TOTP81.30 30/07/81

Repeated on BBCFour 01/04/2016
Presented by Steve Wright
Full chart here

TOTP debut: Bill Wyman (as solo artist)

Last show of the month during the heady days of summer and the decade seems finally to be taking shape musically with some "classic" eighties acts taking part. Plus a novelty hit for Stones bass player Bill Wyman and of course a medley hit too, this time by the RPO.


Duran Duran – “Girls On Film” (23)
Back with a vengeance after the non-hit Careless Memories, and with what will become one of their better known songs. Renewed confidence, vigour and a saucy video (not shown here).

Kim Wilde – “Water On Glass” (35)
Another hit for Kim, with her bro & pals, although this one will just fail to go Top 10.

Depeche Mode – “New Life” (12)
Still gradually climbing although the Top 10 will also prove out of reach for this one too even after going up one more notch next week.

Bill Wyman – “(Si Si) Je Suis un Rock Star” (36)
Here's the summer novelty hit for stone (sorry) faced Bill. Will be a hit although his solo career practically ends here.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – “Hooked On Classics” (7) (Legs & Co)
The almost obligatory medley song on this week, as the RPO toffs cash in on the craze. I must admit this one did introduce me to a lot of classics though. Starsiund Abba edley going down this week, by the way.

The Undertones – “Julie Ocean” (45)
Uncharacteristically slow one for these post-punkers. Obviously not even the fans liked it as it didn't go Top 40.

Stevie Wonder – “Happy Birthday” (4) (video)
Yes well, it's this one which you will have heard a million times since. Gets to no. 2 next week.

Spandau Ballet – “Chant No.1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On)” (3) (video)
This is more like it - Spandau Ballet in their funky phase with gritty, sweaty video to go with it. This as far as it goes though for this one.

Shakin’ Stevens – “Green Door” (1) (rpt from 23/07/81)
All the way up from no. 22 and the first of four weeks at no. 1.

The Jacksons - "Walk Right Now" (15) (audience dancing/credits)
Will go Top 10 next week.

See ya!