Description

The 1980s in the UK saw a variety of musical styles, including new wave, post-punk, synthpop, heavy metal, and pop:

New wave and post-punk

These movements were the foundation for the popular music of the 1980s.

Synthpop

This electronic music explored the effects of social change and new technology.

Heavy metal

New wave British heavy metal bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Motörhead broke into the mainstream in the early 1980s.

Pop

British pop in the 1980s was bold and innovative, incorporating electronica and synths. Some notable pop artists include The Human League, David Bowie, Bananarama, Culture Club, Dire Straits, Spandau Ballet, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, UB40, Dexys Midnight Runners, and Bonnie Tyler.

Boy bands

The British boy band Bros, consisting of twin brothers Matt and Luke Goss and Craig Logan, was active in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Best-selling singles

Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was the best-selling single of the decade, selling over 3.5 million copies. Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "Two Tribes" spent nine weeks at number one, the longest duration of a single at the time.