1980 |
Les Prior, frontman of Mancunian spoof punk band Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias, dies of leukemia in January 1980. The band continue for 2 more years without him. |
The Bee Gees write the 'After Dark' album for younger brother, Andy Gibb. It reaches US no.21 and spawns the hits 'Desire' (US no.4) and 'I Can't Help It' (US no.12) |
Hughie Flint reaches UK.no 40 in March with The Blues Band debut 'The Official Bootleg Album'. The follow up 'Ready' reaches UK no.36 in October |
In April, Phil Lynott reaches no.28 with his debut solo album 'Solo in Soho'. It includes the hit singles 'Dear Miss Lonely Hearts' (no.32), 'King's Call' (no.35) and 'Yellow Pearl' (no.14) |
10cc return with the album 'Look Hear?', the first since Eric Stewart's car accident which had significantly affected his hearing. It only reaches no.35 and is the last chart success the band are to enjoy |
In April, John Cooper Clarke reaches no.29 with 'Snap, Crackle & Bop', which is widely regarded as his best ever album. It's certainly his only commercial success and includes the track 'Beasley Street' |
In May Magazine reach no.28 with their third album 'Correct Use Of Soap' |
.At 5am on 18th May 1980, Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis hangs himself at his Macclesfield home, he is just 23 years old |
.Joy Division's posthumous single 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' reaches no.13 in June, whilst the album 'Closer', also recorded before Curtis's suicide, reaches no.6 |
In Sep, Godley & Creme score their first chart success since splitting from 10cc with singles 'Under Your Thumb' (no.3) and 'Wedding Bells' (no.7). Both are included on the album 'Ismism' (no.29) |
In November, Barclay James Harvest reach number 2 in the German singles charts with 'Life Is For Living', their biggest ever hit. It's later included on the album 'Turn Of The Tide', which also reaches no.2 in Germany |
In December, Sad Cafe, fail to chart with their self-titled fourth album. The singles 'I'm In Love Again' (UK no.40) and 'La-Di-Da' (US no.78) also flop and the following 'Sad Cafe Live' LP (UK no.37) is their last ever chart success |
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1981 |
The Bee Gees move away from their now trademark disco sound with their ground-breaking thirteenth studio album, 'Living Eyes', the first ever to be recorded onto CD by any band. Following their almost world domination of the previous two LP's it comes as a shock that it fails to reach the Top 40 in either the UK or USA. |
| New Order |
Ceremony |
Following the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis, Joy Division rename themselves New Order, with guitarist Bernard Sumner taking vocal duties.Gillian Gilbert, girlfriend of drummer, Stephen Morris, is added as a keyboard player although they remain fairly loyal to the dark Joy Divisionstyle. Their debut single, 'Ceremony', penned by Ian Curtis, only reaches UK no.30 in March, with the follow-up double A-side 'Procession / Everything's Gone Green' fairing even worse (no.38) |
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In June Magazine reach no.39 with their fourth studio LP, 'Magic, Murder And The Weather'.Howard De Voto leaves the group shortly after and the band split up |
Ex-Nosebleeds and Slaughter & The Dogs vocalist, Stephen Patrick Morrissey publishes his first book, 'The New York Dolls', a biography of his favourite band [click here to buy] |
'Still', a collection of rare and live Joy Division tracks reaches no.5 in October 1981 |
Despite the continued interest in Joy Division, New Order continue to struggle with their debut album Movement' only reaching UK no.30. With the band still seeking direction without Ian Curtis, one track, 'Dreams Never End' is even sang by bass player Peter Hook |
| Elkie Brooks |
Pearls |
In November, Elkie Brooks enjoys her biggest ever chart success, reaching no.2 with the album 'Pearls'. Selling over 1.2 million copies and staying in the charts for 79 weeks, it enters her into the Guinness Book of Records as 'the most charted British female album artist of the last 30 years'. The LP includes the no.17 single, a cover of Chris Rea's 'Fool If You Think It's Over'[video] |
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The Buzzcocks split up |
Wigan Casino nightclub finally closes its doors on December 6th, unable to renew it's license because of increasing drug abuse, Wigan council make plans to build a civic centre in its place. |
