London Calling: The History of Filipino’s Love Affair with 80s British New Wave Music
New Wave music evolved from late ’70s British punk, blending synth-pop elements. At the turn of the 80s, London Calling by The Clash became an iconic anthem for alternative rock music in the UK, shaping a New Wave genre that peaked around 1984 and lasted until about 1988.
Many of these bands found modest success in the UK but became superstars in the Philippines. Their melancholic yet upbeat sound, often driven by poetic lyrics and heavy synthesizers, pairs perfectly with a spunky hairstyle, clunky dance moves, and eyeliner.
Worthy relics in Manila’s New Wave invasion
New Wave bands Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Smiths, The Lotus Eaters, and the one-hit wonders of Seona Dancing, Modern English defined the Philippines’s New Wave genre along with Siouxsie and the Banshee’s HK Garden, Uncertain Smile (1983) by The The, The Chameleon’s Tears (1986), Fiction Factory‘s Feels Like Heaven, Psychedelic Furs‘ Ghost in You (1984), and Australia’s The Church‘s Under the Milkway (1988).
One of the earliest influences on New Wave rhythm came from the lesser-known Scottish band Friends Again with She’s a Work of Art. Though it didn’t break into the band’s top 10 hits, it became a New Wave standard in the Philippines in 1983.
There were also pop crossovers: The More You Live by A Flock of Seagulls, OMD’s Secrets, Erasures’ Little Respect, Go West’s Call Me, Eurythmics’ Here Comes the Rain Again, Culture Club‘s Karma Cameleon, and A-ha‘s Take on Me.
Not to be outdone, a few American New Wave entered the scene with Red Rockers‘ China, Wire Train‘s Chambers of Hello, with the Go-Go’s, Blondie, Talking Heads, and folk-infused New Wave music of Susan Vega, who sang Left of Center and Luka.
Although from Germany, Duel by Propaganda and Matador by Xmal Deutschland was received well, especially by die-hard “New Wavers.”
From the late ’70s to the early ’80s, jazz had a niche but dedicated following among Filipinos. Hence, the blend of jazz and New Wave was quickly embraced by Filipinos, with artists like The Style Council, Scritti Politti, Everything But the Girl (EBTG), and The Colorfield.
Filipino alternative rock that made waves in the 80s
By the late 1980s, the New Wave scene in Manila produced homegrown talents from the underground, with Jett Pangan as the face of The Dawn (Enveloped Ideas, 1987), Identity Crisis (My Sanctuary, 1988), Violent Playground (Never the Bright Lights, 1988), and Ethnic Faces (Golden Boy, 1987).
Remembering WXB and NU107
Radio station WXB 102 was the Philippines’ first all-New Wave music station, owned by Universal Broadcasting Corporation from 1982 to 1987. It targeted the youth and brought New Wave music to the mainstream. “XB” inspired local bands like The Dawn and Violent Playground.
Despite New Wave’s decline in the US by 1987, the genre continued to thrive in Manila, with albums still licensed to Philippine labels, thanks partly to WXB 102. The station ceased in 1987 due to political changes under the Aquino administration, and NU 107 debuted months later, picking up where WXB 102 left off.
Initially a New Wave station, NU shifted genre, helping popularize a new generation of alternative rock: Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Wolfgang in the ’90s. The station operated until 2010, when alternative music fell out of favor with the Gen-Z audience.
In 2006, a WXB 102 listener poll ranked the top 10 favorite new wave songs:
- Enveloped Ideas – The Dawn
- Two Rivers – The Adventures
- Tears – The Chameleons
- I Melt with You – Modern English
- Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
- Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division
- Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
- State of the Nation – Industry
- The Killing Moon – Echo & the Bunnymen
- More to Lose – Seona Dancing
Twenty One of the biggest “New Wave” bands in the Philippines
1. Depeche Mode – Just Can’t Get Enough
Depeche Mode emerged from Essex in 1980 and is considered the “gold standard” of the New Wave genre in the Philippines. Their heavily synth-driven sound, dark themes, and introspective lyrics set them apart, earning them a dedicated fan base.
