Vol. 1980s · No. 1985 · PRICE 25¢
The 1985 Times
AI-Generated Historical Illustration
July 13, 1985 | Global Music Concert
Live Aid, Blockbusters, and Cold War Shifts
1985 was a watershed year dominated by global charity super-concerts, blockbuster cinema, and iconic pop culture moments. As Mikhail Gorbachev took power in the USSR, new technological and artistic breakthroughs reshaped global entertainment.
Back to the Future
Director Robert Zemeckis captivated moviegoers with Marty McFly's time-traveling DeLorean, creating the highest-grossing film of the year.
Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo launched a legendary side-scrolling platformer in Japan that revolutionized the video game industry and revived home console gaming.
Also this year
Mikhail Gorbachev Takes Power
March 11, 1985 | Soviet Union
The appointment of a dynamic new General Secretary marked the beginning of sweeping political reforms that ultimately reshaped Cold War diplomacy.
The Launch of New Coke
April 23, 1985 | Food & Beverage
The Coca-Cola Company altered its classic formula, triggering massive consumer backlash and prompting a historic corporate turnaround months later.
Discovery of the Titanic Wreck
September 1, 1985 | History
A joint Franco-American expedition led by Dr. Robert Ballard located the historic wreckage of the ocean liner deep in the North Atlantic.
"We Are the World"
March 7, 1985 | USA for Africa
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, forty-five pop superstars gathered to record a charity single that became the fastest-selling US pop single in history.
The Inaugural WrestleMania
March 31, 1985 | WWE / Pop Culture
Vince McMahon's spectacle at Madison Square Garden blended professional wrestling with mainstream pop culture, establishing an enduring global phenomenon.