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1982 |
Wigan Casino is finally demolished in February, after a fire had delayed the process. Interestingly, Wigan council decide not to build a civic centre after all |
In May, The Hacienda nightclub opens on Whitworth Street in Manchester, owned by Factory Records, it's even given it's own catalogue number, FAC51 |
In the same month, New Order, who it later transpires are funding The Hacienda, reach no.29 with the dance influenced single 'Temptation'. The importance of this single isn't realised until later, when it sets the blueprint for the band's new sound, mixing New York disco sound with British synth pop, which arguably makes them the most influential Manchester band ever [video] |
| ABC |
Lexicon Of Love |
After interviewing Sheffield band Vice Versa, Mancunian journalist Martin Fry is invited to join the band as vocalist, changing their name to ABC. TheirNorthern Soul inspired debut album, 'Lexicon Of Love' spends 4 weeks at no.1 in the UK (USA no.24), selling over 300,000 copies. It includes the quarter of a million-selling single 'The Look of Love' (UK #4 / USA #15), together with other smash hits 'All My Heart' (#5), 'Poison Arrow' (UK #6 / USA #24) & Tears Are Not Enough' (#19) [video] |
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In July, Barclay James Harvest enjoy their best ever chart success with the live album 'A Concert For The People (Berlin)'. Recorded at a massive free open-air concert on the steps of the Reichstag, next to the Berlin Wall in 1980, it reaches no.15 in the UK and tops the chart in Germany |
In August, the Frantic Elevators fail to chart with their single 'Holding Back The Years'. Lead singerMick Hucknall could never predict the success the song will bring him in the future |
With her 'Pearls' album still in the charts, Elkie Brooks reaches no.5 in November with follow-up, 'Pearls II'. It includes the single, 'Nights In White Satin', a cover of the Moody Blues classic (UK no.33) |
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1983 |
| Limahl |
Too Shy |
spikey-mullet haired Pendleton punk Christopher Hamill, better knows asLimahl (an anagram of his surname), joins instrumental new wave group Art Nouveau as lead singer. They change their name to Kajagoogoo and spend 2 weeks at no.1 with the synth pop hit 'Too Shy' in January (US #5). Together with hits, 'Ooh To Be Ahh' (UK #7) and 'Hang On Now' (UK #13 / U.S. #78), it's included on their debut album 'White Feathers' (UK no.5 / US no.38) [video] |
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Stephen Morrissey's second book, 'James Dean Is Not Dead' is released [click here to buy] |
In March, New Order's Falklands War inspired dance track, 'Blue Monday', reaches no.9 in the UK and becomes the biggest selling 12" of all time. The cover art work is so elaborate it reportedly losesFactory Records 2p for every copy of the initial run sold. It's later amended, which comes as a relieve with an estimated million copies being sold [video] |
In May, New Order's second album, the electronic-based 'Power, Corruption & Lies' reaches no.4 in the UK. It includes the track 'Ecstasy', an indication of the new drug of choice in The Hacienda |
In May, Barclay James Harvest reach no.36 in UK (no.4 in Germany) with album 'Ring Of Changes', which includes singles 'Just A Day Away (Forever Tomorrow)' & 'Waiting For The Right Time' |
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In October, The Bee Gees reach UK no.14 with the soundtrack to 'Saturday Night Fever' sequel 'Staying Alive' |
| James |
Jimone |
Whalley Range band, James, make their debut with the Factory records released 'Jimone' EP in November . It includes tracks 'What's the World', 'Folklore' and 'Fire So Close', recorded at Strawberry Studios [video] |
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Having been sacked from Kajagoogoo because of his prominence, Limahl returns in November with his debut solo hit 'Only For Love' (UK no.16 / USA no.51), taken from his album 'Don't Suppose' (UK #63 / USA #41). He follows this shortly later with the soundtrack to the film 'The Never Ending Story', giving him a UK no.4 hit (USA no.17). They are to be his only Top 40 hits and he is one of many Mancunians who are forced onto the dole, being photographed coming out of a Job Centre [video] |
