Rare Footage from 1981

1980s

Explore 145 rare behind-the-scenes clips and footage of famous musicians from 1981.

1981 in Music

MTV launched, changing music forever. Bob Marley died. The Rolling Stones' 'Tattoo You' tour. U2 released 'October'. The Go-Go's became the first all-female band to top the album charts. Soft Cell released 'Tainted Love'. Synthesisers were taking over pop.

Artists

Carole KingDave MattacksNMETampa RedOtis RushThad JonesSweet SavageY&TTim HartKevin RiddlesOtis SpannDonovantears for fearsJon KleinBilly JoelJohn McGeochSiouxsie and the BansheesThe Smashing PumpkinsSiouxsie SiouxdanzigBob MarleyPeter Toshheartland reggaRichard JonesJohn GiblinBrian McGeeRa (American band)The SoundHeadSimon and GarfunkelSimon & GarfunkelProdigy of mobb deepIan StewartMother MotherBig SmoThe BandKansas City RedJunior WellsWeenCreamBuddy GuyFloyd JonesR.E.M.Muddy WatersStingDiamond RioMichael SchenkerLittle Hat JonesLefty DizzTalk TalkDiegoJoan ArmatradingKarnail GillBill MedleyKeith RichardsCharlie WattsMick TaylorMick JaggerNicky HopkinsCarl WilsonVince ClarkeSkillet (band)the jacksonsCaptain BeefheartSomebody to LoveFreddie JacksonMichael JacksonFreddie MercuryTommy ChongMazzy StarPhil CollinsOlivia Newton-JohnRed McKenzieVeronica MaggioP.O.D.Recorded Music NZConcertDef LeppardSongwriterRideTeena MarieMichael Schenker GroupMotörheadNikki SixxThe ClashSylvia StriplinTammi TerrellLovie LeePaul Simonsteve gaddMaximSleepy John EstesPiano RedThe Rolling StonesSam ChatmonFurry LewisMose VinsonMemphis bluesRolling StonesRecord producerMenudothe white stripesIggy PopThe KinksJoe ElliottJustin HaywardL.V. JohnsonIron MaidenJohn IllsleyBob WelchJohnny NeelStevie NicksElvis PresleyMarvin GayeStevie WonderChristine McVieMick Fleetwood