5th March 1981

05 March 1981 Presenter: Mike Read 05/03/81 (hosted by Mike Read) (47) Duran Duran – “Planet Earth” A major debut on the show tonight with a song that made 'new romantic' an official term, and also the first of four top 40 hits for Duran Duran in 1981, this one peaking at number 12. (14) Talking Heads – “Once In A Lifetime” (video) Now at its chart peak. (6) Adam & The Ants – “Kings Of The Wild Frontier” (rpt from 19/02/81) 1981's chart kings were heading towards the number 2 spot with this re-issue of the first single from their album of the same name. (16) Toyah – “It’s A Mystery” (rpt from 19/02/81) The first of three top ten hits in 1981 (and ever) for Toyah ~ this one made number four. (29) Shakin’ Stevens – “This Ole House” Who could have foreseen the phenomenal success that was about to come Shaky's way? This would become the first of four top ten hits, including two number ones, he would have in 1981. (5) Headgirl (Motorhead & Girlschool) – “Please Don’t Touch” (rpt from 19/02/81) This Johnny Kidd and the Pirates cover was now at its peak. It's good this one was shown tonight, because last time it was on a yewtreed DLT show. (45) Phil Collins – “I Missed Again” The follow up to In the Air Tonight was perhaps a more conventional sounding song, and not as big a hit, but still got to number 14. And he's still got that tin of paint with him, maybe for a second coat? (31) Kool & The Gang – “Jones Vs Jones” The first of four top 20 hits in 1981for Kool & the Gang provides this week's Legs & Girl routine, with three of the girls as brides and the other three as their bridegrooms! (25) The Teardrop Explodes – “Reward” (video) Became the band's only top ten hit. Here they drive around a very bleak looking seaside town trying to cheer things up by playing their trombones. (35) The Who – “You Better You Bet” (35) About to become this legendary band's 14th and final top ten hit, when it reached number 9, but sadly they never managed the number one they surely merited. And this was their first studio appearance on the show since 1973, and I do believe it was also their last? (1) Joe Dolce Music Theatre – “Shaddap You Face” (rpt from 05/02/81) The third and final week at number one for Joe's only hit. (7) Coast to Coast - "(Do) The Hucklebuck (credits) Mike Read displays his dance skills with the audience as Coast to Coast edge closer to peak position.