In the same month, Martin Fry's, ABC can't follow up the success of their debut album, as 'Beauty Stab' only reaches no.12 (US no.69), with it's singles 'That Was Then but This Is Now' (UK no.18 / US no.89) and 'S.O.S.' (no.39) also disappointing [video] |
James drummer Gavan Whelan is asked to leave the band after an on stage fight with Tim Booth |
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1984 |
| The Colourfield |
Virgins And Philistines |
In January, ex-Specials star Terry Hall forms the Manchester pop trio The Colourfield. Their self-titled debut single reaches UK no.43 and is included on their debut album 'Virgins & Philistines' (UK no.12) alongside their biggest hit 'Thinking of You' (no.12) [video] |
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| The Smiths |
The Smiths |
In March, The Smiths are just pipped by The Thompson Twins into the top spot the UK charts with their self-titled debut album. Together with the track 'Reel Around the Fountain', which features lines taken from the Mancunian film A Taste Of Honey, it includes 'Hand In Glove' and the hit single 'What Difference Does It Make?' (UK no.12) [video] |
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April 1984, Barclay James Harvest reach no.33 in the UK (no.4 in Germany) with their album 'Victims Of Circumstance' which includes the single of the same name and 'I've Got A Feeling'. It's to be their last chart success. |
In the same month, Peter Skellern joins Julian Lloyd Webber, Mary Hopkin and Bill Lovelady in the classical meets pop group Oasis. Their self-titled LP reaches no.23 |
Having been invited by The Smiths to ressurect her career by covering their song 'I Don't Owe You Anything' (which had been written with her in mind to sing). 60's singer Sandie Shaw agrees and also covers the tracks 'Jeane' and 'Hand In Glove', which reaches no.27 in the UK singles charts. The band appear with her on Top Of The Pops [video] |
Elkie Brooks only reaches no.35 in July with her 'Minutes' LP |
In October, ABC, by now a duo of Martin Fry and synth player Mark White, only reach UK no.28 (USA no.30), with their third album 'How To Be A Zillionaire', but they do enjoy USA Top 20 hit singles 'Be Near Me' (USA no.9 / UK no.26) and 'How to Be a Millionaire' (USA no.20 / UK no.49) [video] |
In November, The Smiths reach no.7 with the compilation album 'Hatful Of Hollow' which includes BBC Radio 1 Sessions, b-sides and the two hit singles, 'William It Was Really Nothing' (no.17) and 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' (no.10), a nod to Sandie Shaw's 1969 single 'Heaven Knows I'm Missing Him Now' [video] |
In December Elkie Brooks scrapes into the Top 40 with her 'Screen Gems' album (UK no.35) |
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1985 |
| Paul Young |
Mike & The Mechanics |
Taking a break from Sad Cafe, Wythenshaw vocalist Paul Young, joinsMike & The Mechanics for their debut LP. He sings lead vocals on the hits 'All I Need Is a Miracle' (US no.5) and 'Taken In' (US no.32), as well as on the album tracks 'Hanging By a Thread' and 'Take the Reins' . It reaches no.26 in the USA (no.78 in UK) [video] |
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| The Smiths |
Meat Is Murder |
In February, The Smiths, enjoy their only no.1 album with 'Meat Is Murder'. More political than their first two LP's, attacking the Thatcher government, It includes the single 'That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore' (no.49), the Victoria Wood inspired track 'Rusholme Ruffians' and a song about Manchester School, 'The Headmaster Ritual'. Later reissues include the hit single 'How Soon Is Now?' (UK no.24) [video] |
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In May, New Order's largely synthesized third album, 'Low-Life' reaches UK no.7 (US no.94) |
Fivepenny Piece split up in May (they later reform in 1995 with Bernard Wrigley as vocalist) |
| The Stone Roses |
So Young |
The Stone Roses, made up of former Altrincham Grammar pupils Ian Brown and John Squire, plus Alan 'Reni' Wren, Pete Garner and Andy Couzens, appear on the scene in September with the non-charting doom-laden debut punk single, 'So Young', also known as 'Misery Dictionary' |
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| Happy Mondays |
Forty Five EP |
Mike Pickering persuades Factory Records to sign unemployed Salford scallies, Happy Mondays despite them coming last in a talent contest atThe Hacienda. Their debut 'Forty Five E.P,' featuring 'Delightful,' highlights their lack of musical talent and fails to chart in September |
