1980s
Defined by breakthroughs in digital recording, the '80s became widely associated with synthesizers and artificial drum machines. Post-punk, goth and indie music thrived alongside more mainstream new wave and new romantic acts such as Adam and the Ants and Duran Duran. Meanwhile the University's Alumni Association was formed in 1981, and five years later, Sussex celebrated its 25th birthday.
The Polecats, Wilko Johnson's Solid Senders and more
"I was at Sussex from 1979 to 1982 and we were robbed in that time by dint of the Students' Union being bankrupted sometime before I arrived and there being no money to pay for decent bands! But...Wilko Johnson's Solid Senders were the Freshers band in 1979 and I remember seeing Q Tips featuring Paul Young before he went solo - can't remember if they supported Wilko or came sometime after. The Polecats, a Rockabilly band, played on June 17th 1981 and Altered Images played in 1981 or 82. Brighton band The Pirhanas (called The Three Pirhanas for this one gig) played on 16th November 1979 supported by the Dodgems & The Lillettes." - Ian MacKnight (SOC 1979)
Gigs of the early 80s
"One of the most successful events was a gig by Robert Plant in 1982 at the start of his solo career after Led Zeppelin. Another successful gig in 1981 was with the Christian band After The Fire (ATF): not many tickets were bought by students, but there was huge demand across Sussex. Other bands that played in 1981/2 were Nine Below Zero, New Music, Black Slate, Gordon Giltrap, The Enid, Polecats and the Thomson Twins.
"One event that lives long in the memory was in a marquee in the residential area near Park Village & East Slope. It was a three-day event over a summer weekend in 1981, which featured Desmond Decker on Saturday evening, followed by jazz with strawberries & cream on Sunday. What a great way to finish!
"There was little money available to put on bands at this time. So there was a twin-track approach to the problem by (a) booking up & coming bands several months in advance & (b) putting on annual ‘fundraising’ gigs in Brighton. One example of the former was Altered Images. Booked early for just £50, when they played Sussex in October 1981, their record ‘Happy Birthday’ was No 2 in the singles charts, & Clare Grogan was a star, ensuring a sell-out Mandela Hall, and a very successful night for the Entertainments Committee!
"In terms of the annual fundraiser gigs, I remember three in particular including the roots reggae band Steel Pulse. It was a brilliant gig, successful both musically & financially."
- Dave Cryer (MOLS 1979)
Orange Juice
Orange Juice, Mandela Hall, 27 February 1982
The Europeans
The Europeans + The Glass Lemmings, 18 November 1983
The Mighty Lemon Drops
The Mighty Lemon Drops, 8 May 1987
Who did you see on campus in the ‘80s? Fill in the gaps and let us know by emailing alumni@sussex.ac.uk.