Gold - Thatcherism and the aspiration of the 80s
Stuart Maconie on the history of modern Britain in 50 records, including how the aspirational culture of Thatcherism became reflected in the UK's charts.
When Margaret Thatcher came to power in May 1979, she declared she was determined to drag Britain out of the strike-bound '70s; as the memorable campaign poster had it: Labour isn't working. Thatcher was determined to reverse the nation's economic decline, and what she saw as the Union's all-too-powerful grip on much of the working class. The nation's first female Prime Minister heralded serious and sweeping change.
But with someone as divisive as Thatcher, there were plenty of acts that were willing to take a stand against her and what she stood for.
Last on
Clips
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Ken - Seeing ABC live
Duration: 00:20
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Sue - Dancing to A Flock Of Seagulls
Duration: 00:21
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Andrew - the appeal of filofaxes
Duration: 00:19
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The People's Songs - Episode 27 Preview
Duration: 01:43
Music Played
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Spandau Ballet
Gold
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XTC
Making Plans for Nigel
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The Beat
Whine and Grine / Stand Down Margaret
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Crosby, Nash & Young
Our House
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Harry Enfield
Loadsamoney (Doin' Up The House)
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Jan Hammer
Miami Vice
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Culture Club
Karma Chameleon
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Duran Duran
Rio
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Heaven 17
Crushed By The Wheels of Industry
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Pet Shop Boys
Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)
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Spandau Ballet
To Cut a Long Story Short
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Spandau Ballet
To Cut a Long Story Short (12" Version)
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Spandau Ballet
Gold
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The Style Council
Walls Come Tumbling Down
Share your comments and stories
Your contributions will play a key part in this episode, take a look at the questions below and :
- What are you memories of Mrs Thatcher coming to power?
- In hindsight, do you think the Iron Lady was good or bad for Britain?
- Did the Tories’ policies benefit or hinder your life?
- Were you a New Romantic?
You can or read about
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Broadcasts
- Wed 3 Jul 2013 22:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2
- Wed 28 Sep 2016 23:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2
Song Profiles
Read the stories behind featured songs, listen to & watch related clips & cover versions!
