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THIS WEEK IN ROCK

November 17, 2019

Wham! bestride the Atlantic, Ozzy announces his retirement, Eurythmics join the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and more – it’s this week in rock.

#OnThisDay November 11, 1972
The wildly popular singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan tops the UK singles charts for the first time with his 12th single, ‘Clair’. It goes on to be a Top 3 hit in the US.

#OnThisDay November 12, 1947
Many happy returns to Blue Öyster Cult’s Buck Dharma who wrote the rock classic ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’. The band have sold a staggering 24m records worldwide.

#OnThisDay November 13, 1976
Billy Ocean releases his third single of the year in the shape of ‘Stop Me (If You’ve Heard It All Before)’. It goes on to peak at No. 12 in the UK singles charts.

#OnThisDay November 14, 1974
The incomparable David Essex scores his first UK No. 1 single with ‘Gonna Make You A Star’. Produced by Jeff Wayne, the single spends three weeks in pole position. The single also goes Top 5 in Australia.

#OnThisDay November 15, 1992
After playing a gig in California, Ozzy Osbourne announces his retirement from touring. “Who wants to be touring at 46?” he laments. Wonder how that turned out for him?

#OnThisDay November 16, 2005
Eurythmics are inducted into the UK Music Hall Of Fame. One of Britain’s most successful bands, they’ve sold 75m records and have been won an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in 1984, the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1987 and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1999.

#OnThisDay November 17, 1984
Wham! bestride the Atlantic like a pop colossus when ‘Make It Big’ tops the UK album charts while ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ is the biggest-selling single in the US.

WHAM! Re-Release Their Iconic Albums ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Make It Big’

WHAM! Re-Release Their Iconic Albums ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Make It Big’

We’re delighted to announce that WHAM!’s ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Make It Big’ albums will be released on vinyl for the first time in over 30 years! Pressed on both limited edition colour and black vinyl. Available everywhere on 22nd March. Pre-order now

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Spotlight in Stereo – Motivational Special!

Spotlight in Stereo – Motivational Special!

It’s the middle of January and the vibes are low. But don’t despair – here in the Spotlight office we’ve been cranking up the stereo and endorphins with these big hits that’ll get you through to Feb. It’s all daffodils from here. 

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WHAM! Make history as ‘Last Christmas’ claims its first ever UK Christmas No.1!

WHAM! Make history as ‘Last Christmas’ claims its first ever UK Christmas No.1!

Britain’s much-loved duo WHAM! have claimed the Official UK Christmas Number 1 with ‘Last Christmas’ for the first time since the song was released nearly 40 years ago!

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Spotlight in Stereo – The Office Christmas Party!

Spotlight in Stereo – The Office Christmas Party!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so make sure you’re accompanying your festive spirit with some gift-wrapped classics and press play on these Spotlight Stereo Christmas gifts! 

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‘Last Christmas’ hits No1 for second week running!

‘Last Christmas’ hits No1 for second week running!

Britain’s best-loved duo WHAM! have claimed the Official UK Number 1 chart position with ‘Last Christmas’ for the second consecutive weeka chart first for ‘Last Christmas’. 

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Let Whamageddon Commence!

Let Whamageddon Commence!

Let Whamageddon commence! Are you playing?

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Spotlight in Stereo – Halloween Special!

Spotlight in Stereo – Halloween Special!

It’s the spookiest day of the year, a celebration of all things creepy and freaky. Whether you think it’s a load of hocus pocus or a night of lost souls, there’s plenty of fun to be had. If you’re getting dressed up, carving a jack-o-lantern or prepping popcorn for a scary movie marathon, let our office playlist dare to scare!  

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Spotlight in Stereo

Spotlight in Stereo

It may not have been the hottest of summers here in the UK, but we’re still holding out for a sizzling September and enough of a vitamin D boost to see us into Christmas smiling.

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Artist Spotlight: WHAM!

Artist Spotlight: WHAM!

Celebrating forty years of their debut album with a heartwarming Netflix documentary and new The Singles: Echoes from the Edge of Heaven release, this month’s Artist Spotlight lands on WHAM!

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Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves

Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin