Y
1988

1988 in British Music

The Second Summer of Love — acid house, raves, and a youth revolution.

Key Events

  • The 'Second Summer of Love' — acid house rave culture explodes across Britain
  • The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays define the emerging Madchester sound
  • Bros-mania — teenage hysteria reaches boyband fever pitch

Dominant Genres

Acid HousePopIndieHip Hop

Notable Trends

  • Illegal raves and warehouse parties change nightlife and youth culture forever
  • Ecstasy culture transforms clubland and the music that fills it
  • Madchester fuses indie rock with dance rhythms

Key Artists of 1988

198719881989