Do You Remember the 70s, 80s and 90s?

A Tribute to The King of Pop

2009-06-26T08:53:00.003Z

Many of you will be waking up this morning to news that will both sadden and shock you - that music legend Michael Jackson has passed away, aged just 50.

The star is said to have suffered a heart attack, while staying in Los Angeles as he rehearsed for his upcoming concerts at London's O2 Arena. And in the hours that have passed since, celebrities and fans alike have paid tribute to a man that will forever be crowned the King Of Pop. "Absolutely devastated" were music producer of Thriller Quincy Jones' words; "Heartbroken" said Michael's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, and film producer Stephen Spielberg perhaps summed up the epicness of Michael's death when he said: "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson."

Born on 28 August 1958 in Gary, Indiana, as one of nine kids, Michael has lived most of his life in the limelight, alongside his musical siblings in the Jackson 5, and later when he went solo.

He will be remembered for many things: his natural stage presence, having a pet monkey called Bubbles, selling 65 million copies of his Thriller album, wowing stadiums with his legendary moonwalk, being ambushed by Jarvis Cocker at the Brit Awards one year and wearing that white glove. But good and bad, he will always be remembered as a legend and our love of his music will remain stronger than ever.

What are your memories of Michael? If you would like to join us in leaving a tribute to the man behind such legendary hits as Billie Jean, Man In The Mirror, Earth Song and many, many more, please click here.

RIP Michael Jackson

James Bond: licence to chill

2009-06-17T20:06:00.003Z

Many women will admit to wanting to get up close and personal with Bond film hearthrob Daniel Craig - and now they can! Del Monte Superfruit Smoothies has created a Daniel Craig-shaped lolly with a 'licence to chill'.

Modelled on Craig's Casino Royale scene, where he emerges from the sea, all smouldering good looks and rippling torso, we think the lolly has an uncanny likeness to the actor.

Do you agree? And which stars from the 70s, 80s or 90s would you like to see immortalised in lollipop form? We'd love to know...

Brand new single from Norwegian Pop Masters A-Ha

2009-06-16T10:09:00.003Z

A-Ha, Norway’s multi-million selling purveyors of instant pop gems, return on 6 July 2009 with the brand new single “Foot Of the Mountain” released on Universal Music Record label (UMRL).

Bursting to life with soaring synths, a memorable chorus and Morten Harket’s instantly recognisable vocals, “Foot Of the Mountain” is an A-Ha classic that sees a return to their early recording methods and synth sensibilities, reminiscent of tracks that made them the 36 million selling band they are today.

Check them out on tour in the UK in October.

A-Ha on Twitter

Jump to it!

2009-06-14T20:07:00.002Z

If you haven't already heard, the jumpsuit is THE must-have piece of clothing this year. I know many of you will be recoiling in disgust at the very idea, but if you've never tried one on then I urge you to do so immediately!

Not only are jumpsuits mega comfy, but they can look ultra chic with a pair of killer heels, or dressed down for the day in gladiator sandals. They suit all ages and body shapes - the only rule being: leave orange to the inmates! For style inspiration, just look at Anneka Rice in her Treasure Hunt days - proving jumpsuits are perfect for mums on the run! Or Bianca Jagger, who married her Rolling Stone while wearing a stylish white all-in-on. Suzi Quatro showed us all the jumpsuit even worked in leather. And who could forget Elvis trying to do it for the men in his rhinestone-encrusted eye-catcher?

If you want a piece of the action and you long to slip into a bit of 70s nostalgia, head to your nearest high street (M&S has a range of jumpsuits available, like the one pictured), or visit Asos.com.

As of last week, I'm now the proud owner of two jumpsuits... soon to be three!

The Hand-Bell Ringers of Great Britain vs The Orb

2009-06-03T19:34:00.003Z

If you're not doing anything this Saturday 6th June, why not get yourself down to London's O2 Arena between 2-6pm? As part of The British Music Experience, the Hand Bell Ringers of Great Britain, Europe's largest Hand Bell and Chime Orchestra will be playing selections from Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, in celebration of the 35th anniversary issue of Mike Oldfield's tubular Bells and Mike Oldfield: The Collection. There will also be workshops to enable you to learn from the masters, plus a very special DJ set from ambient house pioneers, The Orb. It's more than enough to make an afternoon to remember for all the family. Better still, kids go free!

