1980s
1986 in British Music
The Smiths at their peak, house music stirs, and indie comes of age.
The Story of 1986
Indie and pop coexisted in a golden age of British singles. The Smiths released 'The Queen Is Dead', their masterpiece – 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' and 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' defining indie rock for a generation. They split acrimoniously the following year, but their legacy was secure. Pet Shop Boys emerged as the most intelligent pop act in Britain, 'West End Girls' topping the charts and 'Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)' showing their arch, dancefloor wit. George Michael's 'A Different Corner' was number one. Simple Minds were massive. The Housemartins, The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Fall were indie favourites. Paul McCartney and the remaining Beatles fought in court over the Beatles' catalogue. The charts had a singles-driven energy that made every week exciting. The CD was gaining traction, slowly killing the vinyl single. It was a year of transition – indie was growing, pop was getting smarter, and the shadows of Madchester were just beginning to fall on the horizon.
Key Events
The Smiths release The Queen Is Dead — a landmark of British guitar music
House music begins crossing from Chicago to British clubs and warehouses
The Housemartins and The Beautiful South emerge from Hull
Dominant Genres
Notable Trends
- →The Indie Chart (now Official Independent Chart) launches
- →Acid house's earliest British stirrings in London and Manchester clubs
- →C86 cassette from NME defines a jangly, DIY indie sound
Key Artists of 1986
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