Daily Time Capsule

1981

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  1. Pete

    Ringo Starr Released Stop and Smell the Roses - October 27, 1981

    On this day, October 27, 1981, Ringo Starr released his eighth solo album, Stop and Smell the Roses. The album, which featured contributions from friends and former bandmates like Paul McCartney and George Harrison, peaked at #98 on the Billboard charts. With its mix of rock and pop tracks, the...
  2. Pete

    Iron Maiden’s First Show with Bruce Dickinson as Lead Singer - October 26, 1981

    On this day, October 26, 1981, Iron Maiden played their first show with Bruce Dickinson as the new lead singer in Bologna, Italy. This performance marked a major turning point for the band, as Dickinson’s powerful voice and stage presence became essential to their sound and success. His debut...
  3. Pete

    Battlestars Game Show Premiered on NBC, October 26, 1981

    On this day, October 26, 1981, the game show Battlestars premiered on NBC, hosted by the legendary Alex Trebek. The show featured a unique setup with celebrity guests and a trivia format that engaged audiences, running for two seasons with a total of 193 episodes. Although Battlestars wasn’t as...
  4. Pete

    The J. Geils Band Released Freeze Frame - October 26, 1981

    On this day, October 26, 1981, The J. Geils Band released their 10th album Freeze Frame. The album soared to #1 on the US Billboard 200 charts and featured the iconic hit “Centerfold,” a song that became an anthem of the early ’80s. With its catchy hooks and energetic vibe, Freeze Frame...
  5. Pete

    Today’s F.B.I. Premiered on ABC, October 25, 1981

    On this day, October 25, 1981, Today’s F.B.I. premiered on ABC. The show followed the lives and cases of FBI agents as they worked to solve crimes. Despite its intriguing premise and modern take on crime-fighting, Today’s F.B.I. lasted only one season with a total of 18 episodes and one TV movie...
  6. Pete

    Dark Night of the Scarecrow Premiered on TV - On This Day, October 24, 1981

    On this day, October 24, 1981, the made-for-TV horror movie Dark Night of the Scarecrow premiered. Directed by Frank De Felitta, the film quickly gained a cult following for its eerie atmosphere and chilling storyline. The movie follows the story of a wrongfully accused man who returns as a...
  7. Pete

    Fitz and Bones Premiered on NBC - On This Day, October 24, 1981

    On this day, October 24, 1981, Fitz and Bones premiered on NBC. The series followed the lives of two investigative reporters who tackled tough and controversial issues. Despite its intriguing premise, Fitz and Bones struggled to find an audience and was short-lived. Who remembers watching Fitz...
  8. Pete

    Billy Idol Released His Debut Album Don’t Stop - On This Day, October 24, 1981

    On this day, October 24, 1981, Billy Idol released his debut solo album Don’t Stop. The album, which reached #77 on the Billboard charts, featured the hit single “Mony Mony,” a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ classic. Don’t Stop introduced Idol’s signature rebellious style and set the...
  9. Pete

    Elvis Costello Released Almost Blue - On This Day, October 23, 1981

    On this day, October 23, 1981, Elvis Costello and the Attractions released their sixth album Almost Blue. The album, which took a departure from Costello’s usual new wave style, focused on country music covers and reached #50 on the US Billboard 200 charts. Though it was a stylistic shift...
  10. Pete

    On This Day, October 23, 1981: Steve Miller Band Released Circle of Love

    On this day, October 23, 1981, Steve Miller Band released their 11th album Circle of Love. The album peaked at #26 on the US Billboard 200 charts and featured tracks like “Heart Like a Wheel.” The album continued the band’s mix of rock and pop that kept them successful through the ’80s. Do you...
  11. Pete

    Silence of the North Premiered in Theaters - On This Day, October 23, 1981

    On this day, October 23, 1981, Silence of the North, directed by Allan King, premiered in theaters. Starring Tom Skerritt, Gordon Pinsent, and Ellen Burstyn, the film is based on the true story of a woman’s survival in the harsh wilderness of northern Canada. Despite its powerful performances...
  12. Pete

    The Pit Premiered in Canada - October 23, 1981

    On this day, October 23, 1981, the Canadian horror film The Pit, directed by Lew Lehman, premiered. Starring Sammy Snyders and Jeannie Elias, the movie follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious pit filled with strange creatures. Known for its bizarre plot and unsettling tone, The Pit has...
  13. Pete

    Nightmare Premiered in Theaters - On This Day, October 23, 1981

    On this day, October 23, 1981, the horror film Nightmare, directed by Romano Scavolini, premiered in theaters. The movie starred Baird Stafford, Sharon Smith, and C.J. Cooke, and was known for its unsettling atmosphere and graphic violence. Though budget and box office details are unknown...
  14. Pete

    The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) Union Was Decertified - On This Day, October 22, 1981

    On this day, October 22, 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) union was officially decertified following an illegal strike earlier that year. The strike, which began in August 1981, was broken by the Reagan administration after the majority of PATCO members refused...
  15. Pete

    Bobby and the Midnites Released Their Debut Album - On This Day, October 21, 1981

    On this day, October 21, 1981, Bobby and the Midnites released their debut album. Led by Bobby Weir, the singer and guitarist of The Grateful Dead, this project saw Weir explore a different sound with a talented lineup of musicians. The album offered a mix of rock and jazz influences, showcasing...
  16. Pete

    Two Police Officers and an Armored Car Guard Killed in Armed Robbery - On This Day, October 20, 1981

    On this day, October 20, 1981, a tragic incident occurred when members of the Black Liberation Army and the Weather Underground Group carried out an armed robbery that resulted in the deaths of two police officers and an armored car guard. The robbery took place in Nanuet, New York, as the...
  17. Pete

    Underneath the Colours Released by INXS - On This Day, October 19, 1981

    On this day, October 19, 1981, INXS released their second album Underneath the Colours. The album reached #15 on the charts in Australia, further cementing the band’s rise in the early ‘80s. With a blend of post-punk and new wave sounds, Underneath the Colours showed the band’s evolving style...
  18. Pete

    On This Day: “Arthur’s Theme” by Christopher Cross Hits #1 on October 17, 1981

    On this day, October 17, 1981, “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross became the #1 song in America. This beloved theme song from the 1981 film Arthur stayed at the top of the charts from October 17 through November 6. The song also hit #1 in Canada and Norway.
  19. Pete

    October 16, 1981 - In the Garden Released

    On this day October 16, 1981, Eurythmics released their debut album In the Garden. This album marked the beginning of their iconic career, blending elements of new wave, post-punk, and synth-pop. Though it didn’t achieve significant commercial success, it established their unique sound and set...
  20. Pete

    …All the Marbles Released - October, 16, 1981

    On this day October 16, 1981, …All the Marbles premiered, directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Peter Falk, Vicki Frederick, Laurene Landon, and Burt Young. Despite having a production budget of $9.3 million, it grossed only $6.5 million at the box office.
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