Solo from the 1980s

Rare solo footage of famous musicians from the 1980s. Browse 34 clips below.

All SoloAll 1980s

About Solo Footage

Solo performances — individual musicians showcasing their skill outside of their band context.

The 1980s in Music

The 1980s brought MTV, the synthesiser revolution, and the globalisation of pop music. Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, U2, and Run-DMC dominated the mainstream, while underground scenes — post-punk, hardcore, hip-hop, and indie — were building the foundation for the next decade. The explosion of home video meant more behind-the-scenes footage was captured than ever before. Tour documentaries, making-of specials, and backstage footage from the 80s reveal an industry in rapid transformation.

Artists

NMEStingLobby LoydeMick JaggerBill MedleyConcertRecord shopThe BandSongwriterthe jacksonsJam sessionSmooth jazzraul maloSinead oSineadSineSineaThe La'sR.E.M.Phil CollinsThe SupremesGenesisOlivia Newton-JohnWilson PickettRitchie BlackmoreQueensrÿchelet ilet it beManilla RoadGeorge McCraeJohnny Acesteve gaddWolfgang Van HalenRhythm sectionMark KnopflerEddie DanielsPeter GabrielSteve HackettTony BanksJack BruceBig Boy HenryLynyrd SkynyrdSteve GainesRonnie Van ZantBilly PowellSteve ClarkChris White