When the English Beat split down the middle in 1983, two groups were formed — one side became General Public, and the other became Fine Young Cannibals. Though both would have success in the early going, Fine Young Cannibals, made up of Andy Cos, Roland Gift, and David Steele would […]
Everything but the Girl (occasionally referred to as EBTG) were an English musical duo, formed in Kingston upon Hull, England in 1982, consisting of lead singer and occasional guitarist Tracey Thorn and guitarist, keyboardist, producer and singer Ben Watt. Everything but the Girl have received eight gold and two platinum […]
One of the most successful pop acts to emerge in the 1980s, the British group Eurythmics combines the strong, often brooding, vocals and lyrics of Annie Lennox with the pop instrumentation and scoring talents of guitarist Dave Stewart. The duo burst onto the music scene in 1983 with their international […]
Originally a progressive rock group, Europe didn’t achieve success until they reworked their sound into bombastic yet melodic pop-metal. In their first incarnation, the Swedish band was called Force. Featuring core members Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar), Tony Reno (drums), and John Leven (bass) — the band won a […]
Established in London in 1985, enduring alternative dance duo Erasure combine the talents of emotive, broad-ranged vocalist Andy Bell and synth idol Vince Clarke, previously a founding member of Depeche Mode and Yazoo. Like those bands, Erasure is a synth-based group, but with stronger, more house-oriented dance inclinations, as well […]
Echo & the Bunnymen are an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1978. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant and bassist Les Pattinson. By 1980, Pete de Freitas joined as the band’s drummer. Their 1980 debut album, Crocodiles, went into the top 20 of […]
Pop duo consisting of David Van Day and Thereza Bazar, both of whom were previouly members of Guys ‘n Dolls. Dollar had five UK Top 10 hits, including: “Love’s Gotta Hold On Me”, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”, “Mirror Mirror (Mon Amour)”, “Give Me Back My Heart” and “Oh L’ […]
Thomas Morgan Robertson (born 14 October 1958), known by the stage name Thomas Dolby, is an English musician, producer, entrepreneur and teacher. He came to prominence in the 1980s, releasing hit singles including “She Blinded Me with Science” (1982) and “Hyperactive!” (1984)
Duran Duran are virtually synonymous with the Eighties. Name a buzz-phrase from that decade – nightclubbing, nouveau riche, new romantic – and it has an attachment to Duran; quite a turnaround for a band who formed primarily in Birmingham, hardly a hotbed of glamour. John Taylor and Nick Rhodes got […]
