Margaret Thatcher became the first female prime minister of Britain in the 1980s. She reduced trade union power and strikes, which was protested by artists like Billy Bragg in songs criticizing her denial of living wages. Other artists like Morrissey and Elvis Costello also expressed their disdain for Thatcher's regimes.

1. • Margaret Thatcher was the first female prime minister in Britain
and came into power in the 1980s.
• She reduced power in strikes for trade unions.
• Billy Bragg‟s song „Between the Wars‟ protests against Thatcher‟s
regimes in which he uses lyrics such as “I'll give my consent to any
government that does not deny a man a living wage”.
• Other artists also expressed their hatred for Thatcher such as
Morrissey, The Larks and Elvis Costello

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The Cold War was going on in the 1980s
There were many songs that protested against
the increased confrontation against the
superpowers involved such as Nena– 99
luftballoons
A punk compilation titled P.E.A.C.E which
featured fifty five hardcore punk acts from all
around the world tried to promote international
peace
Other songs also expressed fear of there being a
WW3 such as Sting‟s „Russians‟.
In general, artists/bands lashed out at the war
and expressed their concerns about it.

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MTV was introduced which meant that popular music
videos could be broadcast and stars like Michael Jackson
and Madonna could convey an image as well as music.
Madonna's “Material Girl” message put across the values of
an increasingly materialistic decade.
The American economy was growing which meant more
Americans were flaunting their newly acquired wealth.
This is also shown by the 1980s disco genre.

4.  Reinvention
of Michael Jackson – common
African Artists
 Superstardom of Prince
 Emergence of Madonna

5. Most successful female artist of the
decade
 “True blue” – best selling female
album topping charts worldwide
 Madonna‟s style:
 Messy chic look – layered look
 Lace shirts, oversized sweatshirts and
cut off sleeves
 Received global recognition
 Earrings were long and dangly with
crosses with multiple necklaces and
bracelets
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1989 –
Release of the „Like a prayer‟ album.
Super sexy vixen style
Pointed bras and very little else in several videos
“Madonna changed the fashion industry forever” –
www.liketotally80s.com/madonna-look.html
Songs
Like a Virgin‟ – topped billboard charts and attracted attention
from organisations who complained that the song and its
accompanying video promoted premarital sex and undermined family
values. Some had her song and video banned, this caused attention
and people wanting to watch her video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s__rX_WL100

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1985:
Entered mainstream films
Appeared in comedy
Although she was not the
lead actress in films, her
profile was so well known
that the movie widely
became seen and marketed
as Madonna‟s vehicle.
1985:
Playboy released nude
photographs of Madonna
“shocking” – marketing
Media holding it against her

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The Gothic subculture began in England during the early
1980s and takes on associated tastes with music and
fashion
It was about being an individual and not conforming to
society‟s idea of how you should dress
It was partly a rebellious reaction to the colourful disco
scene of the Seventies.
Goths were normally seen with black clothing, pale faces,
jewellery with crucifixes/skulls, dramatic eye make up.
There were gothic bands such as The Damned, The Cure,
The Birthday Party and Sex Gang Children.

9.  Straight
edge was a
subculture where people
refrained from using alcohol,
drugs and other recreational
drugs
 It was a direct reaction to the
sexual revolution, hedonism
and excess associated with
punk rock
 Straight edge bands include 7
Seconds, Justice League and
Chain of Strength