Chloe Peterson
Remember those catchy tunes that defined the 1980s? While Madonna and Michael Jackson remain household names, many other talented artists have faded from the spotlight. These performers once dominated MTV and radio waves with their unique styles and infectious hits. Let’s catch up with 14 forgotten ’80s pop icons and discover what they’re up to today.
1. Marilyn
With his platinum blonde hair and androgynous look, Marilyn was one of the New Romantic scene’s most striking figures. After his 1983 hit “Calling Your Name,” the singer (born Peter Robinson) largely vanished from the charts.
Following struggles with addiction and health issues, Marilyn made a remarkable comeback. In 2016, he released “Love or Money,” his first new single in three decades. Recently, he’s appeared on television retrospectives including Celebrity Gogglebox, reminding fans of his pioneering gender-fluid image.
Marilyn’s influence on today’s pop culture remains significant, with many modern artists drawing inspiration from his boundary-pushing aesthetic and sound.
2. Stacey Q
Remember that infectious electronic beat from “Two of Hearts”? Stacey Q dominated dance floors in 1986 with her robotically sweet vocals and neon style. Few fans know she started her career as a Disneyland chorus performer before climbing the Billboard charts.
Today, Stacey (born Stacey Swain) has embraced Buddhism, finding peace far from the spotlight. Her spiritual path hasn’t completely disconnected her from music, though. She occasionally appears at ’80s nostalgia concerts, delighting fans with her signature hit.
Stacey’s journey from pop princess to spiritual seeker shows how dramatically life can change after fame fades.
3. Soft Cell
The haunting synth tones of “Tainted Love” made Soft Cell instant stars in 1981. The duo of Marc Almond and Dave Ball created electronic music that defined an era, though American audiences mostly remember them as one-hit wonders.
While they may have faded from U.S. radio, Marc Almond has built an impressive solo career in the UK. His distinctive voice has graced over 20 solo albums, earning him an OBE for services to arts and culture in 2018.
Soft Cell occasionally reunites for special performances, most recently releasing their first album in 20 years, “*Happiness Not Included*” in 2022, proving their creative partnership remains electric.
4. Thompson Twins
With their colorful hair and catchy hits like “Hold Me Now,” the Thompson Twins (ironically a trio) were MTV staples. Their distinctive sound combined new wave with world music influences, creating pop perfection.
Tom Bailey, the group’s frontman, now writes solo music and produces films. He performs electronic music under the name International Observer and with his project Holiwater, exploring sounds far beyond ’80s synth-pop.
Meanwhile, bandmate Alannah Currie transformed herself into a visual artist and activist based in London. Her furniture art project, Miss Pokeno, creates provocative pieces that challenge conventional design – much like how Thompson Twins once challenged pop conventions.
5. Pat Benatar
With her powerful vocals and fierce attitude, Pat Benatar delivered anthems like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” Her spiky hair and cat-eyed makeup created a look as memorable as her four-octave range.
Unlike many on this list, Benatar never truly disappeared. Now in her late 60s, she continues touring worldwide with guitarist husband Neil Giraldo, her musical partner since 1979.
Her 2010 memoir “Between a Heart and a Rock Place” chronicles her journey through the male-dominated rock world. Recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Benatar proves rock goddesses don’t fade – they just get more legendary with age.
6. Sheena Easton
From “Morning Train” to her James Bond theme “For Your Eyes Only,” Sheena Easton’s crystalline vocals made her a global sensation. The Scottish singer even collaborated with Prince on the controversial “Sugar Walls,” showcasing her versatility.
Now residing in Nevada, Easton hasn’t stopped performing. Her voice has found surprising new audiences through contributions to the animated series “Phineas and Ferb” and the video game “Lost Odyssey.”
Though less visible than in her ’80s heyday, Easton’s career demonstrates remarkable longevity. She’s weathered changing musical trends and health challenges (including throat surgery) while maintaining the pristine voice that made her famous.
7. Jane Wiedlin
As the rhythm guitarist for The Go-Go’s, Jane Wiedlin helped create the soundtrack of the early ’80s with hits like “Our Lips Are Sealed” (which she co-wrote). Her pixie haircut and energetic stage presence made her instantly recognizable during the band’s heyday.
Wiedlin’s post-Go-Go’s career took surprising turns. She built an acting resume with appearances on shows like “Frasier” and in films including “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” as Joan of Arc.
