11 January 1979Economy of Great BritainJames Callaghan
Misquoted in the press saying, "Crisis, what crisis?", returning from Guadaloupe
Historical records for Great Britain in 1979, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Misquoted in the press saying, "Crisis, what crisis?", returning from Guadaloupe
Curtis appears on the front cover of the NME due to the persistence of music journalist Paul Morley and that same month the band record their first radio session for BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel
Curtis appears on the front cover of the NME due to the persistence of music journalist Paul Morley and that same month the band record their first radio session for BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel
King Rocker enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number eleven.
Attends an economic conference at Guadeloupe
The pay norm in Cabinet is increased from 5% to 9.5%
Made a type of "pay supremo" to enforce the pay norm over his Cabinet colleagues
Callaghan wishes to declare a state of emergency but is over-ruled by his colleagues
Water workers go on strike. The road haulage drivers dispute is made official by the TGWU. Railway workers want 10% bomus on top of their 20% wage demand. Oil tanker drivers accept 15%. Lorry drivers demand 20%. Local authority workers call for 8%. Cabinet decides to buy off the road haulage workers with a 20% increase
Ezrin works with Pink Floyd and Roger Waters on the structure of The Wall
Britain is hit by a series of public sector worker strikes that came to be known as the "Winter of Discontent", in Camden Borough, council employees unionise under the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE).
go on strike, demanding a 35 hour limit to their working week and a weekly wage increase to pounds 60, Livingstone backs the strikers, urging Camden Council to grant their demands, eventually getting his way.
Moves from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest as Britain's first £1 million footballer.
Death of Sid Vicious, of a heroin overdose after a party held to celebrate his release on bail
Signs Trevor Francis from Birmingham City in Britain's first £1 million football transfer.
Valley of the Dolls enters the UK albums chart during Generation X's second album campaign.
Welcomes the launch of the European Monetary System after sustained Commission advocacy.
The Government loses a confidence motion by 1 vote. Forced to call a general election
Faces the Commons defeat that brings down James Callaghan's Labour government.
The Government loses a confidence motion by 1 vote
Co-discovers Q0957+561, the first confirmed gravitationally lensed quasar.
Killed by a car bomb in the House of Commons
Death of Airey Neave, assassinated
The Staircase Mystery enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number twenty-four.
Valley of the Dolls enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number twenty-three.
Produces Black Rose for Thin Lizzy during Gary Moore's return to the band.
Highly Inflammable enters the Official Singles Chart during X-Ray Spex's final original-period releases.
The band begin recording their debut album Unknown Pleasures at Strawberry Studios, producer Martin Hannett contributes significantly to the final sound
The band begin recording their debut album Unknown Pleasures at Strawberry Studios, producer Martin Hannett contributes significantly to the final sound
The band begin recording their debut album Unknown Pleasures at Strawberry Studios, producer Martin Hannett contributes significantly to the final sound
The band begin recording their debut album Unknown Pleasures at Strawberry Studios, producer Martin Hannett contributes significantly to the final sound
The combination of Moores blues-based guitar and Lynotts voice produced "Parisienne Walkways", which reached the Top Ten in the UK Singles Chart in April 1979
Brown contests Edinburgh South but is not elected to Parliament.
The Labour Party win 36.9% of votes cast & 269 MPs. The Labour Party lose the election after a 7% swing to the Conservatives
The Liberals win 13.8% votes cast & 11 MPs
The Conservatives win a majority of 45. Conservatives 339, Labour 268, Liberals 11, others 18
Leads the Conservatives to victory and becomes Prime Minister.
Elected Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, majority of 21,563
Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1st term
Continues in Parliament as Margaret Thatcher forms a Conservative government.
Appointed Secretary of State for Environment.
Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer
Healey leaves the Treasury after Labour loses the general election.
Appointed Home Secretary
Love Song enters the Official Singles Chart and becomes the Damned's first UK Top Twenty hit.
Healey becomes Shadow Chancellor after Labour loses the general election.
Healey returns to the opposition front bench as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Scores Arsenal's opening goal in the 3-2 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United.
The Price Commission is abolished
Speaks in the Commons on housing and local government shortly after taking office.
Releases Lodger, completing the Berlin trilogy with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti.
Co-produces Lodger, completing Bowie's Berlin trilogy with Brian Eno.
Answers a parliamentary question on the responsibilities of the Department of the Environment.
Carington signs for Britain as Foreign Secretary at the ceremony admitting Greece.
Maitland signs on Britain's behalf as its senior permanent representative to the European Communities.
