1970s
1978 in British Music
Disco fever peaks, post-punk emerges, and new wave breaks on British shores.
The Story of 1978
Post-punk experimentation began, proving punk was more than a tantrum – it was a gateway. The Jam emerged as the most exciting band in Britain, 'Down in the Tube Station at Midnight' combining punk energy with mod style and lyrical sophistication. The Police formed, fusing punk energy with reggae rhythms and Stewart Copeland's distinctive drumming. Siouxsie and the Banshees released 'The Scream', gothic and challenging. Magazine released 'Real Life', with Howard Devoto's literary lyrics. Public Image Ltd formed from the ashes of the Sex Pistols, John Lydon's 'Public Image' single rejecting everything rock stood for. Joy Division released their debut EP 'An Ideal for Living', the sound of Manchester's grey skies and industrial decay. But the mainstream was still thriving: Queen released 'Jazz', John Travolta's 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack dominated, and Boney M were the kings of disco. The Boomtown Rats, led by Bob Geldof, scored a number one with 'Rat Trap'. The year was a fascinating tug-of-war between the mainstream and the underground, with the underground increasingly winning the argument about what mattered.
Key Events
Saturday Night Fever soundtrack dominates — disco becomes Britain's national soundtrack
The Jam release 'Down In The Tube Station At Midnight' — mod revival hits its stride
The Police release their debut — new wave's stadium-ready future begins
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →Post-punk bands create more artful, experimental sounds from punk foundations
- →Mod revival brings sharp suits and scooters back to British streets
- →Disco's mainstream saturation provokes growing rockist backlash
Key Artists of 1978
Advertisement