1981
News
- Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer.
- Ronald Reagan succeeded Jimmy Carter, becoming the 40th American President.
- Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, was arrested and jailed for the murder of 13 women.
- Britain’s worst ever week of rioting began in Toxteth, Liverpool.
- John Hinckley shot President Reagan in the chest in an assassination attempt.
- The Queen opened the NatWest Tower, the tallest building in Europe at the time.
Entertainment
- Only Fools and Horses and Postman Pat made their debut on TV.
- Ken Barlow and Deirdre Langton married in Coronation Street, two days before Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. The wedding of Ken and Deirdre was watched by over 24 million.
- MTV debuted on cable TV, playing music videos 24 hours a day.
- After seven years starring in Doctor Who, Tom Baker made his final appearance as the Doctor.
Music
- Benny Andersson and Frida Lyngstad of Abba announced their divorce.
- Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Making Your Mind Up’.
- Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode to form Yazoo with Alison Moyet.
- Steely Dan announced they were splitting up.
Number #1 Hits of 1981
| Artist | Title |
| John Lennon | Imagine |
| John Lennon | Woman |
| Joe Dolce Music Theatre | Shaddap You Face |
| Roxy Music | Jealous Guy |
| Shakin’ Stevens | This Ole House |
| Bucks Fizz | Making Your Mind Up |
| Adam & The Ants | Stand & Deliver |
| Smokey Robinson | Being With You |
| Michael Jackson | One Day In Your Life |
| The Specials | Ghost Town |
| Shakin’ Stevens | Green Door |
| Ankea | Japanese Boy |
| Soft Cell | Tainted Love |
| Adam & The Ants | Prince Charming |
| Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin | It’s My Party |
| The Police | Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic |
| Queen & David Bowie | Under Pressure |
| Julio Iglesias | Begin The Beguine |
| The Human League | Don’t You Want Me |
Sport
- Tottenham Hotspur won the FA Cup.
- John McEnroe and Chris Evert won Wimbledon.
- Steve Davis beat Doug Mountjoy in the World Snooker Championships.
- The Springbok rugby tour caused major controversy and riots in New Zealand.