Following the electoral defeat, Livingstone told Socialist Organiser that the blame lay solely with the "Labour Governments policies" and the anti-democratic attitude of Callaghan and the Parliamentary Labour Party, calling for greater party democracy and a turn towards a socialist platform
Standing as Labour candidate for Hampstead, Livingstone is defeated by the incumbent Conservative, Geoffrey Finsberg
Enters no 10 quoting St Francis, "where there is discord, may we bring harmony"
Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher at the time she became Prime Minister
Following the electoral defeat, Livingstone told Socialist Organiser that the blame lay solely with the "Labour Governments policies" and the anti-democratic attitude of Callaghan and the Parliamentary Labour Party, calling for greater party democracy and a turn towards a socialist platform
Oversees Commission preparations for the first direct elections to the European Parliament.
Presides over the Commission during the first direct European Parliament elections.
Pedals the flying "Gossamer Albatross" over the English Channel
Answers a parliamentary question concerning public-sector land.
Makes maiden speech in the House of Commons
Directs the documentary The Kids Are Alright.
Babylon's Burning enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number seven.
Answers a parliamentary question concerning wildlife policy within his departmental responsibilities.
Attends the European Council & forwards the case for reducing Britains contributions
Answers a parliamentary question on the operation of planning inquiries.
Stranglehold enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number twenty-six.
Answers a parliamentary question on inner-city policy.
Addresses Commons questions on local-authority expenditure.
Answers Commons questions concerning relations with local-authority representatives.
Addresses Commons questions on urban partnership schemes.
Friday's Angels enters the Official Singles Chart during the later phase of the original Generation X lineup.
Playground Twist enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches the UK Top Thirty.
With G. Edward Danielson, identifies Adrastea in Voyager 2 images of Jupiter's ring region.
The Kinks release Low Budget.
Sebastian Coe runs world record 3:49 mile in Oslo
Answers parliamentary questions concerning redevelopment of London Docklands.
Answers a parliamentary question concerning radioactive-waste disposal.
1st Commonwealth Conference to be held in Africa, Rhodesia is the main subject. 1-8 August, attends the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference at Lusaka
1st Commonwealth Conference to be held in Africa, Rhodesia is the main subject. 1-8 August, attends the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference at Lusaka
Returns Led Zeppelin to major British stages at Knebworth.
Shapes In Through the Out Door with prominent keyboards and arrangements.
Releases In Through the Out Door with Led Zeppelin.
Something That I Said enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number twenty-nine.
Tomorrow's Girls enters the Official Singles Chart and reaches number twenty-eight.
Directs the film adaptation of Quadrophenia.
Cut enters the UK albums chart during the Slits' major commercial breakthrough.
The Adventures of the Hersham Boys reaches the UK Top Ten albums chart.
Mittageisen enters the Official Singles Chart during a turbulent year for the Banshees.
Rick Wright is dropped from the Pink Floyd Partnership during final sessions for "The Wall", the move is Waters idea but he is backed by Gilmour
Rick Wright is dropped from the Pink Floyd Partnership during final sessions for "The Wall", the move is Waters idea but he is backed by Gilmour
Buzzcocks' third album A Different Kind of Tension enters the UK albums chart.
Coming Up for Air enters the UK albums chart and reaches number thirty-six.
Typical Girls and I Heard It Through the Grapevine enter the Official Singles Chart as a double-sided release.
Calls a meeting of Labour leftists entitled "Taking over the GLC", beginning publication of a monthly newsletter the London Labour Briefing
Calls a meeting of Labour leftists entitled "Taking over the GLC", beginning publication of a monthly newsletter the London Labour Briefing
Smash It Up enters the Official Singles Chart during the successful Machine Gun Etiquette period.
Howe abolishes remaining exchange controls on the movement of capital.
Exchange controls are removed
Found Out Too Late enters the Official Singles Chart during 999's continuing late-1970s punk activity.
Answers a parliamentary question concerning finance for home ownership.
Exposed as a former Soviet spy and stripped of his knighthood.
"Another Brick In The Wall Part II" is released, it goes straight to number one in the UK chart. It is the band's only number one
"Another Brick In The Wall Part II" is released, it goes straight to number one in the UK chart. It is the band's only number one
Delivers the Dimbleby Lecture criticising Britain's two-party political system.
Calls for a new radical centre capable of breaking established party alignments.
"The Wall" is finally released
"The Wall" is finally released
Pink Floyd release The Wall, dominated by Waters's narrative concept
Full international debut against Bulgaria
"The Eton Rifles" breaks The Jam into the Top 10, hitting the No. 3 spot
She's Not There and the Kicks EP enter the Official Singles Chart and reach the UK Top Forty.