Their iconic singles Just Can’t Get Enough (1981), Everything Counts (1983), People Are People (1984), Somebody (1984, B-side), A Question of Lust (1986), Strangelove (1987), and Never Let Me Down Again (1987) all received heavy airplay.
They continued to enjoy popularity in the 1990s, with Personal Jesus (1989), Enjoy the Silence (1990), and even after two decades with Precious (2005). But despite their fame, the band had a controversial reputation in Manila, with reports of dismissive behavior during a visit.
However, the legacy of Depeche Mode remains undisputed, as their music continues to dominate retro-themed events and recent covers, making Depeche Mode the most influential New Wave band in the Philippines.
In 2017, Enjoy the Silence was produced by KI Theory and featured in the trailer for the 2017 “Ghost in the Shell” starring Scarlett Johansson.
2. Duran Duran – Save A Prayer
Duran Duran is a crossover between New Wave and Pop Rock music. They were a major force in Philippine music during the 1980s. The Reflex (1983) was an immediate success, along with Hungry Like the Wolf, Rio, Union of the Snake, and A View to a Kill dominating radio.
Though often with meaningless lyrics and somewhat danceable rock rhythm, the band’s synth rhythm made them an instant sensation. All of their albums were hits, but Save a Prayer remains their most iconic song, perhaps aligning with the country’s strong religious attachment.
Their continuing albums had a significant following, leading to their first major three-day concert in 1989 and again in 2008. In 2024, they performed at a private birthday event of President Marcos Jr.
“The Duranees” and Spandau rivalry
The band had a well-known “fan rivalry” with Spandau Ballet, who emerged from the UK’s New Romantic scene. Although Spandau leans more toward pop than new wave, they became hugely popular in the Philippines with hits like “True” and “Gold,” which have played on nearly every radio station for years.
3. Tears for Fears – Mad World
Tears for Fears song Everybody Wants to Rule the World was an instant hit, earning the band a substantial and lasting following in the Philippines, but Mad World can be considered their all-time “new wave pop” hit.
Their 1985 album Songs from the Big Chair (1985) featured Shout and Head Over Heels, and perhaps the rest of the song in this album cut made it deep into the hearts of New Wave fans.
Their popularity in the Philippines extends beyond radio play—many of their songs are frequently sung in karaoke bars, cafés, and live music venues, becoming part of the country’s musical fabric.
4. The Cure – Just Like Heaven
The Cure, formed in 1978, became one of the most influential bands in the New Wave and gothic rock scenes, earning a deep and loyal following in the Philippines. Their emotionally charged lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes made songs Just Like Heaven, Boys Don’t Cry, In Between Days, and “Closet to Me” staples in local radio and alternative clubs.
Even in the 1990s, the Cure’s Lullaby, Wish, and Friday I’m in Love hit the charts in the country, making The Cure’s music another standard for alternative music and post-punk. The Cure continues to be revered as one of the Philippines’ most iconic New Wave bands.
5. The Smiths – Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now
The Smiths, formed in 1982 in Manchester, is one of the most iconic bands of the ’80s and a defining standard of New Wave music. Their jangly guitars, poetic, and melancholic yet rebellious take defined the genre. Morrissey’s often sardonic lyrics and Johnny Marr’s guitar work created a distinctive brand of music.
Their top hits—This Charming Man (1983), Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now (1984), Hand in Glove (1983), The Boy with the Thorn in His Side (1985), Girlfriend in a Coma (1987)—became anthems for outsiders and romantics alike, despite their short-lived career.
Morrisey goes solo
Lead singer Morrissey went solo in 1988 after The Smiths disbanded due to internal tensions, especially with guitarist Johnny Marr. His debut album, Viva Hate, where his singles Everyday Is Like Sunday (1988) and Suedehead (1988), hit the roof. Morrisey maintained the Smith’s element of melancholic essence, making him a New Wave icon.
He continued a thriving career in the UK but lost his appeal among Filipinos, especially when he came out with the song I Have Forgiven Jesus (2004), whose lyrics were full of bitter blasphemy.
6. Modern English – Melt with You
The song Melt with You by Modern English has become one of the defining “anthems” of New Wave music in the Philippines, earning the band a strong following—despite being a one-hit-wonder.
