Ah, the 1980s.
A decade when hairstyles required planning permission, shoulder pads would block double doors on public transport and nobody thought twice about leaving the house wearing turquoise trousers and a pink jacket.
And the music?
Absolutely magnificent.
Something for Everybody
One of the things I love most about the 80s is the extraordinary variety of music that came out of those ten years.
If soul and jazz-funk were your thing, you had Luther Vandross, Alexander O’Neal, Shalamar and a whole host of wonderful artists producing records that still fill dancefloors today.
Prefer your music with a few guitars? Queen, Bon Jovi and Guns N’ Roses were doing their bit to keep the neighbours awake.
Then there was Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, Wham!, Duran Duran and the seemingly endless procession of pop hits that dominated the charts.
And let’s not forget the electronic revolution. The Human League, New Order, Depeche Mode and countless others were creating sounds that would influence dance music for decades to come.
Throw in hip-hop, electro, reggae, ska, indie and the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory, and you’ve got a decade that genuinely offered something for almost everybody.
An 80s party DJ needs to know rather more than the words to Come On Eileen.
Fancy Dress? Entirely Optional
Of course, an 80s-themed party offers plenty of opportunities for dressing up.
Leg warmers, shell suits, fluorescent accessories and Adam Ant-style face paint are all perfectly acceptable. Although, depending on the age of your guests, some may not have updated their wardrobes since 1986 anyway.
But here’s the thing: you don’t actually need fancy dress to enjoy an 80s party.
Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a corporate celebration, an anniversary or simply an excuse to get everyone together, the music is more than capable of providing the atmosphere. And there’s something rather wonderful about watching a room full of people suddenly remember every word of a song they haven’t heard for thirty-five years.
It’s Not Just About Playing the Hits
Anyone can put together a playlist of the biggest records of the decade.
The skill lies in knowing which ones to play, when to play them and how to move between different styles without emptying the dancefloor.
That’s where my experience comes in.
Having spent more than 35 years behind the decks, I’ve played these records when they were brand new, watched them become classics and discovered which ones still have the power to get a room moving.
And sometimes it’s the slightly less obvious tracks that produce the biggest reaction.
You know the moment. A familiar introduction starts, somebody shouts, “I haven’t heard this in YEARS!” and suddenly they’re heading towards the dancefloor at a speed their knees haven’t experienced since 1987.
Those are the moments I particularly enjoy.
Let’s Go Back to the 80s
If you’re planning an 80s-themed birthday party, corporate event or private celebration, I’d be delighted to help.
I’m based in Essex and provide professional DJ services throughout Suffolk, Hertfordshire, London and the surrounding areas.
Whether your musical tastes lean towards soul, pop, rock, disco or the more alternative sounds of the decade, I’ll put together an evening that reflects the music you and your guests actually enjoy.
You bring the guests. I’ll bring the music.
And if you turn up wearing a Frankie Says Relax T-shirt, I’ll try not to judge. Although I reserve the right to ask where you’ve kept it for the last 40 years.