London Calling enters the UK albums chart, reaching the Top Ten and expanding the Clash's sound beyond early punk.
Visits the security services in Ulster
Scores Arsenal's dramatic late winning goal after Manchester United had recovered from 2-0 down.
Siouxsie and the Banshees release a cover of 20th Century Boy as a single B-side.
The Castle Diaries are published after the 1979 General Election, and chronicled her time in office from 1964-1976 and provide an insight into the workings of Cabinet Government
Directs Alien, combining science fiction and horror in a film that becomes a major genre landmark.
Karac's death inspires Plant's tribute All My Love on In Through the Out Door.
Works with Cheap Trick on All Shook Up, bringing his production approach to American power pop.
Townshend became the first major rock musician to donate his services to the human rights organisation Amnesty International when he performed three songs for its benefit show The Secret Policemans Ball
UK Subs release debut album Another Kind of Blues during their major 1979 breakthrough.
Publication of "Arguments for Socialism"
Publication of "Arguments for Socialism"
A 3-2 result over Manchester United brings Arsenal the trophy under Neill.
Performs Babylon's Burning with the Ruts during the band's rapid rise into the British punk mainstream.
Banking Act 1979 creates a statutory banking supervision regime
Sellers plays Chance, the sheltered gardener at the centre of Being There.
Stars in Beyond the Poseidon Adventure. Stars in Ashanti
Joins Black Sabbath after Ozzy Osbourne is dismissed, beginning the Dio-fronted era.
McLaren was approached by Adam Ant to manage Adam and the Ants following their debut album release in late 1979, soon after which three members of the band seceded to create Bow Wow Wow under McLarens management
Geoffrey Howe presents the 1979 Budget to the House of Commons as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The 1979 Budget under Geoffrey Howe sets out the Government's taxation, expenditure and borrowing plans.
Hamburger SV win the Bundesliga title for the first time in its history in the 1978-79 season, with Keegans unflinching commitment proving decisive
The Buzzcocks release "A Different Kind of Tension"
The Adverts release second album Cast of Thousands before the original group dissolves.
Appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Clash record London Calling. Produced by Guy Stevens
The Clash record London Calling. Produced by Guy Stevens
The Clash record London Calling. Produced by Guy Stevens
The Pythons release the film, "Monty Pythons Life of Brian"
The Pythons release the film, "Monty Pythons Life of Brian"
Corbett suffers his first heart attack and appeares in pantomime at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley
The Pythons release the film, "Monty Pythons Life of Brian"
The Pythons release the film, "Monty Pythons Life of Brian"
The Pythons release the film, "Monty Pythons Life of Brian"
Handles growing disagreement over Britain's contribution to the European Community budget.
Healey is appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Carrington chairs the Lancaster House conference
Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 consolidates customs and excise management law
The Slits release debut album Cut, combining punk with reggae and dub influences.
Penetration release Danger Signs as their sound develops beyond the direct attack of their earliest singles.
Makes his England under-21 debut, albeit as an overage player (22 at the time) as England beat Wales Under-21s 1-0 at Swanseas Vetch Field
Calls for a radical centre during the BBC Dimbleby Lecture.
Uses the Dimbleby Lecture to promote the radical centre before the SDP split.
Publishes Diseases from Space with Chandra Wickramasinghe.
Leaves Black Sabbath for a second time
When the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is set up in 1979, Britain declines to join
Helps produce the Medium Term Financial Strategy, set the course for both the monetary and fiscal sides of the new Governments economic policy
Education Act 1979 changes education law and school arrangements
Elected EU Euro Member of Parliament for Greater Manchester North from 1979 - 1984, then elected for another five years following this, representing Greater Manchester West from 1984 - 1989
The Castle Diaries are published after the 1979 General Election, and chronicled her time in office from 1964-1976 and provide an insight into the workings of Cabinet Government. Elected EU Euro Member of Parliament for Greater Manchester North from 1979 - 1984, then elected for another five years following this, representing Greater Manchester West from 1984 - 1989
1st EC elections take place, using 1st-past-the-post system
Estate Agents Act 1979 regulates estate agency work and enforcement powers
Part of the Forest team which retained the League Cup and then clinched the European Cup in 1979 with victory over Malmo
European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest
When the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) is set up in 1979 Britain declines to join
Named European Footballer of the Year, 2nd time
Appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury
Records the shuffle rhythm heard on Fool in the Rain.
FWA Footballer of the Year
Appointed Foreign Minister
Records the rock & roll anthem "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll", often credited with introducing the phrase to the language. Managed by Andrew King, Ian Dury has several hits with "What a Waste" & "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick", no 1 in the UK
Managed by Andrew King, Ian Dury has several hits with "What a Waste" & "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick", no 1 in the UK
The Ruts release In a Rut, an early single that helps establish the band before their major chart breakthrough.
