DJ Steve Allen was familiar name to many around Peterborough in the 1980s (and '70s). This shot is thought to be outside the Halcyon pub in Westwood.DJ Steve Allen was familiar name to many around Peterborough in the 1980s (and '70s). This shot is thought to be outside the Halcyon pub in Westwood.
DJ Steve Allen was familiar name to many around Peterborough in the 1980s (and '70s). This shot is thought to be outside the Halcyon pub in Westwood.

It's all about the tunes: A look back at the music scene in 1980s Peterborough

Superb collection of retro images show how Peterborians enjoyed their tunes back in the day

While the 1980s has often been labelled as a ‘decade to forget’ for many in terms of fashion and politics, there is one thing which very few people would want to forget – the music.

Let’s face it, the eighties was – in musical terms – a veritable high point when it came to tunes. Consider, for a moment, if you will:

Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince.

Queen, Wham and Duran Duran.

Aerosmith, Madness and Guns N’ Roses.

Joy Division, The Smiths, and New Order.

Bros, A-Ha and Rick Astley (okay, we were just checking if you were paying attention with that last one).

And yes – there was also Live Aid.

While Peterborough may not have been at the centre of the 80s music scene, Peterborians enjoyed their tunes just as much as anyone else back in the day.

With a wide selection of cool live music venues, some very stylish (and not-so-stylish) nightclubs, and a healthy catalogue of good local bands doing the rounds, the city was a buzzing place to be for anyone who was into music in a big way. Oh and we also had an authentically good local radio station and a legendary disco DJ to call upon as well, just for good measure.

Happily, we can re-visit this era of neon-infused nostalgia whenever we like thanks to our colleagues over at Peterborough Images. So come and join us as we bodypop our way through this wonderful selection of images from the time when music reigned supreme...

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