The 1980s saw the emergence of dance music and new wave. As disco fell out of fashion in the decade's early years, genres such as post-disco, Italo disco, Euro disco and dance-pop became more popular. Rock music continued to enjoy a wide audience. Soft rock, glam metal, thrash metal, shred guitar characterized by heavy distortion, pinch harmonics and whammy bar abuse became very popular.
Adult contemporary, quiet storm, and smooth jazz gained popularity. In late '80s, glam metal became the largest, most commercially successful brand of music in the United States and worldwide.
The 1980s are commonly remembered for an increase in the use of digital recording, associated with the usage of synthesisers, with synth-pop music and other electronic genres featuring non-traditional instruments increasing in popularity. Also during this decade, several major electronic genres were developed, including electro, techno, house, freestyle and Eurodance, rising in prominence during the 1990s and beyond.
Throughout the decade, R&B, hip hop and urban genres were becoming commonplace, particularly in the inner-city areas of large, metropolitan cities; rap was especially successful in the latter part of the decade, with the advent of the golden age of hip hop. These urban genres—particularly rap and hip hop—would continue their rise in popularity through the 1990s and 2000s.
Some of the most successful post-punk bands at the beginning of the decade, such as Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Psychedelic Furs, also continued their success during the 1980s. Members of Bauhaus and Joy Division explored new stylistic territory as Love and Rockets and New Order respectively.
Adam and the Ants were an English new wave band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The group existed from 1977 to 1982.
Lance Taylor AKA "Kevin Donovan", better known by the stage name Afrika Bambaataa, is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York.
After initial success with the The Tourists, she and David A. Stewart achieved major international success in the 1980s as Eurythmics.
The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and widely regarded as the most influential acts of the rock era.
The Birthday Party (originally known as The Boys Next Door) were an Australian post-punk band, active from 1978 to 1983.
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, artist & writer. He has been influential in popular music & culture for more than five decades.
Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, & guitarist who achieved international fame & acclaim.
Bruce Springsteen (Nicknamed "The Boss") is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.
Christopher Isaak (born June 26, 1956) is an American rock musician and occasional actor. He is best known for his hit "Wicked Game".
Chrissie Hynde has one of the most distinctive voices in rock music and is best known as the founder of The Pretenders
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk.
The Cramps were an American punk band, formed in 1976 and active until 2009. The band split after the death of lead singer Lux Interior.
The Cure are an English rock band formed in 1976 & has experienced several line-up changes with Robert Smith being the only constant member.
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
Devo is an American rock band, formed in 1973 their music mingles science fiction themes, surrealist humor & satirical social commentary.
Eurythmics, duo Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart, were one of the defining bands of the 1980s with their New Wave synth-pop sound.
George Michael was one of the most influential and successful British pop musicians who sadly died on Christmas Day 2016
Grace Jones is a singer, songwriter, lyricist, supermodel & record producer, known for her unique look as much as she is for her music.
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band formed in 1985. Their music is a fusion of punk rock, blues rock, heavy metal & hard rock.
Ian Dury was an English rock and roll singer-songwriter, bandleader, artist, and actor who first rose to fame during the late 1970s.
Iggy Pop is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actor. He was the vocalist of influential proto-punk band The Stooges.
The Jam were an English punk rock/mod revival band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were formed in Woking, Surrey.
James Brown was the founding father of funk music, a major figure of 20th century music & dance & referred to as the "Godfather of Soul".
Jeff Beck is one of rock’s most respected and dynamic instrumentalists. He is widely regarded as a “guitarist’s guitarist”.
John Lydon is an English singer, songwriter & musician. He is best known as the lead singer of the late 1970's punk band The Sex Pistols.
Johnny Marr is a renowned musician, songwriter and singer, best known as the guitarist and co-songwriter with The Smiths.
Joy Division (originally named Warsaw), an English rock band formed in 1976 were one of the pioneers of the post-punk movement.
Catherine Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, known for her eclectic and experimental music.
Keith Richards is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, solo artist, and founding member of the rock band The Rolling Stones.
Kiss is an American hard rock band formed in New York City in January 1973 by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.
Leonard Cohen wa a Canadian singer, songwriter, poet & novelist. His work explores religion, politics, isolation, sexuality & relationships.
Madness are an English band from Camden Town, London & one of the most prominent bands of the late 70s & early 80s 2 Tone ska revival.
Amy Winehouse captured in the corridor of the Union Chapel - "She seemed particularly happy that night and made references to a loved one "
This shoot of Madness in New York City in February 1980 was for Issue No.1 of a new magazine that developed cult status, The Face.
Cover art for the live single of Wish You Were Here. 'What you see is what you get - two lost souls, swimming in a fish bowl'
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, artist & writer. He has been influential in popular music & culture for more than five decades.
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
Nirvana were an American rock music band formed by Kurt Cobain & Krist Novoselic, they were considered the 'flagship band' of Generation X.
The Jam were an English punk rock/mod revival band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were formed in Woking, Surrey.
Welcome to our Folk & Country Print Collection - iconic images of the world's greatest artists from the past 50 years
The Rolling Stones have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Our collections share the best images spanning their career
We are delighted to share our brand new collection of Bob Dylan prints by photographer Arthur Rosato taken in 1980 during the 'Gospel Years'
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
