What Happened on December 31, 1980

Historical Events

  • A Jewish owned hotel in Nairobi Kenya is bombed killing 18
  • After being struck by an orange thrown from the crowd West Indian fast bowler Sylvester Clarke knocks out a spectator with a brick during 4th Test against Pakistan in Multan

Springteen's River Tour

Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band's "The River Tour" concert at Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, New York) clocks in at almost 4 hours

  • NY Islanders greatest shutout margin (9-0) vs Chicago Black Hawks
  • Senegal president Leopold Senghor resigns

Famous Birthdays

  • Matt Cross, American professional wrestler, born in Brecksville, Ohio

Richie McCaw (43 years old)

New Zealand rugby union flanker (148 Tests, 110 as captain All Blacks; 3 x IRB Player of the Year; Rugby World Cup 2011, 15; IRB HOF), born in Oamaru, New Zealand


Famous Deaths

  • Arthur Wellard, English cricket all-rounder (2 Tests, 7 wickets, BB 4/81; Somerset CCC), dies at 78
  • Bob Shawkey, American baseball pitcher (World Series 1923, 27; AL ERA leader 1920, New York Yankees), dies at 90

Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980)

Canadian writer and 'prophet of the digital age' (the medium is the message), dies at 69

  • Raoul Walsh, American director (High Sierra), dies at about 88
Died in 1980 1980 Highlights

About December 31, 1980

Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 3 months and 29 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Capricorn

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: (Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon
  • UK #1 Song: There's No One Quite Like Grandma - St Winifred's School Choir