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.britishmusicexperience.com. See you there!

Rubik's Cube Grinders

2009-05-30T16:57:00.005Z

You may have noticed the DYR team holds a soft spot for one 80s toy in particular - just check out our logo! So, when we spotted the latest Rubik's Cube incarnation on Firebox.com, we had to share it with you. We've all seen Erno Rubik's timeless (or should that be tireless?) invention go from your standard timewaster toy, to the 4x4x4 Rubik's Revenge, Rubiks Snake and Rubik's Clock, but this has to be the first time the Rubik's has ventured into kitchenware. Look a little closer at the picture on the left and you'll see these Rubik's Cubes are in fact salt and pepper grinders!

The diminutive cubes are built around a ceramic mill that's functional and fun to use. The only problem is, you'll probably end up with extra-salty chips, as you won't want to stop fiddling with the thing. Nothing changes, does it? Get yours here, priced £11.95, and create a talking point the next time you get the BBQ out...

Congratulations!

2009-05-19T18:58:00.002Z

Last month's competition winners will be together in Electric Dreams, as they've each one a copy of the DVD re-release of the 80s movie classic. Congratulations goes to C.MacLennan, J.Rhymer and C.Constable - we hope you enjoy reliving the memories of what's become a cult classic, complete with an 80s-tastic soundtrack that'll have you dancing round the living room we bet.

If you weren't successful this time round, enter our latest competition to win a signed photo of Bond girl Maryam d'Abo here. Good luck!

Nothing to do with the 80s

2009-05-04T17:34:00.004Z

I apologise for the off-topicness of this post but every now and again I am so impressed by a business, product or service that I simply have to share it with everyone! This time it is Claridges Hotel in London. This is not the sort of place I normally hang out - I'm more of a Travelodge sort of guy - and so when I had the chance to stay in one of the world's best hotels, I was absolutely amazed by the whole experience.

I was so impressed by the staff, management and customer care throughout the stay that I felt I had to write an article as a way of saying thank you to the Claridges team that made my stay so comfortable. This is not an advert, nor is it commissioned in any way; this really is just my own personal opinion: http://www.doyouremember.co.uk/claridges.php

In future I'll try and stick to the 80s stuff!

Just another week for the DYR team...

2009-05-03T17:53:00.008Z

It must be the week for mingling with celebs, if the DYR blog is anything to go by. First Leslie Phillips and now Maryam d'Abo!

Earlier this week, I hurried down to one of my favourite retro haunts, Vintage Magazine Shop to fulfil many peoples' lifelong aims - to meet a real-life Bond Girl. Maryam made her name in the Bond franchise after starring as Kara Milovy in The Living Daylights, opposite Timothy Dalton, in 1987, and has since continued acting in a range of hit movies and television appearances (find out more and purchase official Maryam d'Abo merchandise at www.bondstars.com/maryamdabo). Having seen her in the flesh, she has most definitely retained all the glamour that comes from playing a Bond Girl, and in collaboration with Denis at Vintage Magazine Shop kindly donated a signed photograph for an upcoming competition (so keep those eyes peeled!).

If you too would like to rub shoulders with Bond royalty, get down to Vintage Magazine Shop on Saturday 9th May 2009, 12-2pm, when Richard 'Jaws' Kiel and Banche Ravalec (aka Dolly in Moonraker) will be signing photos. Check out the website www.vinmag.com for full details.

I'm just wondering who we're going to bump into next...

Is Anybody There?

2009-05-01T13:54:00.005Z

On Wednesday, I had the great privilege of attending the London premiere of the new film starring Michael Caine "Is Anybody There?". The film tells the story of a young boy growing up in the old people's home his parents run and is set firmly in the 1980s. As well as a being a fantastic and heartwarming film, there are some great 80s references including the TV shows, cars, fashion and music from the period. If you haven't already seen the trailer, check it out here.

Most of the cast attended the premiere including Michael Caine, Anne-Marie Duff, Bill Milner and David Morrissey. Other celebs in attendance included June Whitfield, Barbara Windsor and Michael Winner amongst others. We bumped into Louis Theroux at the bar and also got to chat to Leslie Phillips. Here's a photo of my wife with Leslie Phillips (Ding Dong!)

Congratulations to...

