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Retro Chart Trivia

Retro Chart Trivia - a fortnightly podcast of 80s chart trivia from the factual to the ridiculous. Step back in time... Follow us @charttrivia here and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!
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Episodes

23rd December 1985: Pet Shop Boys, Shakin’ Stevens, Whitney Houston, A-ha, Talking Heads, Sophia George...

Who’s got a thumping great bruise on his right cheek after he fell down the stairs of London’s very pricey Hippodrome club after one coffee too many? Who likes to be pummelled stupid before his shows by a Swedish masseuse? It’s all part of his keep fit campaign! Who once abseiled down the wall of the Munich Hilton? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 23rd December 1985! Starring Pet Shop Boys, Shakin’ Stevens, Whitney Houston, A-ha, Talking Heads, Sophia George and a cast of thousands!...

Dec 24, 201938 min

9th December 1981: Human League, Olivia Newton-John, ABBA, Bucks Fizz, Dollar, Madness...

Which member of Madness is boning which Belle Star? Whose video sees them prancing around Primrose Hill at 5:30am in the morning in nothing but loin cloths? Who's damaged his chances of receiving a royal honour by stealing Lord Snowden’s orange juice at the BAFTA awards and getting himself in an altercation with Princess Margaret's ex-husband? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 9th December 1981! Starring Human League, Olivia Newton-John, ABBA, Bucks Fizz, Dollar, Madness and a cast of...

Dec 14, 201938 min

25th November 1980: Blondie, ABBA, David Bowie, Barbra Streisand, Roxy Music, St Winifred’s School Choir...

Which rock star has an interesting pant moustache in Paula Yates’ new book ‘Rock Stars In Their Underpants'? Which band don’t use shampoo, they use Domestos? Who snuck out of hospital the day after his tonsillectomy to attend the Ian Dury Dingwalls gig? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 25th November 1980! Starring Blondie, ABBA, David Bowie, Barbra Streisand, Roxy Music, St Winifred’s School Choir and a cast of thousands!

Nov 29, 201935 min

11th November 1984: Chaka Khan, Pointer Sisters, Wham!, Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Limahl...

Which pop frontman did the tango with Raquel Welch at her reception at the Hippodrome last week? Which rock star earned his nickname by letting the wheel of a Volkswagen run over his head for a $100 bet? Whose maths teacher was Howard Jones' father? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 11th November 1984! Starring Chaka Khan, Pointer Sisters, Wham!, Duran Duran, Billy Ocean, Limahl and a cast of thousands!

Nov 14, 201934 min

28th October 1988: Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Whitney Houston, Enya, Milli Vanilli, T’Pau…

Which female rapper loves nothing more than sitting at home of an eve, making little toy pigs? Who at the age of 5 was playing with matches and set his house on fire? Who thinks the best dressed person of the year is Sue Lawley? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 28th October 1988! Starring Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Whitney Houston, Enya, Milli Vanilli, T’Pau and a cast of thousands!

Oct 29, 201940 min

14th October 1985: A-ha, Bonnie Tyler, Grace Jones, Sade, Level 42, Jennifer Rush...

Which pop star only washes his hair once a month? Who threw up half an hour before she went on stage at Live Aid because she was so nervous? Win Miami Vice picture discs in the Smash Hits Crockett and Bernie Winters competition! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 14th October 1985! Starring A-ha, Bonnie Tyler, Grace Jones, Sade, Level 42, Jennifer Rush and a cast of thousands!

Oct 16, 201938 min

30th September 1982: Musical Youth, Culture Club, Kids From Fame, ABC, Carly Simon, Toto Coelo...

Which soul star’s mega girth is played up all the time? Who has a black and white dog called Fry, named after Martin of ABC? Which pop star played Cousin Yellowstone in a stage version of the Wombles in Manchester? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 30th September 1982! Starring Musical Youth, Culture Club, Kids From Fame, ABC, Carly Simon, Toto Coelo and a cast of thousands!