Modern English and the Alarms
Their 1984 album “Ricochet Days” featured tracks that deeply resonated with serious New Wave audiences. Despite their limited popular songs, Modern English was in demand, along with The Alarms, whose one-hit wonder Absolute Realty (1985) was also a massive hit. They performed back-to-back at the Mall of Asia Arena in 2013.
7. The Lotus Eaters – First Picture of You
Also formed in Liverpool, the Lotus Eaters’ song The First Picture of You, It Hurts and German Girl became a huge hit, earning the band a strong following in the Philippines. Their 1984 album No Sense of Sin was one of the highest-grossing New Wave albums in the country.
The band has performed in Manila multiple times, including concerts in the 1980s, a notable performance in 2010, and a solo show by Peter Coyle in 2017. Peter Coyle also participated in the “New Wave Invasion” concert in Manila on November 25, 2023.
8. China Crisis – Wishful Thinking
China Crisis, a lesser-known band in the UK, found significant popularity in the Philippines. They debuted in 1982 but remained relatively unnoticed until 1984 when Wishful Thinking became a chart hit along with Black Man Ray and African White.
Wishful Thinking was so popular in the Philippines that it became a disco staple, inspiring a signature dance that cemented its status as a classic. While their mainstream presence has faded, true Pinoy New Wave fans hold China Crisis in high regard.
9. Seona Dancing – More to Loose
Popular Brit comedian Ricky Gervais is the lead singer of Seona Dancing, known for their “one-hit wonder.” Although they found minimal success in the UK, they reached stardom in the Philippines with the single More to Lose, released in 1983.
More to Lose is considered a “national anthem of the New Wave genre” in the Philippines, constantly played on the radio, at school dances, and covered in underground clubs for at least a decade.
AllMusic critic Michael Sutton even described it as “the theme song of angst-ridden New Wave youths in the Philippines,” comparing its cultural impact to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.”
10. The Wild Swans – Whirlpool Heart
The Wild Swans, a post-punk band from Liverpool formed in 1980, split in 1982. Members Kelly and Quinn formed The Lotus Eaters, while Paul Simpson partnered with Ian Broudie to create the duo Care. Afterward, Ian Broudie went on to form The Lightning Seeds and was involved in producing for Echo and the Bunnymen.
A one-hit wonder, the band gained a devoted following in the Philippines with the soaring synths and emotive sound of the song Whirlpool Heart. Despite a few other hits, The Wild Swans maintained a strong following in the Philippines, performing in Cebu and Manila in 2011.
Lead singer Paul Simpson was amazed by the enthusiasm of Filipino fans and the band’s cult following in the country.
11. Echo and the Bunnymen – The Killing Moon
Echo and the Bunnymen achieved modest commercial success in the UK but had a notable following in the Philippines. The Killing Moon (1984), Bring On The Dancing Horses (1985), and Lips Like Sugar (1987) became essential additions to one’s New Wave collection.
Their atmospheric sound and poetic lyrics deeply resonated with fans, solidifying their place as a staple in the genre. Although they continue to tour, the band has yet to sing live in Manila.
12. The Pale Fountains – Thank You
The Pale Fountains, another UK band from Liverpool, had limited success in the UK but found a narrow but heavy fan base in the Philippines. Their rhythm and introspective style were unique, creating a different genre from within the New Wave fan base.
Their songs Palm of My Hand and Thank You became their biggest hits in the Philippines, gaining more recognition there than in the UK. Their debut single, (There’s Always) Something on My Mind (1982), introduced their sound, followed by the albums Pacific Street (1984) and …From Across the Kitchen Table (1985).
The band had no official MTV music videos, and one Filipino fan, Juvan Baldeo, created several “unofficial videos” on YouTube, using unrelated footage to visualize their songs. Filipinos have also covered their music almost exclusively, proving the Pale Fountains remains a hidden gem among fans.
13. New Order – Bizarre Love Triangle
New Order, formed in 1980 after the tragic end of Joy Division, pioneered the fusion of post-punk and electronic dance music, creating a sound that defined the era. Their hits Thieves Like Us” in 1984 and “Bizarre Love Triangle” in 1986 hit the rooftop charts and became club anthems in the Philippines, dominating discos and radio.
