1984
Ronald Reagan made a risky joke whilst testing a microphone, British miners went on strike and Frankie Goes To Hollywood told us to Relax.
News
- British miners went on strike at pits across the country.
- The Thames flood Barrier was officially opened.
- GCSEs were approved as a replacement for O Levels and CSEs.
- Prince Harry was born.
- The space shuttle Discovery made its first flight.
- President Reagan jokingly ordered a nuclear strike on Russia, whilst testing a microphone, and was picked up on live television.
What’s New?
- Transformers, the BMX craze, the Renault Espace.
- Apple Macintosh computers and the Filofax.
- Leg warmers.
- Virgin Atlantic.
- Care Bears.
Entertainment
- Thomas The Tank Engine, The A-Team and Robin of Sherwood made their TV debut.
- Donald Duck celebrated his 50th Birthday and was made a member of the Screen Actors’ Guild.
Box Office
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Never Say Never Again, Police Academy, Trading Places, Educating Rita, Sudden Impact, Gremlins, Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, The Terminator and Nightmare on Elm Street.
Music
- Madame Tussaud’s unveiled a wax work of Boy George on his 23rd Birthday.
- Madonna broke through into the UK with ‘Holiday’.
- Band Aid released ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’.
- Elton John married Renate Blauel, though they split months later.
Top Hits of 1984
| No. | Artist | Title |
| #1 | Band Aid | Do They Know It’s Christmas? |
| #2 | Stevie Wonder | I Just Called To Say I Love You |
| #3 | Frankie Goes To Hollywood | Relax |
| #4 | Frankie Goes To Hollywood | Two Tribes |
| #5 | George Michael | Careless Whisper |
| #6 | Wham! | Last Christmas |
| #7 | Lionel Richie | Hello |
| #8 | Black Lace | Agadoo |
| #9 | Wham! | Freedom |
| #10 | Ray Parker Jr. | Ghostbusters |
Sport
- Jayne Torville and Christopher Dean excelled at the Winter Olympics, World Championships and European Championships.
- Everton won the FA Cup.
- Hello Dandy won the Grand National.
- Finnish runner, Martti Vaino, came second in the Olympic 10,000m. Shortly after the race he became the first medallist to be disqualified for failing a drugs test.
