Episode Playlist
31-05-2026 The Final Episode: George Michael, Queen, Paul McCartney, Nik Kershaw, and more!( 0:54:8)
Episode Information
In this final episode of The 80s at 8, host Adam Claydon brings the long-running series to a close after nearly 14 years on air. The programme features a curated selection of iconic 1980s tracks from artists including George Michael, Prince, Queen, Paul McCartney, and the Pointer Sisters, celebrating the diversity and influence of the decade’s music. Reflecting on the show’s journey since 2012, Adam thanks listeners for their support and signs off with a special track from the very first episode, marking the end of an era.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 31/05/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
24-05-2026 The Penultimate Episode: Metallica, Genesis, Michael Jackson, The Moody Blues, and more!( 0:54:47)
Episode Information
In this penultimate episode of The 80s at 8, host Adam Claydon continues the celebration of iconic 1980s music with a diverse selection of hits from artists including Metallica, Genesis, Michael Jackson, The Moody Blues, Midnight Oil, and Modern Talking. The programme highlights the stories, themes, and cultural impact behind each track, ranging from heavy metal and synth-pop to socially conscious rock. As the series approaches its conclusion, the episode reflects the enduring popularity and influence of 80s music across genres.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 24/05/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
17-05-2026 Falco, INXS, Howard Jones, Iron Maiden, and more!( 0:54:55)
Episode Information
In this episode of The 80s at 8, host Adam Claydon delivers another curated selection of standout tracks from the 1980s. Featuring iconic songs from artists such as Falco, Fine Young Cannibals, INXS, Howard Jones, Icehouse, and Iron Maiden. Alongside international hits, the episode also highlights New Zealand’s own Herbs. The show concludes with a special announcement..
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 15/05/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
The 80s at 8 10-05-2026( 0:54:59)
Episode Information
The 80s at 8 returns for the week of May 10 with another set of standout 1980s classics—featuring Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Eddie Grant, Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé, Foreigner, Donna Summer, George Michael, Haircut 100, Gregory Abbott, Goanna, and Go West. Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 10/05/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
03-05-2026 - Diana Ross, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Eurythmics, and more!( 0:54:55)
Episode Information
The 80s at 8 is back for the week of May 3 with another hit-packed mix of classic 1980s pop and rock. Adam Claydon spins Diana Ross, Captain Sensible, Elton John, Depeche Mode, 8th Wonder, plus Fleetwood Mac, Erasure, Eurythmics, The Escape Club, and Europe.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 3/05/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
26-04-2026 Billy Joel, Def Leppard, Dire Straits, Duran Duran, and more!( 0:55:17)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon returns with another edition of The 80s at 8, featuring a diverse mix of rock, pop, new wave, and hip‑hop classics from the decade. This week’s playlist includes songs by Billy Joel, The Crocodiles, Def Leppard, Debbie Gibson, David Lee Roth, Dragon, Dexys Midnight Runners, Dire Straits, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and Duran Duran, highlighting both chart‑toppers and cult favourites that defined the sound and spirit of the 1980s.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 26/04/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
19-04-2026 Bucks Fizz, Chicago, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, and more!( 0:54:57)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon returns with another edition of The 80s at 8, featuring a classic mix of pop, synth‑pop, rock, and ballads from the decade. This episode includes hits from Bucks Fizz, Alphaville, Chicago, The Communards, Chris de Burgh, Cyndi Lauper, Corey Hart, David Bowie, Crowded House, and Culture Club, celebrating the sound and stories that defined the 1980s.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 19/04/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
12-04-2026 Billy Ocean, Adam & The Ants, Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi, and more!( 0:54:46)
Episode Information