Oct 03, 201935 min

16th September 1986: Sinitta, Five Star, Communards, Janet Jackson, Human League, Huey Lewis & The News

Whose drummer used to perform on the QE2 in the cabaret band, backing Reg Varney from On The Buses? Whose message for their fans is: ‘Beware of drugs! Beware of the demons of the mind lest manifold the oxen that raineth down upon ye!’ Whose mouth is in fact not 8.5 inches wide but only five? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 16th September 1986! Starring Sinitta, Five Star, Communards, Janet Jackson, Human League, Huey Lewis & The News and a cast of thousands!

Sep 19, 201935 min

2nd September 1988: Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, Yazz & The Plastic Population, Kim Wilde, Kylie Minogue, Guns ’N’ Roses, S Express...

Who claims to have had his way with 3000 foxtresses! Which trio used to earn a living by singing in churches to sell Kirby vacuum cleaners and sticking roses on dogs in toy factories? Which pop star thinks the Proclaimers look like two martians? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 2nd September 1988! Starring Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, Yazz & The Plastic Population, Kim Wilde, Kylie Minogue, Guns ’N’ Roses, S Express and a cast of thousands!

Sep 04, 201941 min

5th August 1980: Kate Bush, ABBA, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Sheena Easton, Odyssey...

Which rock star used to be a TV repair man? Whose self titled debut LP cost just £600 to record? Who has turned down a gig at the Electric Ballroom in Camden as he feels even he can’t cope with the sort of punter that goes there? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 5th August 1980! Starring Kate Bush, ABBA, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Sheena Easton, Odyssey and a cast of thousands!

Aug 05, 201933 min

22nd July 1989: Sonia, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Soul II Soul, Raggy Dolls...

Which cheeky chaps have struck up a business deal with a pharmaceutical company to put their name to a new baby oil? Who at the age of 16 wore her blonde hair on top of her head in the shape of a penis along with black lipstick and black nail polish? Which pop star would like to lick Prince Edward’s bald patch? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 22nd July 1989! Starring Sonia, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Soul II Soul, Raggy Dolls and a cast of thousands!

Jul 23, 201938 min

In Conversation: Belinda Carlisle

We meet up with Belinda Carlisle in July 2019 to discuss her phenomenal life in music and the amazing work of the Animal People Alliance charity, for which she is an ambassador. We talk about the forthcoming Go-Go’s documentary and her future recording plans! There’s tales of her times with Cher, Madonna, Michael Hutchence and Tracey Thorn! We talk ghosts and apparitions! And does Belinda still subscribe to Dog’s World? It’s all here in this week’s Retro Chart Trivia: In conversation with Belind...

Jul 16, 201950 min

24th June 1982: Tight Fit, Dollar, Yazoo, Soft Cell, Adam Ant, ABC...

Who left school to became a potato rumbler instead of staying on and sitting their exams? Whose poor flying skills led to an ill-fated global flight and an unscheduled landing on a main road? Which member of New Order thinks Toyah comes across as awfully big-headed? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 24th June 1982! Starring Tight Fit, Dollar, Yazoo, Soft Cell, Adam Ant, ABC and a cast of thousands!

Jun 27, 201935 min

10th June 1987: Whitney Houston, George Michael, Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, Run-DMC, Johnny Hates Jazz...

Which pop star eats KP beef low fat crisps in the morning for breakfast? Who worked in his dad’s transport cafe as a nipper and got his nose broken twice in scraps with lorry drivers? Which lads have emerged as the shock contenders for booziest boys in the biz after out-drinking current world champs Spandau Ballet in Montreux! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 10th June 1987! Starring Whitney Houston, George Michael, Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, Run-DMC, Johnny Hates Jazz and a cast of...

Jun 13, 201934 min

27th May 1984: Duran Duran, Wham!, Pointer Sisters, Queen, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Phil Collins...

Who says Howard Jones’ hair ‘looks like a flippin’ back-combed carpet that’s had a bit of dirt trodden into it’? Who spent two years trying to learn how to surf and failed miserably when their board flew up and knocked their front teeth out? Whose ambitions include jumping off a high building and recording their voice on the way down? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 27th May 1984! Starring Duran Duran, Wham!, Pointer Sisters, Queen, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Phil Collins and a c...

