Charles and Diana

In 1981 Prince Charles of England married Lady Diana Spencer. The world was captivated by the wedding, and by the life of Diana. She became an iconic figure during the 1980s, and the decade was filled of news of the Princess. No, I don’t have anything snarky to say. For that, stay tuned for more stories of the British royals.

New Romantics on Planet Earth

Duran Duran from 1981, singing “Planet Earth”. The band famously took their name from an ethereal character in the movie “Barbarella”. Jane Fonda travelled the universe searching for Duran Duran. When Duran Duran finally appeared, she was busy making aerobics videos. Too bad for you, Jane.

Pirate invasion!

Who could have predicted pirates would be a part of the 1980s? Adam and the Ants had their own distinct style, and they called it Antmusic. With the elaborate costumes and post-punk sensibility, it was categorized with a larger movement called New Romantic. Here they are in 1981 performing “Kings of the Wild Frontier”.

Never Say Never – Romeo Void – 1981

Yes, it’s Deborah! Romeo Void in 1981 singing “Never Say Never”.

Me and My Calvins – 1981

Brooke Shields in a Calvin Klein jeans commercial – 1981

“Whip It” – Devo – 1981

On December 4, 1981, I sat in the second row of a Devo concert at the Los Angeles Forum. I wore an energy dome. All these years later, I remember it so well. You shoulda been there.