2009-04-28T20:50:00.002Z

N.Coomber who's won two tickets to see 10CC in concert this month - don't say you're not just a little bit jealous! Enjoy reliving the hits of yesteryear on behalf of all us 10CC fans. As runner-up in last month's competition, L.Dexter bags a copy of the band's latest greatest hits album, which will be winging its way to you in the post. Well done both of you!

If you weren't lucky this time round, try your luck in our current competition to win an Electric Dreams DVD here. Also, look out for an extra-special giveaway coming up on the DYR home page. Remember that signed pic of Richard 'Jaws' Kiel? Well, this will be just as big. Good luck everyone...

Health and safety gone mad?

2009-04-27T20:58:00.005Z

I've just heard that one of DYR's fave retro sweets is to undergo a dramatic makeover. There will be no more sucking on the soggy end of your Sherbet Fountain any more, because from next month, the manufacturer is changing the packaging to make it more 'hygienic'. The iconic design first filled sweetshops in 1925, and the original liquorice stick and folded card tube will now be replaced by a resealable plastic container. But surely getting covered in fizzy flakes and accidentally swallowing bits of soggy paper are part of the experience!

All this brings back bad memories of when the Smarties tube lost its pop-off paper end forever. So is it just another case of health and safety gone too far? Or is it time we let go? Let us know what you think...

It's a shell-abration!

2009-04-26T08:08:00.006Z

Cowabunga! Dudes and dudettes rejoice, as everyones' favourite heroes in a half-shell are back in shell-abration of a special birthday. It's been 25 years since their first incarnation, and the 25th anniversay special-edition DVD of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set for release next month. It will feature three discs of both series one and two of the animated kids' series, along with four bonus never before seen episodes. OK, they might not be teenagers any more, but neither are we.

Watch Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Donatello much their way through pizzas when they're not showing off some nifty martial arts moves as they protect New York from evil (remember Shredder?). You'll soon find yourself chuckling away to Michaelangelo's surfer lingo and master Splinter's attempts to reign in his feisty foursome. There's no better place to recapture those childhood memories - and why not dig out any Turtle figures from the attic while you're at it?

I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the DVD and am pleased to say it's just as good as it was when I was 10 - though, this time I wasn't wearing a bandana while I watched. And the real treat has to be those four brand-new episodes: The Beginning Of the End; The Return Of Dregg; Monster From Dimension X and The Day the Earth Disappeared. But that's all I'm telling you about them - so you'll just have to see them for yourself.

It's the first time the original series has been released on DVD in the UK and the special edition pack is priced £29.99, while a single DVD featuring three episodes from series one will cost £6.99. Both are due for release on 25th May, courtesy of Lions Gate Home Entertainment. Pre-order yours now here.

Win tickets to see 10CC!

2009-04-08T21:08:00.005Z

In these hard times good nights out are few and far between, so DYR has got a special treat for you. Fans of 70s group 10CC wil be pleased to hear they're about to embark on a nationwide Greatest Hits Tour, with Graham Gouldman, Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Mick Wilson and Mike Stevens keen to belt out some of their 10 top ten hits. The tour, running throughout May and June, will see 10CC harking back to the golden days with hits Rubber Bullets, Art For Art's Sake, The Wall Street Shuffle and Life Is A Minestrone. It timely coincides with the release of the band's new album release on 20 April, The Very Best Of 10CC.

To enter our competition just recommend friends and family to DYR - one lucky person will win a pair of tickets to a 10CC Greatest Hits tour date of their choice (subject to availability and travel not included). One runner-up will win the band's new album.

Good luck everyone - but hurry - the closing date for all entries is 22nd April 2009!

Congratulations!

2009-04-07T18:31:00.002Z

The winners of last month's competition to win a copy of the inspirational Chasing The 80s book, are D.Batte and M.Russell. Enjoy your new read - and if you do decide to embark on your own retro roadtrip, be sure to let us know!

Our competition to win The Cosby Show Season 4 on DVD has also now ended, and congrats to Kathy and M.Tetley - both of whom will get theirs in the post very soon.

If you weren't so lucky this time around, why not try your luck in our latest comp, where you can win a copy of that 80s classic film Electric Dreams on DVD. You know you want to! Simply recommend your friends and family to DYR and you could win. The competition closes 17th May 2009. Good luck!

Those old Romantics!