May 30, 201939 min

13th May 1989: Donna Summer, Paula Abdul, Stevie Nicks, Roxette, Kylie Minogue, London Boys...

Which rock star says Kylie’s songs are meaningless crap? Which soul singer washes her hair with tuna shampoo? Win a spiffing Morrissey t-shirt depicting Oscar Wilde with a flower in his mitts in the Smash Hits ‘Oh What An Interesting Competition’! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 13th May 1989! Starring Donna Summer, Paula Abdul, Stevie Nicks, Roxette, Kylie Minogue, London Boys and a cast of thousands!

May 15, 201935 min

29th April 1987: Five Star, Mel & Kim, Judy Boucher, Madonna, Starship, U2...

Which pop star used to be a male stripper, taking off his garments for housewives for £50 a time? Whose frontman is going to vote for the SDP in the general election and thinks Dr David Owen is the best politician in Britain? Who scurried backstage with Cameo’s Larry Blackmon, emerging hours later proclaiming: ‘Larry’s so big! He’s huge!’ It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 29th April 1987! Starring Five Star, Mel & Kim, Judy Boucher, Madonna, Starship, U2 and a cast of thousands!...

Apr 30, 201934 min

15th April 1982: Chas & Dave, Bucks Fizz, Bardo, Tight Fit, Toni Basil, Associates…

Which pop star was once run over by an ice cream van? Which tennis star has been approached by Elton John’s Rocket record label to record a single this summer? Has the ‘is she really going out with him’ saga of Clare Grogan and Gary Kemp finally been nipped in the bud? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 15th April 1982! Starring Chas & Dave, Bucks Fizz, Bardo, Tight Fit, Toni Basil, Associates and a cast of thousands!

Apr 16, 201930 min

1st April 1981: Bucks Fizz, Talking Heads, Kim Wilde, Toyah, Shakin’ Stevens, Ultravox...

Who is more than a little miffed about his pet red-kneed tarantula, Doris, who’s gone off her daily diet of locusts and appears terribly ill? Which band are Phil Oakey Human League’s favourite group? Win a Ferguson Videostar 3V22 video cassette recorder in the Smash Hits/Visage video competition! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 1st April 1981! Starring Bucks Fizz, Talking Heads, Kim Wilde, Toyah, Shakin’ Stevens, Ultravox and a cast of thousands!

Apr 02, 201928 min

18th March 1986: Samantha Fox, Su Pollard, Kate Bush, Whitney Houston, Bangles, Diana Ross...

Which pop star was once expelled from school for punching his chemistry teacher? Whose baby was conceived at 60mph in the back of a coach? What did Miranda Belle Star give Patsy Kensit for her 18th birthday? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 18th March 1986! Starring Samantha Fox, Su Pollard, Kate Bush, Whitney Houston, Bangles, Diana Ross and a cast of thousands!

Mar 19, 201931 min

4th March 1983: Eurythmics, Bonnie Tyler, Toto, Michael Jackson, Belle Stars, Laura Branigan...

Which pop group join Penelope Keith and Mike Read in the furniture department on tomorrow’s Saturday Superstore? Who was chucked out of college for having pink hair and spraying everything day-glo, so he got a job drawing squirrels for the Glasgow Parks Department? Which rock star says Tony Hadley’s vocals are ‘droning idiotic rubbish’? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 4th March 1983! Starring Eurythmics, Bonnie Tyler, Toto, Michael Jackson, Belle Stars, Laura Branigan and a cast of ...

Mar 04, 201931 min

18th February 1988: Kylie Minogue, Tiffany, Taylor Dayne, Sinead O’Connor, Vanessa Paradis, Deacon Blue...

Which rock star thinks he looks like Margaret Thatcher with a dog turd under her nose? Whose sister used to drag her around by the hair and try to suffocate her? Which pop star was discovered by a talent scout, who heard her singing in the hamburger bar where she worked as a waitress? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 18th February 1988! Starring Kylie Minogue, Tiffany, Taylor Dayne, Sinead O’Connor, Vanessa Paradis, Deacon Blue and a cast of thousands!

Feb 20, 201931 min

4th February 1985: Kirsty MacColl, Strawberry Switchblade, Dead Or Alive, Russ Abbot, Bruce Springsteen, Smiths...

