Perspective: 80s Alternative Music

Undeniably, we all recognize that musicians desire not only to produce music, but (so often, and longingly) aspire to become ‘rock stars.’ Right!?

First, we gotta clarify that “rock’ star” means any musical artist, post-50s “rock ' n ' roll” revolution, with aspirations of appealing to the ‘masses’ [whether they be underground or mainstream].

Well, often unrecognized, the 80s alternative, post-punk musicians (a.k.a. the New Wave scene) were more of a vibe about the exploitation of expressive creation. Foundationally, incorporating traditional instrumentation with synth/electronica. A puristic focus of musical exploration and expression. Seemingly, unconcerned with the attainment of infamy, gold records, and statuettes—the proof… the intermingling formation of influential artists and the ‘groups/(prolific) side projects’ by those artists. Ultimately, still achieving ‘rock stars’ status.

Being that the 80s were my formative years and that I am a sponge for all music (i.e., an armchair music historian)…

The following identifies several key artists (some you may recognize, others you may not) and the notable bands they were part of during or adjacent to the 1980s:

Johnny Marr

Credit: Guitarist Magazine Copyright: 2009 Future Publishing

A central figure in the UK indie scene, Marr is one of my favorites of that era for his melodic guitar work.

• The Smiths: Co-founder and guitarist (1982–1987).
• Electronic: Formed with Bernard Sumner of New Order.
• The The: Joined for the albums Mind Bomb and Dusk.
• The Pretenders: Briefly a member in the late 80s.
• Modest Mouse / The Cribs: Joined these later indie-rock staples in the 2000s.
• Moodswings: A collaborative project--‘Moodfood’ with J.F.T. Hood [Pretenders, The Smiths], Chrissie Hynde [Pretenders], and Jeff Beck [Yardbirds].
• Solo career

Kim Deal

Deal was a driving force in the American alternative explosion, known for her distinctive bass lines and vocals.

• Pixies: Original bassist and backing vocalist.
• The Breeders: Formed as a side project in 1989 (later becoming her primary band).

Vince Clarke

A pioneer of synth-pop and electronic alternative music, Clarke was a founding member of three of my favorite highly successful 80s acts.

• Depeche Mode: Founding member and primary songwriter for their debut.
• Yazoo (Yaz): Formed with Alison Moyet--she continues as a solo artist.
• Erasure: Formed with Andy Bell in 1985.

Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris

Following the death of Ian Curtis, the surviving members of a legendary post-punk band pivoted to define 80s dance-rock, or ’bubble-gum goth’—as I call it.

• Joy Division: Pioneers of the post-punk sound in the late 70s.
• New Order: Re-formed in 1980, blending alternative rock with electronic dance music.

John McGeoch

Often cited as one of the most influential guitarists of the post-punk era, McGeoch provided the signature sound for several major bands.

• Magazine: Founding member.
• Siouxsie and the Banshees: Played on their most acclaimed 80s albums (Juju, A Kiss in the Dreamhouse).
• Visage: With Midge Ure and Billy Currie (Ultravox).
• Public Image Ltd (PiL): Joined with John Lydon (a.k.a., Jonny Rotten - Sex Pistols) and Keith Levene (The Clash).
• The Armoury Show: A short-lived 80s supergroup.

Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz

This rhythm section (and married couple) provided the backbone for the New York ‘art-punk’ scene.

• Talking Heads: Founding members, along with David Byrne.
• Tom Tom Club: Formed in 1981 as a side project that became a massive success in its own right.

Mick Jones

After leaving one of the biggest punk bands in history, Jones helped pioneer the use of sampling (prevalent in hip-hop) in alternative rock.

• The Clash: Lead guitarist and co-songwriter.
• Big Audio Dynamite (B.A.D.): Formed in 1984, with Dan Donovan--keyboards (Sisters of Mercy), and Ranking Roger--vocals (English Beat), mixing rock, reggae, and hip-hop.

Peter Murphy and Daniel Ash

The "godfathers of goth" branched out into psychedelic and alternative pop.

• Bauhaus: The quintessential gothic rock band.
• Love and Rockets: Formed by Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins after Bauhaus split.
• Tones on Tail: A side project for Daniel Ash and Kevin Haskins.
• Dali's Car: A short-lived collaboration between Peter Murphy and Mick Karn.
• Solo career: Murphy
• Psychic TV: Ash

Bob Mould

Mould moved from blistering hardcore punk to melodic alternative rock that heavily influenced the 90s grunge movement.

• Hüsker Dü: A cornerstone of 80s American indie-rock.
• Sugar: Formed in the early 90s following his 80s solo work.

Dave Wakeling, Ranking Roger, Andy Cox, and David Steele

Following the 1983 split, these members continued to be highly influential in ska, pop, and alternative music scenes.

• The English Beat (a.k.a. The Beat in the UK): a preeminent ska band, influencing bands like No Doubt.
• General Public: Wakeling & Roger joined with members from The Specials, Dexys Midnight Runners, and The Clash.
• The Special Beat: Roger  
• Fine Young Cannibals: formed by Cox & Steele with Roland Gift. 

·     Stephen Duffy

An early synth-artist contributing to iconic bands.

• The Devils: with Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran.
• Duran Duran: vocals (’78-’79).
• Stephen ‘Tin Tin’ Duffy: with members of Fashion and Andy “Stoker” Growcott (Dexys Midnight Runners).

This list briefly touches on the prolific collaboration (sometimes even delving into different niche genres) among music artists during the 80s Alternative, post-punk/New Wave era. Nevertheless, this synopsis illustrates ample evidence that the 80s alternative music scene, incorporating traditional instrumentation with synth/electronica, was purely about exploration of expressive creation rather than infamy, gold records, and statuettes. Proof that 80s Alternative music is a kind of pleasure human nature cannot do without.

Long live [80s alternative] musical artistry,

exploration, and collaboration!