On this day 47 years ago, The Specials released their debut single Gangsters 🖤 04-05-1979 UK ska (2 Tone) fused Jamaican ska with punk, pushing anti racism and unity. Released on the 2 Tone label, “Gangsters” helped spark a movement that changed British music culture. #ska #UKska

Today Dec 21, back in 1979, Madness unleashed “My Girl”. Keyboardist Mike Barson, then driving a banana van, nicked the phrase from a chatty mate and his own love life. “My girl did this my girl did that. Suggs’ cheeky vocals, sax riffs, and the band’s ska chaos made it pure Nutty Boys magic! #ska

Too Nice To Talk To’ by The Beat hit the UK charts in 1980. A standalone single with their signature mix of ska, pop, and social edge. Powered by Dave Wakeling’s melodies and Ranking Roger’s toasting, it’s classic 2-Tone energy at its best. #beat #ska #80s #UK

Nov 26, 1976: Anarchy in the U.K. drops. Outsiders heard chaos; we didn’t. As punk kids, we were having fun, experimenting, and making our own music because rock felt tired and the old styles weren’t ours. #punk

On this day 46 years ago, Madness released One Step Beyond! The 80s were a golden era for music, bursting with energy, style, and ska rhythms. Fun fact: the famous intro shout wasn’t by Suggs but by their tour manager, Chas Smash! Why do you think the album cover is why it is? #madness #ska #80s

October 1965: My Generation hits the world! The Who captured the spirit of the Mods, youth, rebellion & raw attitude. Mods vs Rockers clash in Brighton, leather vs parkas, scooters vs motorbikes. The seaside turned into a youth rebellion battlefield. 🎶👊 #TheWho #Mods 🛵 🎶

🍻 🍻 HURRY UP HARRY – SHAM’S PUB ANTHEM! 🍻 On this day in 1978, Sham 69 dropped Hurry Up Harry, loud, proud, and straight from the bar. Punk’s first wave was fading, but Sham kept it working-class and singalong. “We’re going down the pub!” still echoes in pint glasses today. 🖤🎸🍺 #punk #Sham69 #Oi

On this day 46 years ago, The Specials dropped “A Message to You, Rudy”, a perfect blend of Jamaican ska & UK punk in the 2‐Tone movement. Fun fact: Trombonist Rico Rodriguez played on both the original and The Specials’ version. How cool is that! Ska united Black & white youth in ‘70s UK. #ska

This week in 1979, Thin Lizzy released Sarah, written by proud Irishman Phil Lynott for his newborn daughter. Gary Moore played guitar, Huey Lewis added harmonica. Early US copies misprinted it as My Sarah. Fun fact: Phil’s mum went to bingo with my mum in Dublin! #irish #PhilLynott #thinlizzy #dubs

Today in 1980 - “Lip Up Fatty” was Bad Manners’ first single, a ska anthem led by frontman Buster Bloodvessel. Its title came from a school catchphrase. Their energy helped launch the band in the UK’s 2-Tone ska scene. #80s #ska #2tone #badmanners

In this clip Michael Jackson’s 1974 performance of “Killing me softly with his song”, was part of a medley on The Tonight Show, which also included By the Time I Get to Phoenix and Danny Boy.

Vuela, Vuela was a Spanish cover of the 1986 French hit “Voyage, Voyage” by Desireless that Magneto initially resisted recording? Despite their doubts, it became their breakthrough international hit earning Gold status in Spain and landing on Billboard’s list of top boy‑band tracks 80’s life

Watch this special performance of Why Worry with Mark Knopfler, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers. Knopfler humbly joins his heroes, despite writing the song himself. Chet Atkins deeply influenced him—this heartfelt moment was truly a dream come true for Mark. #NoHashtagsNecassary

On this day in 1983, Dexys Midnight Runners hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with “Come On Eileen.” The catchy tune, blending pop and Celtic folk, became their biggest international hit and a defining 80s anthem. #comeoneileen #dexysmidnightrunners #dexys #80smusic #irish #celtic

Thriller a cappella let’s you understand how impressive Michael Jackson was as a singer. The 13:40-minute Thriller music video was released in December 1983 to promote the single. Directed by John Landis, it is often considered the best and most popular music video of all time. #michaelJackson