The Ruts release Jah War, reflecting the band's distinctive mixture of punk energy and reggae influence.
Album, "Setting Sons"
Siouxsie and the Banshees release Join Hands, their second studio album.
Joins The Who after Keith Moon's death.
Appointed Minister at the Scottish Office
Appointed Leader of the House of Lords
Forest retain the League Cup, but finish runners-up to Liverpool in the league
Magazine release "Secondhand Daylight"
McGeoch leaves Magazine, he is replaced by Robin Simon ( Ultravox) and the band then tour the US and Australia
Helps produce the Medium Term Financial Strategy, set the course for both the monetary and fiscal sides of the new Governments economic policy
Elected Member of Parliament for Birkenhead
Elected Member of Parliament for Blackburn
Public Image Ltd record the post punk classic "Metal Box"
Appointed Minister for Education
Appointed Minister of Trade & Industry
Healey is awarded the Order of the Companions of Honour.
The combination of Moores blues-based guitar and Lynotts voice produced "Parisienne Walkways", which reached the Top Ten in the UK Singles Chart in April 1979. Releases Back on the Streets
Appointed Party Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party
Sees the pay policy breakdown damage Labour before the general election.
Lorry drivers' action becomes part of the wider Winter of Discontent.
Penetration's original period ends after extensive touring and two studio albums.
Appointed Political Adviser to Margaret Thatcher
Townshend became the first major rock musician to donate his services to the human rights organisation Amnesty International when he performed three songs for its benefit show The Secret Policemans Ball
Porridge runs for three series, two Christmas specials and a film, produced in 1979
Challenges British Telecoms monopoly by helping to create Mercury Communications
Appears as the title character in Quatermass for ITV
Warns the University Grants Committee they must expect large cuts
Magazine release Rhythm of Cruelty during their second year of sustained recording and touring.
A 1979 Rock Against Racism benefit concert, organized to raise money to pay the legal costs of those arrested in a London area anti-racism demonstration
Sale of Goods Act 1979 consolidates sale of goods law and implied terms
Magazine release second album Secondhand Daylight, deepening the group's post-punk approach.
Appointed Minister of Agriculture
Appointed Secretary of State for Trade & Industry
Records the rock & roll anthem "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll", often credited with introducing the phrase to the language. Managed by Andrew King, Ian Dury has several hits with "What a Waste" & "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick", no 1 in the UK
Sid Vicious records a live album, "Sid Sings", backed by "The Idols" featuring Arthur Kane and Jerry Nolan of the New York Dolls
Serves as Shadow Leader of the House after Labour loses the general election.
Appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary
Appointed Shadow Education Secretary
Gains fame as the eponymous lead in the detective series Shoestring
Helps define the Slits' mature 1979 sound through sparse guitar work integrated with reggae-influenced rhythm arrangements.
Sees the Social Contract collapse amid the Winter of Discontent.
Appointed Spokesman for Education
Gouldman scores a minor hit with his single "Sunburn", written for the Farrah Fawcett/Charles Grodin film of the same name
The Clash release London Calling, Rolling Stone magazine declared it the best album of the 1980s & place it at #8 on their list in 2003 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The Clash record London Calling. Produced by Guy Stevens
The Ruts release debut album The Crack during their breakthrough year.
The Who release the documentary The Kids Are Alright.
Sellers plays the royal lookalikes Rudolf IV and Rudolf V in The Prisoner of Zenda.
Sellers also portrays Syd Frewin in The Prisoner of Zenda.
Records The Raven, expanding the band's sound and image beyond the original punk scene.
Temporarily joins Thin Lizzy on guitar after Gary Moore leaves during touring commitments.
Fronts UK Subs through a year of repeated chart appearances that establishes the band as a major second-wave British punk act.
Joins Ultravox
Records the rock & roll anthem "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll", often credited with introducing the phrase to the language. Managed by Andrew King, Ian Dury has several hits with "What a Waste" & "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick", no 1 in the UK
Managed by Andrew King, Ian Dury has several hits with "What a Waste" & "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick", no 1 in the UK
X-Ray Spex's original run ends, closing Poly Styrene's first intense period at the centre of British punk.
Appears in Zulu Dawn
Stars in Zulu Dawn
This page is generated from stored World History Database records matching the exact country and year shown above. Exact duplicate display records are collapsed. Records without a month are listed after the monthly sections. Source provenance varies by record; formal academic citation should be checked against the relevant primary source, archive or specialist historical reference.