rock

1980
AC/DC offered Johnson a place

On 29 March 1980, Malcolm offered Johnson a place in the band, much to the singer’s surprise. Out of respect for Scott, the band wanted a vocalist who would not be an imitator. In addition to his distinctive voice, demeanour and love of classic soul and blues music, the group…
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Def Leppard was released on 14 March 1980

Def Leppard’s debut album, On Through the Night , was released on 14 March 1980. Although the album hit the Top 15 in the UK, many early fans were turned off by the perception that the band was trying too hard to appeal to American audiences by recording songs such…
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Adam and the Ants While forming the new band, Ant and Pirroni, with future Culture Club

While forming the new band, Ant and Pirroni, with future Culture Club drummer Jon Moss , re-recorded the Dirk Wears White Sox track ” Cartrouble Part 2 ” as a contract-fulfilling single for Do It. The label hired Hughes to produce the duo at Rockfield Studios in Wales, after which…
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The Saints (Australian band) The Saints’ first release after Kuepper’s departure was the EP

The Saints’ first release after Kuepper’s departure was the EP, Paralytic Tonight, Dublin Tomorrow , in March 1980 on Lost Records with Bailey producing. It was followed by a studio album, The Monkey Puzzle , co-produced by Bailey and Gerry Nixon for Mushroom Records in February 1981. It reached the…
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The Angels (Australian band) The Angels signed an international contract with CBS Records and, in

The Angels signed an international contract with CBS Records and, in March 1980, released a new version of Face to Face on the Epic Records subsidiary. It is a compilation of tracks from the Australian forms of Face to Face and No Exit , plus an edited variety of the…
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The Police first world tour

In March 1980, the Police began their first world tour, including Mexico, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Greece and Egypt. The tour was subsequently documented in the film The Police Around the World (1982), directed by Kate and Derek Burbidge, which contains footage shot by Annie Nightingale originally intended for a…
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Genesis (band) Released in March 1980

Released in March 1980, Duke was the band’s biggest commercial success at the time of release, spending two weeks at No. 1 in the UK and peaking at No. 11 in the US. The album spawned three singles; ” Turn It On Again ” went to No. 8 in the…
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The Clash premiered at the 30th Berlin International Film Festival

On 27 February 1980, the film premiered at the 30th Berlin International Film Festival , where it won an honourable mention.

U2 In August 1979, U2 recorded demos at Windmill Lane Studios with CBS

In August 1979, U2 recorded demos at Windmill Lane Studios with CBS talent scout Chas de Whalley as producer, marking the first of the band’s many recordings at the studio during their career. The following month, three songs from the session were released by CBS in Ireland as the EP…
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AC/DC pronounced dead

Unable to wake Scott early on the evening of 19 February, Kinnear rushed him to King’s College Hospital , Camberwell, where Scott was pronounced dead on arrival. The official cause of death was ” acute alcohol poisoning “. Scott’s family buried him in Fremantle, Western Australia , the area they…
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