Y
1980
1980 in British Music
New romantics, Iron Maiden, and a new decade of British music dawns.
Key Events
- •Iron Maiden release their debut — the New Wave of British Heavy Metal roars
- •Joy Division's Ian Curtis dies — the band becomes New Order
- •Dexy's Midnight Runners and The Specials top the charts — soul and ska at full strength
Dominant Genres
New WaveNWOBHMSynthpopSka
Notable Trends
- →New Romantic movement (Spandau Ballet, Visage) brings flamboyant style
- →Heavy metal's new British wave gains global momentum
- →MTV launches — music videos about to change everything