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1986 |
On January 4th 1986, Phil Lynott dies, aged 36, of heart & kidney failure due to his heroin addiction |
The Monkees single "That Was Then, This Is Now," reaches no.20 in the USA (no.68 UK). Due to personal friction between Davy Jones and the rest of the band on their 1986 tour, the Mancunian refuses to sing on the track as well as two other new songs included on the "Then & Now... The Best of The Monkees" compilation album. Both album and single are credited to 'Micky Dolenz & Peter Tork (of The Monkees)'. |
Because of his heroin addiction, bassist Andy Rourke is temporaily sacked from The Smiths, being informed by a Post-It note stuck on his car windscreen by Morrissey. He's reinstated 2 weeks later with his replacement Craig Gannon remaining in the band, moving onto rhythm guitar. |
| The Smiths |
The Queen Is Dead |
In June The Smiths reach no.2 in the UK charts (US no.70) with their fourth album, 'The Queen Is Dead'. Kept from the top spot by Genesis 'Invisible Touch', it's widely regarded as their best release, it features the singles, 'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side' (no.23), and 'Big Mouth Strikes Again' (no.26) [video] |
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After supporting The Smiths, James only reach UK no.68 in June with their debut album 'Stutter' |
In September, New Order's fourth album, 'Brotherhood' reaches UK no.9 |
In October, punk band The Fall score their first chart success, with their 16th, and arguably best, album 'Bend Sinister' (UK no.36). It also includes their first Top 75 single 'Mr Pharmacist' (no.75) |
In November, Elkie Brooks rediscovers chart success with 'No More The Fool' which reaches number 5 in the singles chart. It's later included on the album of the same name which also reaches no.5. At the same time, 'The Very Best Of Elkie Brooks' reaches number 10. [video] |
Andy Couzens leaves The Stone Roses and the band adapt a more baggy sound |
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1987 |
| The Smiths |
The World Won't Listen |
In February The Smiths reach no.2 in the UK charts with the compilation album 'The World Won't Listen', which includes non-album singles 'Shakespeare's Sister' (UK no.26), 'Panic' (UK no.11), 'Shoplifters Of The World Unite' (no.12) and 'Ask' (UK no.14), which features Ewan MacColl's daughter, Kirsty MacColl, on backing vocals. It's kept off the top spot by the Phantom of The Opera Cast Recording. [video] |
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| The Railway Children |
Reunion Wilderness |
Factory Records release Wigan band The Railway Children's debut album, 'Reunion Wilderness', to much critical acclaim. It doesn't chart but their jangly sound, similar to The Smiths, a band Tony Wilson hadn't signed, gains singles 'A Gentle Sound' & 'Brighter' maximum exposure[video] |
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Happy Mondays debut album, the interestingly titled 'Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out)' not only fails to chart in April, but also earns Factory Records a writ from Michael Jackson, who own the Beatles back catalogue. In trouble for stealing lyrics from ''Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da', the track 'Desmond' is quickly replaced on reissues with '24 Hour Party People' |
| Swing Out Sister |
It's Better To Travel |
Swing Out Sister spend 2 weeks at the top of the charts in May with their electro pop jazz-tinged debut album, 'It's Better To Travel', shifting over 100,000 copies. It includes the 250,000 selling smash hit single 'Breakout' ( UK no.4 / USA no.6) as well as 'Surrender' (UK no.7), 'Twilight World' (UK no.32 / USA no.31), and 'Fooled By a Smile' (no.43) [video] |
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In May, The Smiths reach no.38 in the UK charts (US no.63) with the 4 disc import compilation album 'Louder Than Bombs', which includes the new single 'Sheila Take A Bow' (no.10). The album cover features a photograph of Salford playwright Shelagh Delaney. [video] |
| Wax |
Building A Bridge To Your Heart |
Former 10cc bassist Graham Gouldman forms Wax with American singer Andrew Gold. Although they reach no.43 in the USA with 'Right Between The Eyes' in 1986, the duo's only UK hit comes in Aug 1987 with 'Building A Bridge To Your Heart' (no.12) [video] |
