What is Second British Invasion?

The Second British Invasion refers to a wave of British musical artists who achieved major popularity in the United States during the early to mid-1980s. Unlike the original British Invasion of the 1960s, which was dominated by rock bands, this second wave included a wide range of genres such as new wave, synth-pop, and pop rock. The rise of music television, particularly MTV, played a major role in helping these artists reach American audiences.

Many of the artists associated with the Second British Invasion gained attention through visually distinctive music videos that were heavily broadcast on MTV. British acts often embraced new electronic instruments, stylish visuals, and modern production techniques, which made their music and videos stand out during the early years of music television.

Notable artists connected with the Second British Invasion include Duran Duran, Culture Club, Eurythmics, and The Police. Their success helped reshape the sound and style of pop music in the 1980s and demonstrated the growing importance of music videos and global media in promoting popular music.