Smashing Hits! The 80s Pop Map of Britain & Ireland
Kim appleby, one half of pop duo Mel and Kim, hosts a new show that looks back at the best of British 1980s pop…
If you remember the 1980s, you’ll love this nostalgic three-part series, hosted by Midge Ure, from Ultravox, and Kim Appleby, one half of pop duo Mel and Kim. This week, the pair meet Pauline Black from The Selecter and Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp, among others, for a look back at the decade’s sounds, from cheesy pop to the birth of British dance music.
Smashing Hits!
The 80s Pop Map of Britain & Ireland
Friday, 10pm
Anyone who remembers the 1980s will recall a time where British music emerged from punk into pop, and electronica evolved to become the basis of the British dance scene.
In this new series, Midge Ure from Ultravox and Kim Appleby, one half of Mel and Kim, meet those responsible for the decade’s iconic sounds and fashions.
This week they talk to
Pete Waterman, Pauline
Black from The Selecter and
Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp, among others, with footage of early performances from
Adam and the Ants, Madness and The Human League.
‘Britain ruled the waves back then in terms of producing diverse pop music,’ says Kim, now 56. ‘The Americans called it the “British invasion”. It’s very nostalgic for me.’
Kim’s career took off in 1986 when, with her sister, Mel, she reached number three with their debut single Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend).
The big time
‘We got a slot on Top of the Pops because Boy George dropped out – that was the defining moment for us,’ she says. ‘Our single went from number 42 to number three!’ Kim’s recollections are tinged with sadness, though, as Mel died in 1990, aged 23, following a cancer battle.
‘The memories are bittersweet but I’m proud to have been part of this great decade. It was an incredible time!’