Are you planning an event to transport audiences back to the greatest decade? Then you need to book a 1980s singer or band! According to The People History, the music scene in the 80s was big and bold: "nothing was understated, not the sound, not the fashion, not even the charity." Bringing the same 80s aesthetic, these talented performers will have attendees dancing and singing to their favourite hits.
Champions Music & Entertainment has a wide selection of 1980s acts, meaning you can find the perfect singer or band for your party. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance party or a more relaxed and nostalgic celebration, we've got you covered.
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Who are the best 80s bands & singers to hire?
Here at Champions Music & Entertainment, we are seasoned experts in selecting the very best performers for parties across the globe. Using our carefully crafted expertise and feedback from thousands of events, we have selected the 10 most popular 80s singers and bands to hire for events in 2024, ranked by popularity.
- Toyah Wilcox
- Carol Decker
- Katrina and The Waves
- Go West
- Tony Hadley
- Paul Young
- Billy Ocean
- Rick Astley
- The Human League
- UB40
Find out more about our favourite 1980s act for your party in our official list.
1. Toyah Willcox
Award-Winning Punk Princess
With an impressive career spanning over 40 years, Toyah Willcox is a musician, actress and TV presenter famed for her iconic song I Want To Be Free. Throughout her career, Toyah has received great critical acclaim, having released over 20 impressive albums and achieving eight Top 40 singles. If you want to transport your guests back in time to the 1980s, hire Toyah Willcox today for an authentic and iconic rendition of her greatest hits.
2. Carol Decker
Lead Singer of T'Pau
A talented singer and musician, Carol Decker rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the band T'Pau. Enjoying international success throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Carol's stellar vocals became best known on the iconic track China In Your Hand. The face of an internationally successful band, don't miss your opportunity to hire Carol Decker and have your guests dance the night away to T'Pau's biggest hits.
3. Katrina Leskanich
Star of Katrina and The Waves
Katrina Leskanich enjoyed a successful career as the face of the iconic band The Waves, otherwise known as Katrina and The Waves. A much-loved British rock band, Katrina and The Waves, enjoyed great success throughout the 1980s, best known for their legendary song Walking On Sunshine. Having released eight solo albums, Katrina is an acclaimed musician in her own right and the perfect musician to hire to transport your guests back in time.
4. Go West
Brit Award-Winning Pop Duo
A talented English pop duo, Go West are an iconic duo of the 1980s, comprised of lead vocalist Peter Cox and rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Richard Drummie. Go West brings their Brit Award-winning talents to fill your stage with iconic nostalgia. Continuing to perform at events and concerts across the country, including Let's Rock in Wales, hire Go West today for an iconic performance that will transport your guests back to the era of the 1980s.
5. Tony Hadley
Lead Singer of Spandau Ballet
The former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley, is one of the most iconic singers of the 1980s. An English pop singer who rose to prominence in the 1980s, Tony's legendary vocals can be heard on tracks such as Gold, Through The Barricades, I'll Fly For You and Paint Me Down. Hire Tony Hadley to have guests filling the dancefloor as he belts out the vocals to the legendary Gold, True, To Cut A Long Story Short and Only When You Leave. Book 1980s legend Tony Hadley today!
6. Paul Young
1980s Music Icon
Paul Young is another talented singer synonymous with the 1980s, whose initial fame was forged with bands such as Kat Kool & the Kool Cats, Streetband and Q-Tips before becoming an iconic teen idol of the 1980s. Having reached the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart multiple times, Paul is renowned for his songs Everything Must Change, Love Of The Common People, Wherever I Lay My Hat, and Everytime You Go Away.
7. Billy Ocean
Legendary R&B Singer
Leslie Sebastian Charles, best known by his iconic stage name Billy Ocean, is a legendary R&B singer widely regarded as the best R&B singer of the 1980s. When looking for a legendary 80s icon to perform at your next event, don't hesitate to hire Billy Ocean. This outstanding act will bring guests of all ages to the dancefloor with his renditions of Love Really Hurts Without You, There'll Be Sad Songs, Love Is Forever, Red Light Spells Danger, and Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car.
8. Rick Astley
80s Star Loved Worldwide
A musician who has been active across countless decades, Rick Astley, found worldwide fame during the 1980s, best known for his iconic and signature song Never Gonna Give You Up. Having released eight albums, including the titles Whenever You Need Somebody and Beautiful Life, Rick is popular among audiences of all ages. Don't hesitate to hire Rick Astley today if you want the perfect singer to transport your guests back to the 80s.
9. The Human League
Winners of the Best British Breakthrough Act
Synth-pop legends The Human League attained commercial success after they were signed to Virgin Records in 1979. Winning the Best British Breakthrough Act Brit Award in 1982, The Human League achieved several top hits – such as Don't You Want Me, The Lebanon, Human and Open Your Heart. If you want to hire a legendary band for your next event, hire The Human League today to transport your guests back in time with stunning performances of their songs Tell Me When, Mirror Man and Fascination.
10. UB40
UK Record-Holding Music Icons
An infamous reggae and pop band, UB40 took the UK music scene by storm – solidifying over 50 of their iconic singles in the music charts. In joint position with Madness, record holders UB40 have spent the longest time in the UK Singles Chart - an impressive 214 weeks in the charts! When looking for an 80s band guaranteed to bring the good vibes with renditions of their songs Red Red Wine, The Way You Do The Things You Do, and I Got You Babe, don't hesitate to hire UB40 today!
How do I hire an 80s singer or band?
If you are interested in hiring one of our talented singers and bands perfect for 80s-themed events, don't hesitate to contact Champions Music & Entertainment today!
Contact one of our dedicated booking agents by calling 0203 7934042 or completing our online contact form. Alternatively, if you want a broader selection of 1980s acts, browse our roster of 1980s headliners or our 1980s tribute acts.
