 we saw the demise of bands Wham, Madness, Culture Club and the Clash. This paved the way for others to take the challenge. Pet Shop Boys started the year with West End Girls and Norway's greatest import A-Ha took over with The sun always shine on TV. Billy Ocean rules the waves with when the going gets tough only to be knocked by a reaction a chain reaction that is by Diana Ross.
The number one history books then went through a indifferent phase. Cliff Richard and the young ones hit gold with living doll then was followed by two classy tracks George Michael a different corner and the Austrian showman Falco with rock me Amadeus. We then suffered the annoying Chicken song by spitting image and Dr and the medics monotone spirit in the sky. It picked briefly with Wham final Single Edge of Heaven and Madonna Papa dont preach. We then had a succession of disco slowies at number one with Chris DeBurgh Lady in red, Boris Gardner I want to wake up with you, actor Nick Berry every loser wins and Berlin's take my breath away from the film Top Gun.
Mixed in between all that was Madonna fighting the cause pop melody with true blue and the communards went on to have the biggest selling single of 1986 with the disco classic don't leave me this way.
The end of the year couldn't have been in more contrast with the Swedish perm rockers Europe with the final countdown to a capella song by Housemartins named caravan of love and the year ended with Jackie Wilson reet petite to end a rather confusing year of UK taste.
Did You Know?
A-ha were the first Norwegian act to top the UK singles chart. In addition they also won a record 8 awards at the MTV video music awards.
Sam Fox stopped posing on page 3 for the sun.
13 year old girl Sandra Kim won the eurovision song contest for Belgium.
Deaths in the musical world saw the unfortunate death of 24 year old Cliff Burton the bassist for Metallica who died whilst the tour bus was involved in a accident. Also the Irish rocker Phil Lynott who led the inspirational band Thin Lizzy who died at a very young 36.
The Album charts didn't see much activity, in fact the top spot only exchanged 14 times which was the lowest in the 1980s. NOW 6 started the year in pole position but was quickly replaced by Dire Straits again who were to stay 10 weeks at the top with Brothers in arms.
Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music greatest hits enjoyed a spell at the top then some legendary names equally followed Peter Gabriel So, Queen A kind of magic, Genesis Invisible touch and Madonna True Blue which went on to be the biggest seller of 1986.
The UK Jackson 5 equivalent Five Star silk and steel made an appearance at the top and Paul Simon influential Graceland enjoyed a long spell at the head only to be arrested by the Police whose single collection took over.
NOW and HITS were having there customary battle with HITS 4 and 5 topping but not be outshone NOW responded with NOW 7 and 8 also hitting the heady heights.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
True Blue - Madonna
A kind of Magic - Queen
So - Peter Gabriel
Now that's what I call Music 7 - Various artists
Graceland - Paul Simon
Invisible Touch - Genesis
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