2009-03-29T18:45:00.004Z

The flamboyant shirts were nowhere to be seen and the eyeliner was lacking somewhat, but there was still no mistaking Spandau Ballet at their recent press conference aboard HMS Belfast in London.

The 80s New Romantics band was there to announce that, after two decades, they've finally put their differences aside and decided to re-form - and they looked pretty happy about it, too!

Heartthrob Tony Hadley joined brothers Gary and Martin Kemp, Steve Norman and John Keeble to assure fans old and new that they'd overcome their previous problems (a dispute over songwriting royalties) enough to embark on a greatest hits tour later this year.

"Every family falls out of love at some point," said Gary Kemp. "But we started to remember how powerful Spandau ballet was... I think the band are playing better than we ever played before."

In their heyday, Spandau Ballet helped create a new movement in music, along with their rival Romantics Duran Duran. They sold 25 million records and had hits with True, Only When You Leave and To Cut A Long Story Short. We've seen a huge revival of 80s and 90s bands recently, including Blur, the Police and Take That, so it'll be great to see Spandau joining in. For tour dates and more details, visit the band's official website - and don't forget to leave your memories of the band's GOLD-en days below.

Just one more thing...

2009-03-19T20:28:00.003Z

... Yes, the man in the mac is back! Columbo returns on 30th March with the release of Season 9 on DVD - a must-have for fans of the legend, played by Peter Falk.

While season 9 of the hit TV series does absolutely nothing to stop us wondering how the fumbling, seemingly slow-witted detective ever manages to solve a crime, it does everything to remind us what we've been missing from our lives! I challenge anyone not to be amazed as each crime is unravelled episode by episode, always resulting it that most infamous of lines, "Just one more thing..."

We could all learn a thing or two from Columbo's method of working - lull your enemy into a false sense of security, act the fool, then pounce with a innocently put question that catches the murderer out when they're least expecting. Even the critics were caught out when Columbo first came onto the scene nine series ago, labelling the programme a "howcatchem" rather than the cliche murder mystery "whodunnit".

If you want to see how he caught 'em, buy Columbo Series 9 on DVD from Universal Playback priced £29.99, on sale from 30th March.

And The Winners Are...

2009-03-14T10:08:00.002Z

Our competition to win Dean Wikinson's Classic Children's TV Quiz Book has now ended, and C.Woods and K.Eastebrook will each receive one in the post very shortly. Well done!

If you've got the competition bug now, why not enter our latest fantastic giveaways? Recommend DYR to your friends and family and you could win The Cosby Show: Season 4 DVD or a copy of the brilliant roadtrip book Chasing The 80s. Both competitions close 4th April 2009. Good luck!

Happy Birthday Barbie!

2009-03-11T22:06:00.003Z

We couldn't let the week pass by without helping one of our favourite all-time toys blow out the 50 candles on her proverbial cake. Yes, she might not look a day over 21, but our Barbie celebrated reaching a half-century this week...

Still as popular as ever, Barbie in all her incarnations has dazzled us with outfit changes, boyfriend changes, pet poodles and camping trips in her hot pink mobile home. She's survived countless law suits, having her legs bent rather unnaturally at times, and of course, some pretty horrendous DIY haircuts courtesy of the little darlings she lived with. Still, she's wrinkle-free despite this (and it's not because of Botox!).

Named after her creator, Ruth Handler, Barbie Millicent Roberts was first introduced to the word at a New York toy fair in 1959. Wearing a black and white swimsuit and high heels, she was an instant hit. "Barbie has always represented that a woman has choices," said Handler of her creation. And boy did she have some choices to make. In her 50 years, Barbie has flitted between over 100 different careers; and who could keep track of how many times she broke up with boyfriend Ken?

Today, Mattel's long-legged, waspish-waisted, blonde - somtimes brunette - bombshell is still making her mark in the competitive toy market. And long may it continue! Happy birthday, Barbie!

Brand-new retro podcast

2009-03-03T20:00:00.003Z

In my opinion, JustMyShow.com is just the thing... that's just the thing for anyone with an interest in retro pop culture and a spare five minutes to listen to its latest podcast...

