And while stars such as Duran Duran, Prince and Madonna were shooting up the charts, all this was happening in Sunderland.
We had Binns for bargains, Rediffusion for televisions, Pyrex for plates and Crowtree to get yourself in shape.
See how many of these 1980 and 1981 scenes you remember.
In case you missed it;
9. All dressed up in 1981
Fancy dress fun at Woolworths in Sunderland. A Christmas memory from 1981, the year when The Human League topped the charts with Don't You Want Me. | se
10. Pictured at the Barnes Hotel
Bar staff who took part in a competition in 1981 at the Barnes Hotel. Get in touch if you can tell us more. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
11. Rockhouse in 1981
Rockhouse Playgroup in Seaham hosted its own Royal wedding party in July 1981. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
12. A milestone moment at Crowtree
The 5 millionth visitor to Crowtree Leisure Centre was 11 year old Philip Thompson pictured with his commemorative medal in 1981. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo