1984: The Year Pop Went Queer by Ian Wade

In 1984, pop came out of the closet – even if not all of the artists felt that they could – and, in the process, charted the course of the rest of the decade.

In 1984: The Year Pop Went Queer, writer and musician Ian Wade charts where these artists, including Queen, George Michael, David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Madonna – who all enjoyed chart success in 1984 – were during that epoch-making year. It studies the impact these groundbreaking musicians had before, during and after on the gay community and popular culture, and it demonstrates how they were able to break down barriers, raise consciousness and set in motion the first nascent ripples in a pond that are still being felt today.

As a backdrop, it explores the strides made in the name of the cause and how the wider surrounding culture reacted with equal parts glee, bafflement and disgust.

About the Author: Ian Wade is a writer, DJ and pop fanatic. He has written for Classic Pop, Record Collector, The Quietus, MusicOMH, Official Charts, Sunday Times Culture as well as doing time for Smash Hits and The Face many years ago. He has worked as a PR on BBC’s Later… with Jools Holland and occasionally DJs at Spiritland, Duckie and Soho Radio.

24 Apr 2025
 

1984: The Year Pop Went Queer by Ian Wade ISBN 9781785120831