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1982

1982 in British Music

Thriller begins its reign, Dexy's 'Come On Eileen', and synthpop rules.

Key Events

  • Michael Jackson's Thriller released — becomes the biggest-selling album of all time
  • Dexy's Midnight Runners' 'Come On Eileen' — the song of the summer
  • The Smiths play their first gig — Morrissey and Marr begin an era

Dominant Genres

SynthpopNew WavePopIndie

Notable Trends

  • The pop video becomes an art form and marketing necessity
  • Independent labels (Rough Trade, Factory) build alternative infrastructure
  • British pop dominates globally — Culture Club, Wham!, Duran Duran

Key Artists of 1982

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