A passionate animal rights advocate, Wiedlin channels her energy into PETA activism. She occasionally reunites with The Go-Go’s for performances, most recently for their 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, proving girl power never goes out of style.
8. Debbie Gibson
At just 16, Debbie Gibson wrote, produced, and performed her #1 hit “Foolish Beat,” becoming the youngest artist to accomplish this feat. Her wholesome image and catchy dance-pop made her the ultimate teen idol of the late ’80s.
Now in her 50s, Gibson hasn’t slowed down. She continues touring and releasing music while building an acting career in Hallmark movies and reality TV shows. In 2005, she surprised fans by posing for Playboy, signaling her transformation from teen star to confident adult performer.
Gibson’s openness about her struggles with Lyme disease has made her an advocate for others with the condition. Her resilience and adaptability show why she’s survived where many teen stars fade away.
9. Tiffany
Tiffany Darwish skyrocketed to fame with her cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” and revolutionary shopping mall tours. The flame-haired teenager’s approachable style made her relatable to fans across America, briefly outselling even Michael Jackson.
Today, Tiffany runs a boutique called Tiffany’s Vintage Boutique in Nashville, combining her love of fashion with entrepreneurship. Music remains central to her life, as she continues performing and recording, often joining other ’90s pop stars on nostalgia tours.
Her musical style has evolved from bubblegum pop to rock and country influences. Tiffany’s ability to reinvent herself while staying connected to her roots demonstrates why she remains beloved by fans decades after her mall tour days.
10. Cyndi Lauper
With her multicolored hair and quirky fashion sense, Cyndi Lauper defined ’80s individualism through hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time.” Her distinctive vocals and unapologetic personality made her a standout even in an era of larger-than-life stars.
Lauper’s career took an unexpected turn when she wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway hit “Kinky Boots,” winning a Tony Award in 2013. Her activism for LGBTQ+ rights has become a defining aspect of her later career, founding the True Colors Fund to combat homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
Still touring and recording at 70, Lauper proves that girls who want to have fun grow into women who make a difference.
11. Belinda Carlisle
As lead vocalist of The Go-Go’s and later a solo star, Belinda Carlisle’s angelic voice belted out hits like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.” Her transformation from punk princess to polished pop star showcased her remarkable versatility.
Carlisle’s musical journey has taken unexpected turns. She’s released albums of French covers and Indian chants, reflecting her spiritual awakening. Practicing Kundalini yoga daily, she’s spoken openly about how spirituality helped her overcome decades of addiction.
Still recording and performing at 65, Carlisle divides her time between America and Thailand. Her evolution from party girl to spiritual seeker demonstrates how dramatically life’s second acts can differ from its beginnings.
12. Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox made headlines transitioning from British tabloid model to pop star with her 1986 hit “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).” Her provocative image and husky vocals made her an instant sensation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Fox performs regularly at ’80s nostalgia events and has become a reality TV favorite, appearing on everything from “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” to “The Masked Singer.” Her last studio album, “Angel With an Attitude,” was released in 2008, though she continues recording singles.
After coming out in 2003, Fox married her long-term partner Linda Olsen in 2022. Her journey from pin-up to proud LGBTQ+ icon shows her remarkable ability to evolve while staying true to herself.
13. Siobhan Fahey
Irish-born Siobhan Fahey first found fame as one-third of Bananarama, creating hits like “Cruel Summer” and “Venus.” Her distinctive voice and rebellious spirit made her stand out even in a group setting.
After leaving Bananarama in 1988, Fahey formed the dramatic duo Shakespears Sister, scoring a massive hit with the haunting “Stay.” The group’s gothic aesthetic and theatrical videos showed a darker side to the former Bananarama member.
In recent years, Fahey surprised fans by rejoining Bananarama for reunion tours. She continues recording under her own SF Records label, maintaining creative control of her musical vision. At 65, her willingness to evolve while honoring her past shows why she remains an alternative pop icon.
14. Jody Watley
Jody Watley’s journey began with the R&B group Shalamar before her solo breakout with dance-floor fillers like “Looking for a New Love.” Her fashionable videos and soulful voice earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1987, despite years in the industry.
Always ahead of her time, Watley now runs her own label, Avitone, maintaining independence in an industry that often constrains artists. Her fashion sense remains impeccable, leading to various style and lifestyle projects that showcase her distinctive aesthetic.
A wellness advocate and occasional online DJ, Watley continues performing at 64. Her entrepreneurial spirit and refusal to be pigeonholed demonstrate why she’s survived where many ’80s stars faded away.
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