Pop music ruled the radio in the 80s, driven by artists like Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna. But the big, loud decade wasn’t all about solo acts, as this 80s pop band list proves. Which of these bouncing, bebopping groups was your favorite?
Duran Duran
Formed in 1978, Duran Duran is best known for 80s hits like “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “The Reflex” and “Girls on Film.” Band members included Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor and John Taylor. The band found great commercial success, with their music even landing in big-production films such as “The Wild One” and “A View To A Kill.”
Tears for Fears
Established in 1981, Tears For Fears is best known for 80s hits like “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Break It Down Again.” Band members included Roland Orzabal, Curt Smith and Ian Stanley.
Depeche Mode
Haling from Essex, England in 1980, Depeche Mode is best known 80s hits “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence.” Band members included Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Alan Wilder. Depeche Mode found continued success in the 80s with singles like “Blasphemous Rumours” and “Somebody.”
A-ha
Norwegian pop band A-Ha was founded in Oslo in 1982 with lead singer Morten Harket. The most successful 80s songs for A-Ha were “Take On Me” and “The Sun Always Shines on TV.” Later, less well-known work included 80s songs “I’ve Been Losing You” and “Summer Moved On.”
Eurythmics
The 80s group Eurythmics was formed in London by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, who later married each other. The most well-known singles for the band were “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Would I Lie to You?” with Lennox’s unmistakable, hard and driving vocals.
Culture Club
When Culture Club hit the scene in 1983, the 80s had already fully arrived, but the English group still made their mark. The 80s pop band was fronted by flamboyant lead singer George O’Dowd (Boy George) and bandmates Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, and Jon Moss . Culture Club’s 80s songs included “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” “I’ll Tumble for Ya” and “Time (Clock of the Heart).”
U2
Formed in 1976, U-I-O started their 80s career as a punk band. Their 80s hits included “With or Without You,” “Desire” and the anthemic song of hope, “One.” Over the decades, U2 has become a global phenomenon, with Bono as one of the most influential and inspiring frontvmen in music history.
Dire Straits
The 80s rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitarist/lead vocalist) and his younger brother David Knopfler on rhythm guitar. Dire Straits’ 80s songs included “Sultans of Swing,” “Money for Nothing” and the iconic 80s tune, “Walk of Life.”
Wham!
The 80s pop band from the U.K., Wham! was formed in 1981 by Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael, who would become an 80s music icon as a solo artist. The group’s 80s hits included “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom” and one of their biggest songs ever, “Last Christmas.”
REO Speedwagon
Established in 1967, REO Speedwagon’s 80s songs included “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and the 80s anthem, “The Big 80.” Band members included Kevin Cronin (lead vocalist), Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer.
Fleetwood Mac
Established in 1967, Fleetwood Mac’s 80s songs included “Big Love,” “Oh Well” and of course the iconic 80s tune, “Don’t Stop.” Several bands members are well-known 80s musicians: Stevie Nicks (lead vocalist), Lindsey Buckingham (guitarist) and Mick Fleetwood.
Foreigner
Established in 1976, Foreigner is one of 80s most popular bands. The 80s band’s biggest songs are “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” and “Jukebox Hero.” Band members included Lou Gramm (lead vocalist), Mick Jones (guitarist) and Ian McDonald (keyboardist).
The Cars
The Cars 80s albums included “The Cars,” “Panorama” and “Heartbeat City.” The band is best known for tunes like “Just What I Needed” and 80s anthem “Drive.” Band members include Ric Ocasek (lead vocalist), Greg Hawkes (guitarist) and Elliot Easton.
(Like 80s Pop Band? Then you might our article on 70s Pop Band, click here. Our how about Big 80s Bands, click here.)
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