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After recording the album, 'Strangeways Here We Come', Johnny Marr leaves The Smiths, citing his anger at Morrissey's regular covers of 60's pop tunes. The band split up in August with Marrtemporarily joining The Pretenders. |
In August, New Order's 12" single compliation album, 'Substance', reaches UK no.3 (US no.36) and includes the new hit single 'True Faith' (UK no.4 / USA no.32) |
Pete Garner quits The Stone Roses in August after second single, 'Sally Cinnamon', fails to chart |
The 10cc and Godley & Creme compilation album 'Changing Faces - The Very Best Of 10cc and Godley & Crème' reaches no.4 in the same month |
| Bee Gees |
You Win Again |
The Bee Gees score their fifth UK no.1 hit single, their first chart hit in 8 years. It spends 4 weeks in the top spot, selling over 500,000 copies in Sep and is included on the album 'E.S.P.' (UK no.5) [video] |
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| The Smiths |
Strangeways Here We Come |
In October, The Smiths final album, 'Strangeways, Here We Come', is finally released, reaching no.2 in the UK charts (US no.55). Kept off the top spot by Michael Jackson's 'Bad', it features hit singles 'I Started Something I Couldn't Finish' (no.23), 'Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me' (no.30) and 'Girlfriend in a Coma' (no.10), which again features a photo ofShelagh Delaney on the sleeve. [video] |
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After being treated for Hodgkin's disease, Martin Fry returns in October with ABC's UK no.7 (US no.48) album, 'Alphabet City'. It includes the worldwide smash 'When Smokey Sings' (UK no.11 / USA no.5), a tribute to Smokey Robinson, together with other singles 'The Night You Murdered Love' (no.31) and 'King Without a Crown' (no.44) [video] |
| The Mock Turtles |
Pomona EP |
5 piece Middleton band The Mock Turtles, fronted by Martin Coogan, the elder brother of comedian Steve Coogan, emerge on the scene in 1987 with the 4 track 'Pomona EP', featuring the track 'John O'War'. (Does not chart) |
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Karl Shale leaves Colourfield and after their 3rd album fails to chart, the group call it a day |
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1988 |
| 808 State |
Newbuild |
Biting Tongues member Graham Massey, Techno DJ Gerald Simpsonand Martin Price, the owner of the Eastern Bloc record store, rename theirHit Squad Mcr hip hop act 808 State, and, like so many other bands who are regulars at The Hacienda, shift to an acid house sound. Their debut album 'Newbuild', with drug influenced track, 'E Talk', fails to chart in Jan. |
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On March 10th 1988, Andy Gibb dies at the age 30 as a result of an inflammation of the heart, possibly caused by his cocaine addiction. Tragically, his death comes only a few days after his brothers decide he should become the fourth member of The Bee Gees |
| Morrissey |
Viva Hate |
Morrissey recruits Vini Reilly of The Durutti Column to release his debut solo album. It goes straight to no.1 in the UK (US no.48) in March, barely 6 months after The Smiths final album was released. The lyrics and the album title are both bitter and political with tracks like 'Margaret on the Guillotine' and hit singles 'Suedehead' (no.5) & 'Everyday Is Like Sunday' (no.9) [video] |
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Also in March, the latest line-up of The Fall reaches no,19 with the album 'The Frenz Experiment'. With more of a pop influence than before, it includes their biggest ever hit single, a cover of theNorthen Soul track 'There's A Ghost In My House' (no.30) and another cover, The Kinks 'Victoria' (no.35) |
The Joy Division collection '1977-1980 Substance' reaches no.7 in July |
| Inspiral Carpets |
Plane Crash EP |
psychadelic Oldham band Inspiral Carpets , with vocalist Stephen Holt, release their debut recording, 'Plane Crash EP in July, containing the grage pop track 'Keep The Circle Around'. It doesn't chart but wins widespread airplay from Radio 1 |
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| The Hollies |
He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother |
The re-release of The Hollies 1969 track spends two weeks at UK number 1 in September following it's use in the popular Miller Lite beer advert [video] |
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| The Smiths |
