1980s Artists

The Radio1980 artist directory covers the bands and solo artists of the 1980s — new wave, synth-pop, post-punk, goth, hair metal and more — with albums, essential songs and upcoming concerts where they are still touring.

Artist profiles

• The Cure — Robert Smith's band moved from sparse post-punk to lush, romantic pop across one of the decade's defining catalogues.
• Depeche Mode — Depeche Mode evolved from playful Basildon synth-pop to one of the most important electronic acts in history.
• Joy Division — Two albums, one short career, and a permanent shadow cast over post-punk.
• New Order — Joy Division reborn — and reinvented as the bridge between post-punk and dance music.
• Pet Shop Boys — Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe perfected the art of intelligent, ironic synth-pop.
• The Smiths — Manchester's most important band — and the template for modern British indie.
• Duran Duran — The defining MTV band — new romantic style with stadium-pop ambition.
• Madonna — The pop star who reshaped what pop stardom could be.
• Prince — A one-of-a-kind talent who fused funk, rock, pop and R&B into something entirely his own.
• Michael Jackson — The decade's biggest pop star — and the maker of the best-selling album in history.