Every story has a beginning and in November 1983, EMI and Virgin came together to create their own piece of compilation history. And so it was, that a poster of a certain pig signalled a change in how various artists would be viewed and consumed from NOW on. As the first Now That’s What I Call Music LP curated thirty of the years biggest hits, the story of pop in 1983 was much more. Whilst the popstars of the 80s were either splitting up, missing the chart mark or simply going stratospheric in the US, the pop path was blown wide open to a range of new stars, one hit wonders and some hugely memorable moments. And a shimmering summer soundtrack signalled that one of the decades most colourful years would be remembered for many great reasons. And a few others too... Join writer and chief music critic for The Guardian Alexis Petridis as we revisit the iconic first NOW LP and explore the pop culture of 1983 that launched it. Along the way find out which pop act made the first (and possibly biggest) impact on Alexis, why Summer ‘83 is still so memorable and which of the acts on that double album won’t be returning our calls.

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