Rank |
In the same month, due to contractual requirements, the now defunktSmiths release the live album 'Rank' (recorded in 1986). Riding high onSmiths nostalgia and the success of Morrissey's debut solo album, itreaches UK no.2 (US no.77), kept off the top spot by 'Kylie - The Album' |
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Godley & Creme split after their seventh album, 'Goodbye Blue Sky', fails to chart |
| Paul Young |
The Living Years |
Sad Cafe vocalist Paul Young, re-appears on Mike & The Mechanicssecond album, 'The Living Years', reaching no.2 in November (US no.13). The title track, sang by Paul Carrack, tops the charts in the USA and across the globe (UK no.2) |
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The Buzzcocks re-unite although fail to score any future chart success |
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1989 |
| New Order |
Technique |
In February, New Order enjoy their first no.1 album 'Technique' (US no.32). Recorded in Ibiza, it incorporates acid house influences into the group's techno-rock sound, opening the door for a whole scene of Mancunian dance rock bands. It spawns the singles 'Fine Time' (UK no.11), 'Round And Round' (UK no.21 / USA no.64) and 'Run' (no.49) [video] |
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former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr joins The The, where he remains a member for 5 years |
Georgie Fame joins Van Morrison's band, playing organ |
In March, Inspiral Carpets, replace vocalist Stephen Holt with Hacienda glass collector, Tom Hingley. Their 'Train Surfing EP', with the track 'Butterfly' fails to chart |
The Bee Gees only reach UK no.29 in April with their sixteenth album 'One', which is largely written about their brother, Andy. |
In May, Swing Out Sister, now a duo with Martin Jackson having left the group, enjoy a UK no.9 album with the more easy-listening inspired 'Kaleidoscope World'. It includes the singles 'You On My Mind' (no.28), 'Where In the World' (no.47) and 'Forever Blue' (no.80) [video] |
ABC also experiment with the sound of acid house, that by now is pumping out of The Haciendaand onto the airwaves. The album 'Up' flops (no.58), spawning the no.32 single 'One Better World'[video] |
| The Stone Roses |
The Stone Roses |
The Stone Roses self-titled debut album only reaches no.32 in March despite later being described by many music magazines as the 'greatest album of all time'. It includes the minor hits 'She Bangs the Drums' (no.36) and 'Made of Stone' (no.90). Whilst not being commercially successful on its release, it goes on to influence different generations and reappears in the UK Top 10 some 15 years later! [video] |
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Still going strong, punk band The Fall reach no.40 with their 'Seminal Live' album |
On October 22nd 1989, Ewan MacColl dies of complications following a heart operation. He had just finished writing his autobiography, 'Journeyman', which was released after his death. [click here to buy] |
In November, 808 State enjoy their first chart success with The Hacienda classic 'Pacific State' (UK no.10), recorded whilst Gerald Simpson was still a member of the group. It's later included on their non-charting 'Quadrastate' EP [video] |
The same month, Happy Mondays also enjoy their first chart success with their 'Madchester - Rave On EP' which, with its acid house meets funk rock tones becomes a massive hit in The Hacienda. Tracks include 'Hallelujah' and 'Rave On'. It reaches no.19 in the UK charts and labels the whole era [video] |
Despite neither song appearing on the album, the success of The Stone Roses double-A side single 'What The World Is Waiting For' and 'Fools Gold' (no.8) pushes their self-titled debut album back into the charts at no.19 in December [video] |
Sad Cafe disband after their 'Whatever it Takes' album fails to chart. Paul Young continues to work with Mike & The Mechanics |
| Electronic |
Getting Away With It |
New Order frontman Bernard Sumner, former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and Pet Shop Boys singer Neil Tennant join forces to create supergroup Electronic. Their debut single, 'Getting Away With It' sells over 250,00 copies, reaching UK no.12 (US #38) in December [video] |
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taken from http://www.prideofmanchester.com |
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