From Live Aid to Take On Me: when music and culture collided in 1985
From Live Aid to Take On Me: when music and culture collided in 1985
From Live Aid to Take On Me: when music and culture collided in 1985
Gary Oberholzer
From Live Aid to Take On Me: when music and culture collided in 1985
There are some years that don’t just deliver hits — they define an era. 1985 was exactly that kind of year. It was bold, emotional, and unapologetically catchy, with music that still echoes across decades. From global anthems to synth-driven pop perfection, this was a year where artists didn’t just top charts — they created moments.
It’s the featured year on this week’s HOT Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop, taking place every Sunday from 12 to 3pm on HOT 102.7FM.
Globally, 1985 was packed with history. The world watched as Live Aid united music’s biggest stars for a cause, raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia. That spirit of unity was captured perfectly in one of the year’s defining songs, We Are the World, a track that brought together icons for a single, powerful message. It wasn’t just a song — it was a movement.
On the charts, the sound of the mid-’80s was unmistakable. Glossy production, big hooks, and even bigger personalities dominated.
Tracks like Everybody Wants to Rule the World captured the mood of a generation navigating Cold War tensions and rapid change, while the infectious optimism of Walking on Sunshine offered pure escapism.
And then there was Careless Whisper — a saxophone-driven ballad that became one of the most recognisable songs of all time. Smooth, soulful, and heartbreakingly honest, it cemented George Michael as a global superstar.
Pop culture was just as vibrant off the charts. Films like Back to the Future captured imaginations, while fashion leaned into bold colours, big hair, and even bigger statements. Technology was also quietly shaping the future — Microsoft released the first version of Windows 1.0, planting the seeds for the digital world we know today.
Closer to home, South African music was carving out its own identity. Artists like Sipho Hotstix Mabuse brought local flavour to the airwaves with tracks like Burn Out, while bands like Mango Groove infused township rhythms with pop sensibility. It was a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, music remained a vital form of expression and connection.
Meanwhile, global icons continued to dominate. Madonna pushed boundaries with Like a Virgin, redefining female pop stardom, while Whitney Houston introduced the world to one of the greatest voices of all time with You Give Good Love.
Meanwhile, global icons continued to dominate. Madonna pushed boundaries with Like a Virgin, redefining female pop stardom, while Whitney Houston introduced the world to one of the greatest voices of all time with You Give Good Love.
Did You Know?
The iconic video for Take On Me took over 16 weeks to produce and used a groundbreaking animation technique called rotoscoping — blending pencil-sketch animation with live action. At the time, it was revolutionary… and it still looks incredible today.
Looking back, 1985 wasn’t just about the music — it was about feeling. Whether it was the emotional pull of Drive by The Cars or the slick groove of Easy Lover from Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, every track carried its own story.
This was a year where music connected people across continents, broke records, and created memories that still resonate today. And that’s exactly what makes revisiting it so special — because in 1985, the soundtrack wasn’t just playing in the background… it was leading the moment.
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