A brilliant version of, Beethoven's 5th symphony on an acoustic guitar…

On this day in 1977, Ultravox! released their self-titled debut album. Formed in London in 1974, Ultravox became a leading new romantic band, scoring seven Top Ten albums and 17 Top 40 singles in the UK between 1980 and 1986, including their biggest hit, Vienna (1981). #Ultravox

Rick Buckler RIP #TheJam #riprickbuckler

Witness the athleticism, speed, and agility of the original Lindy Hoppers from Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom! This iconic 1941 Hellzapoppin’ scene showcases Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers at their peak. Born in the ’20s, Lindy Hop evolved into Boogie and Rock ’n Roll. Pure brilliance! #lindyhop #rocknroll #dance

michael jackson singing acapella…

A rare 60’s clip of teens dancing to Summer of Love by Roy Edwin Williams. Filmed in a KOTV Tulsa Film studio. #dance #60s

Bee Gees acapella of How deep is your love on the Des o Connor show back in 1998. They probably sung this better than the original version!

In 1985, a-ha’s “Take On Me” revolutionized music videos with its groundbreaking $100,000 production. Many believe it was inspired by The Doors. Often seen as a-ha’s “one-hit wonder,” it featured Therese “Bunty” Bailey, a former Hot Gossip dancer, as the lead actress. #synth-pop #newwave #a-ha #80s

The Pogues’ name comes from “póg mo thóin,” Irish for “kiss my arse.” Their iconic Irish folk ballad, written as a duet, features MacGowan and MacColl as the male and female leads. Released on 23 November 1987, it remains a timeless classic. Shane died in nov 2023.

Slade earns about 1/2 ml in royalties each Christmas from their ‘73 hit “Merry Xmas Everybody,” likely the most enduring holiday hit ever. At 8, I saw them live in Wolverhampton, where they were booed off stage! Fact: their drummer once worked for my dad as a painter. 51 years on, it’s still a hit!

My new shoes and socks have arrived… #ska #creepers #TUKshoes

almost said Bronski Beat, but I meant The Communards: Jimmy Somerville and Richard Coles. Don’t Leave Me This Way was a cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring Sarah Jane Morris. Fun fact: Richard became a reporter, then a priest. I follow him on Twitter—he even replies sometimes! #synth

Band Aid - “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”: The verses were sung by Paul Young, Boy George, George Michael, Simon Le Bon, and Bono. The “Feed the World” chorus included Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, David Bowie, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Status Quo, Bananarama, Paul Weller, and many others. #xsmas #pop

David Bowie performing Rebel Rebel on TOTP in 1974 highlights his genius as one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. From Ziggy Stardust’s androgynous glam in the ’70s to his ever-evolving style, Bowie shaped music and fashion until his passing in 2016. #glamrock #bowie #artrock #pop

The Police, formed in the UK in 1977, fused rock with punk, reggae, and jazz. Iconic hits include Roxanne, Walking on the Moon, and Every Breath You Take. Their innovative sound earned them over 75 million record sales, cementing their place among music’s all-time greats. #iconic #NewWave #UKband

Susan Janet Ballion, aka Siouxsie Sioux, with the Banshees performing Dear Prudence. “Siouxsie” nods to the Sioux Nation, while a banshee, rooted in Irish lore, is an omen you’d rather avoid! Legends like Sid Vicious and Robert Smith have played with her. #PostPunk #Goth #Alt

I almost forgot Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles! Released in 1979, this new wave/synth-pop hit was MTV’s first-ever music video. A commercial smash, it topped 16 charts. The nostalgic lyrics reflect on 1960s tech shifts and lament a generation’s loss of connection to the past. #synth #pop

Last night I watched an 80s episode of This Is Your Life featuring Suzi Quatro. At 8, she played bongos in her dad’s band, then joined her sisters in The Pleasure Seekers. Selling 53M records & paving the way for women in rock with hits like Devil Gate Drive & if you can’t give me love #GlamRock

Released in 1979 by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions, “Boogie Wonderland” is a disco classic. It tells of someone struggling by day but finding freedom and joy through dance at night. The track won a Grammy in 1980 for “Best R&B Instrumental Performance.” #DISCO #Soul #R&B #EWF #70s #80s

33 years ago today the world lost a Queen. Freddie Mercury died of complications due to pneumonia. So much to say about him that it just won’t fit into 300 characters on #Bluesky so look him up on YouTube or even Netflix #FreddieMercury #Queen