At the moment, at www.justmyshow.com you'll find interviews with past legends including Earle Hyman - better known as Grandad Cosby (continuing the theme of our last two blog posts!). There's also fascinating insights into the lives of veteran US actor Gary Sandy, Paul Wilson, who once propped up the Cheers bar as Paul Krapence, plus Tom Wopat of Dukes Of Hazzard fame and Dennis Haskins from Saved By The Bell. It's ace!

Listening is easy, too - just click on the play symbol relating to the interview you've chosen. You can even download them to your iPod or other MP3 player to listen to on the move. DYR is already a big fan.

Congratulations!

2009-03-01T18:55:00.003Z

The lucky winner of last month's competition to scoop two tickets to the Byte Back Gaming Convention is A. Martin. We hope you enjoy your day reliving the arcade games you used to play and meeting the wizards behind many of the greatest games of the 70s, 80s and 90s. And for anyone going along, we'd love to hear what it was like and what you learned from the convention...

If you weren't lucky this time round, enter our competition to win a Cosby Show: Season 4 DVD - just click here to enter before . Plus, keep your eyes peeled for some very special prizes up for grabs soon.

Win The Cosby Show DVD!

2009-02-21T11:38:00.005Z

If you've read the blog I posted below and it's reignited lots of fond memories for you, then you're in luck... because DYR was lucky enough to get two copies of The Cosby Show: Season 4 DVD to give away. I reviewed the DVD earlier this month and it's not lost any of its charm - still as funny as ever! And, remember, Season 4 includes the episode that saw Vanessa get her heart broken by Theo's friend, and Theo get caught bullying a girl at school. Comedy gold guaranteed!

To enter, recommend DYR to your friends and family. All participants will be submitted into a free prize draw. The winner will be drawn 4 April 2009. Good luck!

Bill's back!

2009-02-04T21:11:00.003Z

The TV Guide called it, "TV's biggest hit in the 1980s" and right from the start it beat Magnum P.I. in the ratings. The Cosby Show certainly made an impression. After all, it was the first mainstream show around that centred on a African-American family, the Huxtables. And I'm sure we have it to thank for comedy gems such as The Fresh Prince and Everybody Loves Raymond coming into our lives. And more recently, The Cosby Show has even been credited with helping to pave the way for a black president to be elected in America.

Stand-up comedian Bill Cosby played the lead as doting family man, Dr Heathcliffe - a character that was once ranked Greatest TV Dad Of All Time by TV Guide, incidentally. And the rest of the Huxtables - wife Clair and kids Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and cute-as-a-button Rudy - were brilliant each in their own special ways.

What's great about The Cosby Show is that you can dip in and out of episodes easily and still enjoy it. Now, thanks to Universal Playback, we can relive all the ups and downs, with the release of The Cosby Show: Season 4 on DVD this week. Remember the time Vanessa dated one of Theo's womanising friends and got her heart broken? Or when Theo gets caught making fun of an overweight girl? Both are on Season 4, plus much more. To buy your copy now click here.

And, just for fun, here are some facts we bet you didn't know...

Bill Cosby insisted the show be filmed in New York due to his dislike of Hollywood.
Whitney Houston was considered for the role of Sondra Huxtable.
Carl Anthony Payne II Theo's friend Cockroach, was fired from the show for refusing to cut his hair.
The Cosby Show ran from 20 September 1984 until 30 April 1992 - a massive eight seasons.
Seven versions of the "Kiss Me" theme tune were used during the run of the series.

Do you know any more bits of Csby trivia? If so, get posting!

It's a Snow Day!

2009-02-02T19:23:00.002Z

I couldn't let today pass without saying a big Hooray for Snow Day! Many parts of the UK today woke up beneath a blanket of snow after the biggest snow fall in two decades.

I for one can remember making huge snowmen when I was a kid in the 80s, then warming up in front of the fire watching The Snowman, so it's great to finally get to do the same again.

We'd love to hear your snow-related memories, too, so get posting below...

Beanz still Meanz Heinz

2009-02-02T19:12:00.003Z

Tune into your TV screens tomorrow to witness the return of one of the greatest slogans of our time, as Heinz calls on its original line to sell more baked beans.

'Beanz Meanz Heinz' became a catchphrase in the 70s and 80s after its birth in a London pub in 1967. The ad went:

'Sometimes when I'm feeling sad my mum will read the signs. She knows the thing to cheer me up and she knows that Beanz Meanz Heinz.' 40 years on it's still a hit!