Y
1979
1979 in British Music
Thatcher enters No. 10, the Walkman arrives, and 2 Tone unites Britain.
Key Events
- •The Specials and Madness lead the 2 Tone ska revival — black and white musicians united
- •Joy Division release Unknown Pleasures — post-punk's dark masterpiece
- •Pink Floyd's The Wall released — one of the last great concept albums
Dominant Genres
2 Tone SkaPost-PunkNew WaveRock
Notable Trends
- →Sony Walkman changes how and where people listen to music
- →2 Tone movement brings racial unity message to pop's centre stage
- →Synthesizers become affordable — electronic music democratises