1980
The Rubik’s Cube made its debut and was named Toy of the Year. Also, we saw Pacman, the Mini Metro and Post-It notes for the very first time.
News
- Ronald Reagan became American President for the first time.
- Lady Diana Spencer attracted the attention of the world’s press.
- British Airways was privatised.
- The Queen became the first British monarch to visit the Vatican.
- A national steel strike was called.
What’s New?
- Aerobics became the fitness trend of the year.
- In-line roller skates were developed.
- The Sony Camcorder, Pacman, the Mini Metro and Post-It notes.
- Kickers shoes became the footwear of choice.
Entertainment
- Play Your Cards Right, Bergerac, Juliet Bravo, Willo The Wisp and Take the High Road made their debuts on TV.
- Dallas was the most popular TV series in the world.
- The ‘Who Shot JR?’ frenzy hit.
- The pirate radio ship Radio Caroline sunk in a storm.
Box Office
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Kramer vs Kramer, Airplane!, The Shining, Friday the 13th, Breaking Glass, Flash Gordon and Fame.
Music
- John Lennon was shot dead outside his apartment in New York.
- Joy Division singer Ian Curtis committed suicide.
- U2 released their first album, ‘Boy’.
- Johnny Logan from Ireland won the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘What’s Another Year?’
- AC/DC released their ‘Back In Black’ album.
Top Hits of 1980
| No. | Artist | Title |
| #1 | The Police | Don’t Stand So Close To Me |
| #2 | Barbra Streisand | Woman In Love |
| #3 | Kelly Marie | Feels Like I’m In Love |
| #4 | Abba | Super Trouper |
| #5 | Ottawan | D.I.S.C.O. |
| #6 | Blondie | The Tide Is High |
| #7 | Dexy’s Midnight Runners | Geno |
| #8 | Kenny Rogers | Coward Of The Country |
| #9 | Fern Kinney | Together We Are Beautiful |
| #10 | John Lennon | (Just Like) Starting Over |
Sport
- The Olympic Games took place in Moscow. 65 nations boycotted the events.
- Mary Decker became the first woman to run a mile in under four and a half minutes.
- Nigel Short, a 14-year old from Bolton, became an International Chess Master.
- Aston Villa won the First Division title.
- West Ham won the FA cup.
- Ben Nevis won the Grand National.
