1986 in music



This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1986.

Events

 * January 30 - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame holds its first induction ceremony with many rock pioneers attending.
 * May 28 - The Monkees held a press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City to officially announce that they would embark on a 100-plus city tour. The tour became one of the biggest grossing tours of the year.
 * June 10 - Bob Geldof was awarded with a knighthood in recognition of his work in organizing Live Aid and other concerts that raised millions of dollars for the starving people of Africa.
 * June 30 - Madonna releases her "True Blue" album, which tops the charts in over 28 countries & becomes the best selling album of 1986.
 * September 27 – A tour bus carrying the heavy metal band Metallica crashes in Sweden, killing their influential bassist, Cliff Burton.
 * November 17–18 - Billy Eckstine makes his final recordings, later released on his album Billy Eckstine Sings with Benny Carter.
 * December 12 - The Smiths play Brixton Academy, their last ever gig before their dissolution.
 * Approximate date - Axé (music) originates in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Bands formed

 * See Musical groups established in 1986

Bands disbanded

 * See Musical groups disestablished in 1986

Biggest hit singles
The following songs achieved the highest chart positions in the charts of 1986.

Singles released

 * 1) The Official Colourbox World Cup Theme Colourbox

Published popular music

 * "All I Ask of You" w.m. Andrew Lloyd Webber
 * "Crush On You"    w.m. Jerry Knight & Aaron Zigman
 * "I Used To Be An Animal, But I'm Alright Now" w.m. Eric Burdon
 * "The Lady in Red"    w.m. Chris de Burgh
 * "True Colors" Cyndi Lauper
 * Montego Bay Amazulu – a minor hit in the U.S. in September.

Musical theater

 * La Cage aux Folles - London production
 * Charlie Girl - London revival
 * Chess - London production
 * Me and My Girl - Broadway revival
 * The Phantom Of The Opera - London production
 * Time (musical) - London production
 * Sweet Charity - Broadway revival

Music festivals

 * Inaugural Festival International de Louisiane

Awards

 * Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened; the following artists were the first inductees: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and record producer Sam Phillips.
 * Grammy Awards of 1986
 * Eurovision Song Contest 1986
 * 28th Japan Record Awards

List of no. 1 hits

 * Hot 100 no. 1 hits of 1986 – U.S.