The News in 1985 was dominated by 4 events which would change things radically. First Of all Prisoner Nelson Mandela rejected the offer of freedom by the South African Government.
Also tragedy was witnessed at football grounds nationally and internationally. There was 56 killed at the Bradford City Valley Parade ground as fire engulfed the wooden stand and 38 were killed at the Heysel Stadium in Belgium when Liverpool fans clashed with Juventus. As a result English clubs were banned from European competition for 5 years with Liverpool and additional 1 year and in the UK football grounds at all levels were to be made safer with all seaters a requirement in the top divisions.
The Brixton riots was on the news following the shooting of Cherry Grove by Metropolitan Police and civil unrest followed. The 13th July saw the worlds biggest musical event take place. Live Aid took place in the USA and London and raised £50 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.
The single charts saw various number ones and it seemed to be the year of duets. Elaine page and Barbara Dickson with I know him so well, Phil Bailey and Phil Collins with Easy Lover, UB40 and Chrissie Hynde with I got you babe and Bowie and Jagger with Dancing in the Streets all hitting the coveted top spot.
Charity records were to record success with the impending Live Aid concert USA for Africa released we are the world and You'll never walk alone also hit the top to raise funds following the Bradford and Heysel disasters.
Foreigner started the year at number one with I want to know what love is and the american success continued with Sister Sledge ode to Frankie, Madonna chart dominance was beginning with into the groove, Whitney Houston Saving all my love and Jennifer Rush with the biggest selling single of the year the Power of Love.
Dead or Alive started the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory with there first number one called you spin me round. Phyllis Nelson enjoyed a brief stay at the top with Move closer but was replaced by Paul Hardcastle Vietnam song named 19 which stayed at the top for 5 weeks.
Scotland was enjoying success with Eurythmics there must be an angel and Ultravox lead man Midge Ure solo fling with If I was enjoying brief success. Towards the end of the year Feargal Sharkey a good heart was replaced by Wham I'm your man and at the end of the year Shaky did it with a Christmas number one aptly named Merry Christmas everyone.
1985 saw music lose old crooner Matt Monro, the b52 member Ricky Wilson and former teen idol Ricky Nelson.
Did you know?
Jennifer Rush was the first solo female singer to sell over a Million copies of a single in the UK with the Power of Love.
Titanic located by a USA/French Expedition.
Microsoft releases Windows 1.0 and Nintendo is released in America.
VH1 makes TV debut and Wham are the first western group to perform in China.
The number one albums of 1985 were a various mixture with Alison Moyet starting the new year with Alf. The British success continued with The Smiths Meat is Murder and Paul Young. There was some legendary albums also released in 1985 and all stole the march to the top. Kate Bush Hounds of love, Phil Collins No Jacket Required and the top selling album of 1985 Dire Straits Brothers in arms. However, 2 of the biggest iconic albums also hit number one from over the pond. Bruce Springsteen patriotic Born in the USA and Madonna Like a Virgin.
A spell in the summer saw the summit change with the Style Council Our favourite shop, Bryan Ferry Boys and Girls and Marillion Misplaced Childhood exchange places.
Towards the end of the year Sade dulcet soul tones with promise went number one and Simple Minds continued there success with the hugely popular Once Upon a Time which cemented there stadium anthems ambiance.
Also 1985 saw the compilation album dominate gradually. Hits one and Hits two both went top, George Benson collection of love songs also went top and the NOW series continued with NOW 5 and 6 going to the top and following the Christmas theme NOW Xmas album also went all the way. They all profited from the UK enthusiasm for various artists.
Recommended Listening/Purchasing
Brothers in Arms - Dire Straits
Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen
Like a Virgin - Madonna
Once upon a Time - Simple Minds
Meat is murder - The Smiths
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