Debbie Harry, now 78 (2024), was born in Miami, adopted, and raised in NJ. Moving to NYC in the ‘60s, she met guitarist Chris Stein, and together they formed Blondie in 1974. Their 3rd album, Parallel Lines, with hits like “Heart of Glass,” catapulted them to fame. #punk #newwave #blondie

Adam & the Ants with “Ant Invasion” live on The Old Grey Whistle Test 1980. The 2nd lineup (1980–82) saw major UK success. Later 3 members left to form Bow Wow Wow Fun fact: it took me 40 years to find a good version of Adam’s jacket—I’ve worn it twice with full makeup! #newwave #postpunk

Don’t You Want Me by The Human League, released in ‘81, became the year’s best-selling song. Inspired by a teen magazine story. Joanne and Susan where randomly chosen as backing vocalists but quickly became part of HL 1/2 #synthpop #newwave

“Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure was first released in 1979 and rereleased in 1986. Reflecting on England’s stiff-upper-lip culture, Robert Smith told NME he couldn’t hide his emotions. Another favorite of mine is “A Forest.” Smith also played lead guitar for Siouxsie and the Banshees (1982–1984). #goth

“Venus” by Bananarama is a 1986 cover of Dutch rock band Shocking Blue’s 1969 hit, written by Robbie van Leeuwen. The original topped charts in 9 countries, while Bananarama’s synth-pop version hit number one in 6, featured on their True Confessions album. #synthpop #dancepop

“I Fought the Law” by The Clash, originally by The Crickets after Buddy Holly’s death in 1959, became a punk anthem. The Clash, second only to the Sex Pistols in punk influence, defined the movement. Fun fact: I knew a fishing shop employee in Amsterdam who occasionally played bass with them! #punk

On January 5, 1978, the Sex Pistols began their first U.S. tour at Atlanta’s Great South East Music Hall. The chaotic tour, marked by cancellations and onstage tension, saw the band play old ballrooms across the South. By month’s end, Johnny Rotten announced the Sex Pistols’ breakup. #punkrock

A Town Called Malice by The Jam, written by Paul Weller, was released in 1982. Featuring a “stomping, Motown-inspired beat,” The Guardian noted its “pent-up rage and frustrated ambition.” It debuted at #1 on the UK charts, during a time when The Jam dominated with multiple hits. #mods #northernsoul

“Dancing with Myself” by Billy Idol and Generation X debuted in 1980, inspired by Japanese youth dancing solo in front of mirrors. Billy Idol remixed and re-released it as a solo artist in 1981, making it a punk rock and new wave anthem. #punkrock #genX #newwave

Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? by Culture Club, led by Boy George, debuted in September 1982. It became the UK’s fifth best-selling single that year. After a Top of the Pops performance, Boy George’s androgynous style sparked headlines and debate: “Is it a man or a woman?” #pop #newwave #Reggae

Through the Barricades, released in 1986 by Spandau Ballet, was inspired by the murder of a road crew member during The Troubles in Belfast. The band reportedly took their name from graffiti spotted in a Berlin nightclub, referencing prisoners hanged at Spandau. #newwave #80s

Love Is a Battlefield is a hit song by American singer Pat Benatar, born in Brooklyn and initially trained in opera. Released on September 12, 1983, it sold over 1 million copies. In 1984, it earned Benatar her fourth consecutive Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. #80s #dance #rock

“Y.M.C.A.” by the American disco group Village People, released in 1978, sold 12 million copies globally and hit #1 in 15 countries. A timeless anthem, it remains a favorite at weddings, sporting events, and even retirement homes. After it’s release the YMCA threatened to sue the band. #DISCO #YMCA

Das Model by Kraftwerk, released in 1981, hit #1 on the UK charts. Originally in German, it was later translated into English. The track was the B-side to Computer Love. Kraftwerk, pioneers of electronic music, influenced genres like #Synthpop #Synthesizer #Techno #NewWave

Bob Marley & The Wailers performed Stir It Up live on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1973. This rare footage is one of just a few times Bob, guitarist/vocalist Peter Tosh, and percussionist/vocalist Bunny Wailer were filmed performing together as The Wailers. #Marley #73 #Reggae #Rastafari #Jamaica