In the 1990s, New Order’s Regret (1993) saw continued influence during the last years of the New Wave genre.
14. Aztec Camera – Still on Fire
Aztec Camera, led by Roddy Frame, was a key figure in the 1980s indie and New Wave scenes. Their album Still on Fire (1987) showcased a blend of jangly guitars, soulful melodies, and Frame’s distinctive voice.
The band had a stead string of hits with Walk Out to Winter (1983), the title track Still on Fire (1984), and Somewhere in My Heart (1987), which are fan favorites.
15. Care – Flaming Sword
The Care, formed in 1983 by Paul Simpson (formerly of The Wild Swans) and Ian Broudie (later of The Lightning Seeds), is considered a pillar of new wave music in the Philippines. Though not as mainstream as other pop new wave acts, their music was ever-present.
Their melodic and emotional sound is best captured in Flaming Sword and Whatever Possessed You. Both were must-listen with their haunting, grounding, and Simpson’s evocative vocals, leaving a lasting imprint on listeners. Despite disbanding in 1985 without releasing a full album, The Care’s influence endures, even with first-time listeners.
16. Soft Cells – Tainted Love
Soft Cell was formed in 1978 in Leeds as a synth-pop duo. Their popularity soared in the UK and globally for their heir moody, dramatic, and sometimes erotic electronic sound.
In the Philippines, they had narrow but die-hard fans with Tainted Love (1981) and What! (1982) as their biggest hits. In 1984, lead singer Marc Almond went solo with another big hit, The Stars We Are and Tears Run Ring (1988).
17. The Adventures – Two Rivers
The Adventures, technically an Irish rock band formed in Belfast in 1984, gained a dedicated following in the Philippines despite limited success in the UK. Their 1988 hit Two Rivers and Send in My Heart (1985) were loved by serious new wave enthusiasts.
The Adventures are known for their soaring melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and almost danceable tunes. Their albums Theodore and Friends (1985) and The Sea of Love (1988) showcased their signature sound.
18. Ultravox – Dancing with Tears in My Eyes
Ultravox, fronted by Midge Ure, was popular in the UK in the early ’80s. Their songs reached the top charts in the Philippines with hits If I Was (1985) and Dancing with Tears in My Eyes (1984).
Their synth-driven sound and Ure’s emotive vocals made them a key act in the New Wave scene, thanks to its dramatic and poignant lyrics. After Ultravox disbanded, Midge Ure pursued a successful solo career, with Dear God (1988) also becoming a hit in the Philippines.
Ure was also a key figure in the “1984 Band-Aid project,” co-writing the charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas? With Bob Geldof.
19. Bob Geldof – I don’t like Mondays
Bob Geldof is an extremely popular singer-composer in the UK and was the frontman of the Boomtown Rats, known for their mix of punk influences. He was relatively unknown in the Philippines until “Band-Aid Live” in 1985. Although released in 1979 in the UK, I Don’t Like Mondays became a hit for die-hard New Wave fans in the late 1980s to the 90s.
20. The Bolshoi – Sunday Morning
The British post-punk band, The Bolshoi, made a lasting impact on the New Wave scene in the Philipines with their distinctive sound. Their track Away and Sunday Morning became a standout, capturing their signature blend of atmospheric melodies and introspective lyrics.
While they didn’t achieve significant commercial success in the UK, the Bolshoi gained a loyal following in the country, where their moody, guitar-driven style resonated with local New Wave fans.
21. Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart
Joy Division, formed in 1976 in Salford, England, pioneered post-punk with haunting melodies, ominous synths, and Ian Curtis’s introspective lyrics. Love Will Tear Us Apart exemplifies their impact with its haunting voice and simplistic yet evocative instrumentation.
Their influence spans globally, shaping bands like The Cure, Radiohead, and Interpol, while in the Philippines, artists like Eyedress blend post-punk with contemporary styles. Joy Division’s legacy endures, inspiring generations of musicians despite their brief existence.
Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart has over 88 million YouTube views, a standout feat for a post-punk band with underground roots.
