πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§United Kingdom Β· 80s

Hillsborough and Acid House

Football's darkest day, the Berlin Wall falls, and rave culture explodes.

What happened

4 milestones of 1989

Apr 15

Hillsborough Disaster

97 Liverpool fans were killed in a crush at Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield, during an FA Cup semi-final. Police failures caused the disaster. The cover-up lasted decades.

National tragedy β€” honor the 97 victims. The fans were blameless. Justice took 27 years.

Summer

Acid House and the Second Summer of Love

Acid house and rave culture exploded across Britain. Illegal warehouse parties. The smiley face. Ecstasy. The Criminal Justice Act would follow, but for now β€” the kids were dancing.

Oct 19

Guildford Four Released

The Guildford Four were released after 15 years in prison for IRA pub bombings they didn't commit. A devastating miscarriage of justice.

Wrongful imprisonment β€” acknowledge the injustice and its impact

What was playing

70% local Β· 30% international

What was in cinemas

Batman

Batman

Tim Burton β€” Batmania swept the UK. Jack Nicholson's Joker.

When Harry Met Sally

When Harry Met Sally

Rob Reiner β€” The deli scene. The rom-com that everyone quoted.

Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine

Lewis Gilbert β€” Pauline Collins escapes to Greece. British women cheered.

Licence to Kill

Licence to Kill

John Glen β€” Major UK release β€” TMDB 6.4

Stepfather 2

Stepfather 2

Jeff Burr β€” Major UK release β€” TMDB 5.5

What was on TV

Blackadder Goes Forth

1989 β€” Rowan Atkinson in the trenches. The final scene β€” one of TV's most powerful moments.

Only Fools and Horses

1981-2003 β€” Batman and Robin episode. Del Boy and Rodney. National treasures.

Neighbours

1986-2022 β€” Kylie and Jason's wedding drew 20 million UK viewers. Australian soap conquered Britain.

How much things cost

Currency: GBP

Pint of milk26p
Pint of bitterΒ£1.00
Average houseΒ£61,495
Cinema ticketΒ£2.80

Inflation: 7.8%

Boom turning to bust. Interest rates hit 15%. Poll tax looming. Thatcher's end was coming.

Then vs. Now

Inflation-adjusted values

Pint of milkONS
1989 (GBP)
26p
β†’
Today's value (Β£)
--
Pint of bitterBBPA
1989 (GBP)
Β£1.00
β†’
Today's value (Β£)
--
Average houseONS
1989 (GBP)
Β£61,495
β†’
Today's value (Β£)
--
Cinema ticketBFI
1989 (GBP)
Β£2.80
β†’
Today's value (Β£)
--

Technology

Game Boy

Nintendo's handheld arrived in the UK. Tetris on the bus.

Tim Berners-Lee at CERN

A British scientist proposed the World Wide Web. The world didn't notice yet.

Satellite TV

Sky Television launched. Rupert Murdoch's dish changed broadcasting.

Pop Culture

Fashion

Smiley face t-shirtsBaggy jeansBandanasRave wear β€” neon, whistles, dungarees

Slang

Sortedβ€” Good, all arranged
Mentalβ€” Crazy, wild
Buzzin'β€” Excited, having a great time

Behavior

  • Rave culture united working-class kids from all backgrounds
  • Hillsborough grief united Liverpool and changed football safety forever
  • The poll tax was announced β€” fury was building

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