Which clean cut pop star has never done pills but admits to trying magic mushrooms? Who was attacked by a gang of drunks while recording their latest pop video in a Shepherd’s Bush pub? Which rock star used to have an English teacher called Snorkel? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 4th February 1985! Starring Kirsty MacColl, Strawberry Switchblade, Dead Or Alive, Russ Abbot, Bruce Springsteen, Smiths and a cast of thousands!

Feb 05, 201936 min

21st January 1980: Nolans, Fleetwood Mac, Pretenders, Sugarhill Gang, Fiddler’s Dram, Kenny Rogers...

Which Top 3 single was written on the back of a cigarette packet while delivering Fyffes bananas? Who used to be married to Lulu and was frequently thrown off aeroplanes for being squiffy? Which ABBA single is their only recording to feature more than just the four band members’ vocals? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 21st January 1980! Starring Nolans, Fleetwood Mac, Pretenders, Sugarhill Gang, Fiddler’s Dram, Kenny Rogers and a cast of thousands!

Jan 22, 201930 min

7th January 1988: Belinda Carlisle, Pet Shop Boys, T’Pau, Joyce Sims, Jellybean, G.O.S.H....

What did Madonna buy Sean to cheer him up in the weeks before his trial for fighting with photographers? Which Canadian lovelette is so desperate for a husband she’s signed up with a dating agency? Who has worn the same underpants for seven years? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 7th January 1988! Starring Belinda Carlisle, Pet Shop Boys, T’Pau, Joyce Sims, Jellybean, G.O.S.H. and a cast of thousands!

Jan 08, 201931 min

24th December 1984: Wham!, Tina Turner, Nik Kershaw, Alison Moyet, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Alvin Stardust...

Who thinks Duran Duran’s Wild Boys is pathetic and wonders how it ever got released? Who was arrested at Dublin airport on his way home from a concert with £7.5k takings from the previous night’s show confiscated, leaving him with just £421? Who does Johnny Rotten say are the Sonny & Cher of the 80s? It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on Christmas Eve 1984! Starring Wham!, Tina Turner, Nik Kershaw, Alison Moyet, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Alvin Stardust and a cast of thousands!

Dec 24, 201837 min

26th November 1986: Mel & Kim, Madonna, Kim Wilde, Bon Jovi, Jaki Graham, Anita Baker...

Who survived on a diet of nothing but Twinkies, hot dogs and chocolate morning, noon and night and all her hair fell out? Who categorically denies blowing up a tin of frankfurters on her Primus stove while caravanning in France this summer? Win 1 of 5 exclusive sets of life-size Bruce Springsteen cardboard cutouts and Bruce trivia calendars in the Smash Hits Bruce Springsteen competition! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 26th November 1986! Starring Mel & Kim, Madonna, Kim Wilde,...

Dec 16, 201829 min

19th November 1982: Kids From Fame, Tears For Fears, Hall & Oates, Modern Romance, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Blancmange...

Who recently went backpacking across Dartmoor on a diet of Bollinger and Martell and got caught in a vicious storm and is now in agony after exposing a nerve in his tooth? Who buys his frilly shirts from Schofield’s ladies department? Win a studded wristband courtesy of Marc Almond in the Smash Hits Clobber Competition! Who knows where it’s been! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 19th November 1982! Starring Kids From Fame, Tears For Fears, Hall & Oates, Modern Romance, Kid Creole...

Dec 07, 201829 min

12th November 1983: Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, Billy Joel, Men Without Hats, Rock Steady Crew, Will Powers...

Whose new LP includes a limited edition free colour poster with a flash of his pubes? Who has appeared in adverts for Wrigley’s chewing gum, Brutus Jeans and even Triumph bras with Joanna Lumley? Win 1 of 10 Madness Pakamacs and ‘The Sun And The Rain’ picture discs in the current issue of Record Mirror! It’s all here in this week’s Chart Trivia on 12th November 1983! Starring Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, Billy Joel, Men Without Hats, Rock Steady Crew, Will Powers and a cast of thousands!

Nov 29, 201828 min
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