new wave

1980
New Order (band) invited to join the band

Gretton suggested Morris’s girlfriend Gillian Gilbert , and she was invited to join the band in early October 1980 as keyboardist and guitarist.

INXS album released

The album was released in October 1980.

Depeche Mode band changed their name

Composition of Sound would become embarrassed about their band name and started thinking of changing it. There were several potential variants, including the name Musical Moments that was suggested by Vince Clarke as both a band name and the name of their first album. Starting at their concert on 24…
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Duran Duran spent the next months writing, developing and demoing

Duran Duran spent the next months writing, developing and demoing their songs and performed in clubs around Birmingham and London. In September 1980 they had written all of what would become their debut album. Touring as an opening act for Hazel O’Connor , the band attracted critical attention, resulting in…
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The Clash Bankrobber

CBS dismissed this idea and the band released only one single—an original reggae song called ” Bankrobber “, in August.

The B-52s Released on August 27, 1980, Wild Planet was well received by

Released on August 27, 1980, Wild Planet was well received by critics. It reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1980 and was certified gold; ” Private Idaho ” became the band’s second Hot 100 entry. The B-52s performed on Saturday Night Live on January 26, 1980, and…
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New Order (band) unnamed trio debuted live

Before Curtis’s death, the band had agreed to stop using the name Joy Division if any member died or left. Thus, when the three remaining members decided to continue without him, they chose to perform under a different name. During the summer of 1980, the remaining members recorded their first…
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Duran Duran In April 1980, guitarist Andy Taylor came from Newcastle upon Tyne to

In April 1980, guitarist Andy Taylor came from Newcastle upon Tyne to audition after responding to an advertisement in Melody Maker . Andy already had a lot of experience from playing with cover bands for years and although he came from a totally different rock music background his versatile playing…
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Adam and the Ants In July 1980, the band signed a deal with CBS Records and released

In July 1980, the band signed a deal with CBS Records and released the single ” Kings of the Wild Frontier “, which reached No. 48 on the UK Singles Chart . Hughes continued to produce the band’s work, and they completed recording at Rockfield by the end of August.…
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Depeche Mode first live concert

With the advent of affordable synthesisers and the increasing popularity of electronic music, the group began pursuing a synth-pop direction. The first live concert of Composition of Sound as a four-piece was on 14 June 1980 at Nicholas School, Basildon , Essex, England. There is a plaque commemorating the gig…
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