Adam Clayton returns with another 80s at 8, delivering a high‑energy celebration of classic hits from across the decade. This episode features dance‑pop, new wave, rock, and arena anthems from Billy Ocean, Adam and the Ants, Bobby Brown, Blondie, Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, Bonnie Tyler, Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and Bros. With background stories and chart context for each track, the show captures the sound, style, and spirit that made the 1980s unforgettable.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 12/04/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
05-04-2026 Talking Heads, The B-52's, Belinda Carlisle, Barry Manilow, and more!( 0:55:4)
Episode Information
Adam Clayton returns with another 80s at 8, celebrating Easter week with a curated selection of standout tracks from across the decade. This episode features Talking Heads, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, the B‑52s, Bananarama, Australian Crawl, Belinda Carlisle, Barry Manilow, Billy Idol, Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and The Bangles, with background stories and context for each song. A nostalgic journey through pop, rock, reggae, and new wave classics that defined the sound of the 1980s.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 5/04/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
29-03-2026 - AC/DC, ABBA, A-ha, Aerosmith, and more!( 0:54:54)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon presents another hour of classic 1980s music, featuring rock, synth‑pop, soul and pop favourites from AC/DC, When in Rome, A Flock of Seagulls, ABBA, Sade, A‑ha, Ashford & Simpson, Aerosmith, Arcadia, and New Zealand band Ardijah. The episode blends international chart‑toppers with homegrown talent, celebrating the sound and spirit of the decade.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 29/03/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
22-03-2026 T'Pau, UB40, Wham!, ZZ Top, and more!( 0:54:58)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon presents another hour of classic 1980s music, featuring hits from T’Pau, The Time Lords, UB40, Ultravox, Van Morrison, Wham!, Yazoo, ZZ Top, the Waterboys, and Whitney Houston. The episode highlights a mix of synth‑pop, rock, reggae, and iconic chart‑toppers from across the decade.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 22/03/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
15-03-2026 - Tears for Fears, Thompson Twins, U2, Twisted Sister, and more!( 0:54:48)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon presents another week of The 80s at 8, featuring classic tracks from Tears for Fears, Tiffany, Tim Finn, Thompson Twins, Satellite Spies, U2, Twisted Sister, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Toto and Tone Lōc. The episode highlights a mix of pop, rock, synth‑pop and early hip‑hop favourites from across the decade.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 15/03/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
08-03-2026 - Split Enz, Stevie Wonder, The Firm, The Who, and more!( 0:54:56)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon presents another episode of The 80s at 8, featuring a selection of well‑known hits from across the decade. This episode includes tracks from Split Enz, Sinitta, Stevie Wonder, Taco, The Dudes, The Firm, Teena Marie, The Who, Terence Trent D'Arby, and Stevie Nicks, with brief background notes on each song and artist.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 8/03/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
01-03-2026 - Shakin' Stevens, Simple Minds, George Michael, Spandau Ballet, and more!( 0:54:54)
Episode Information
Adam Claydon showcases another hour of classic 1980s hits, including tracks from Shakin’ Stevens, Simply Red, Sharon O’Neill, Simple Minds, Ricky Morris, George Michael, Spandau Ballet, Spagna, Stars on 45, and Starship. A lively mix of pop, rock, synth, disco, and New Zealand favourites, celebrating the decade’s iconic sound.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 1/03/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
22-02-2026 - This week: Richard Marx, Poison, Fleetwood Mac, Samantha Fox, and more!( 0:54:52)
Episode Information
This week, Adam spins another hour of pure 1980s magic, featuring iconic hits from Rockwell, R.E.M., Robert Palmer, Richard Marx, Poison, Fleetwood Mac, Samantha Fox, Roxette, Roxy Music, and Rod Stewart. Packed with fun facts, nostalgic vibes, and all the big synths and guitar riffs you love, it’s a full‑power trip back to the decade of neon and unforgettable tunes.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 20/02/2026 8:00:00 p.m.
The 80s at 8 01-02-2026( 0:55:3)
Episode Information
This week: George Michael, Milli Vanilli, Patea Maori Club, Nik Kershaw, and more!
Published: 1/02/2026 8:00:00 p.m.