Debates still rage as to exactly when “independent” became “indie”, but what most people can agree on is that some brilliant bands hitched up to smaller labels (some of whom later signed to the majors and tussled with the Top 40) rocked our world during the 80s. uDiscover’s Top 10...
One of the most prominent and popular bands of the '80s, this Birmingham-based group rode anMTV-fueled music video wave to massive popularity in the U.S., spotlighting the particularly photogenic qualities of lead singer Simon Le Bon and bassist John Taylor. Although the band's music was o...
Few bands encapsulate the spirit of pop-punk quite like The Offspring, who have been delivering frenetic, infectious anthems since the late '80s. Bursting onto the scene with their breakthrough album Smash in 1994, the band has consistently delivered high-energy tunes that effectively merge punk ...
Let’s start with the 80s bomber jacket – this decade’s bomber is all about post-punk swag, disco glam and accessorising to the MAX. From rebellious patches and pins featuring your favourite bands to safety pins and studs, if you’re going for the alternative look, the 80s bombers wher...
Manchester has continued to produce new music acts though since the heyday of the 80s and 90s. To list just a few that have been successful out of Manchester in the last decade or so, you’ve got The Courteeners, Blossoms, Bugzy Malone, Cabbage, Aitch, and Everything Everything. What ...
The epitome of soulful sophisti-pop in the mid-80s, Sade looked like a supermodel and sang like a superstar. Confusingly, Sade was the name of the band that grew out of the outfit Pride as well as name the frontwoman born Helen Folasade Adu went by. Whatever the logistics, in just ...
Duran Duran perfected what a lot of boring, obscure British bands had been doing before them: mixing colonialist rhythms with sapphire-bullet synths and surly brass. The band peppered the ’80s with a number of hot singles (most of which can be found on the unstoppable side A of Rio) ...
Known for his smooth flow and infectious charisma, this Jamaican-born rapper helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream during the late '80s and early '90s as the frontman for Heavy D & The Boyz. With a unique blend of danceable beats, catchy hooks, and positive lyrics, he played a key ...
Check out successor bands Shack, and The Strands for more evidence of Mick Head's talents. 4. Kolly Kibber's Birthday/Passionate Friend by Julian Cope/The Teardrop Explodes Erratic genius. If he was a footballer (soccer doesn't exist - join the world, America) he'd be out on the ...
before joining Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band in the early 70s. Williams was also a member of the 80s band Sphere, who were devoted to Thelonious Monk’s music. A master of both the acoustic and electric bass, Williams earns his place among the world’s best jazz bassists thanks to hi...