1980

On this day May 18, 1980, Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division, tragically took his own life at the age of 23 in his Macclesfield residence. This devastating event occurred just one day before Joy Division was set to embark on their inaugural U.S. tour.

On this day May 16, 1980, Devo's third album, "Freedom of Choice," was unleashed upon the world, making its mark at #22 on the Billboard Charts. And who could forget its hit single, "Whip It"?

On this day May 16, 1980, the film "Fame" was released, directed by Alan Parker and starring Irene Cara, Barry Miller, Lee Curreri, and Gene Anthony Ray. Produced with a budget of $8.5 million, it went on to earn $42 million at the box office. Here's a fun fact. Originally titled "Hot Lunch,"...

On this day May 13, 1983, Pope John Paul II was the target of an assassination attempt when Mehmet Ali Ağca shot him twice in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Mehmet Ali Ağca was sentenced to life in prison but was pardoned by Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi at the Pope's request. He was...

On this day May 12, 1980, Billy Joel released the hit single “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” The song climbed to #1 in America from July 19 to August 1 and also topped the charts in Canada. It sold over 2 million copies in the US.

On this day May 9, 1980, Friday the 13th debuted in theaters. Despite its modest $500,000 budget, the film went on to earn nearly $60 million. Fun fact: Kevin Bacon's character, Jack Burrell, met his demise at the hands of Jason Voorhees.

On this day May 6 1980, Ron Howard and Donny Most bid farewell to the regular cast of Happy Days. Their departure coincided with the airing of the final episode titled "Ralph's Family Problem." Upon the show's return in the fall, Henry Winkler, portraying The Fonz, was granted top billing.

On May 4, 1980, "America's Top 10" debuted in syndication, serving as the television counterpart to radio's "American Top 40," which was also hosted by Casey Kasem. This show holds sentimental value for me. During the early 80s I had no MTV so for me it was all about this show.

On this day April 25 1980, Black Sabbath launched their ninth album, "Heaven and Hell," marking their debut with new lead singer Ronnie James Dio. Fun Fact: Ozzy Osbourne served as the lead singer from 1968 to 1979, but the band dismissed him due to struggles with alcohol and drug abuse.

On this day April 24, 1980, Cameo's fifth album, "Cameosis," reached number 5 on the Billboard Charts and claimed the number 1 spot in R&B. Fans of Cameo hailed it as their best album.

On April 19 1980, Brian Johnson stepped into the role of AC/DC's new frontman, replacing the late Bon Scott, who tragically passed away from alcohol poisoning.

On this day April 19, 1980, Blondie's "Call Me" rose to the top spot as the #1 song in America, maintaining its position until May 30. This catchy tune also topped the charts in the UK and Canada. Its popularity soared after being featured in the 1980 film "American Gigolo," starring Richard Gere.

Title: Just Supposin' Artist: Status Quo Genre: Rock & Roll Released: 1980 Tracks: 1 - What You're Proposing - 3:53 2 - Run to Mummy - 3:10 3 - Don't Drive My Car - 4:30 4 - Lies - 4:04 5 - Over the Edge - 4:35 6 - The Wild Ones - 3:57 7 - Name of the Game - 4:31 8 - Coming and...

On this day April 14, 1980, Judas Priest released their sixth album, "British Steel," which debuted at #34 on the Billboard charts. It also claimed the #4 spot in the UK. This album marked the band's first collaboration with new drummer Dave Holland.

On this day April 14, 1980, Iron Maiden's debut album was released, achieving the impressive feat of reaching #4 on the UK charts. This album happens to be one of my favorite ones from Maiden.

On this day April 14, 1980, "Kramer vs. Kramer" took home the Best Picture prize at the 52nd Academy Awards, held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. The event was broadcasted on ABC and hosted by Johnny Carson. Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor for his role in "Kramer vs...

On this day April 12, 1980, the iconic film "Mad Max" premiered, directed by George Miller. The movie featured Mel Gibson in the lead role as "Mad" Max Rockatansky, alongside Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Steve Bisley, Tim Burns, and Roger Ward. While the budget remains undisclosed, the film...

On this day February 29, 1980, saw the release of "Foxes," helmed by Director Adrian Lyne and featuring a stellar cast including Jodie Foster, Scott Baio, Sally Kellerman, and Randy Quaid. While the budget remains undisclosed, the film garnered $7.4 million at the box office.

On this day February 8, 1980, saw the release of "The Fog," directed by John Carpenter and featuring a stellar cast including Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook, and Janet Leigh. Made on a budget of $1.1 million, the film grossed an impressive $21.3 million at the box...

On this day February 7, 1980, Sugarhill Gang unveiled their debut album, Sugarhill Gang, which made its mark by reaching number 32 on the R&B charts. This groundbreaking release featured the iconic track Rapper's Delight, a pioneering song in the history of hip-hop that showcased the group's...