Eurovision Song Contest 1980 | ||||
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Country | United Kingdom | |||
National selection | ||||
Selection process | A Song For Europe | |||
Selection date(s) | 26 March 1980 | |||
Selected entrant | Prima Donna | |||
Selected song | "Love Enough for Two" | |||
Selected songwriter(s) |
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Finals performance | ||||
Final result | 3rd, 106 points | |||
United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest | ||||
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The 1980 "A Song For Europe" contest was held on 26 March 1980 (the same day as that year's budget), at the BBC Television Theatre in Shepherd's Bush and was hosted by a dinner-suited Terry Wogan. An offscreen orchestra was used, under the charge of John Coleman as conductor. The theme music was "Te deum" the Eurovision theme.
12 songs were chosen by the Music Publisher's Association.
Song number one was by Scramble, a four piece guitar band from Liverpool, formed in 1969. It was written by Peter Morris (who had written "Mary Ann" last year) and was called "Don't Throw Your Love Away". Scramble had already taken part in the 1977 UK final as the group Beano and consisted of Freddie Philips, Ken Smith, Richard Talent and John Birch.
Song number two was by Maggie Moone, a solo singer from Birmingham, singing "Happy Everything". It was written by Geoff Stephens and Don Black.
Song number three was by Plain Sailing, a five-piece group singing "Easy". It was written by Stewart Freeman, a pseudonym of the names of the Stewart brothers (Alan, Colin and Paul Stewart) and Robert Freeman. Other band members are Alan Coulter and Dave Winter.
Song number four was by a Welsh solo singer called Sonja Jones, singing "Here We'll Stay." It was written by Tony Coulton who had been at Song for Europe 1979. Like many of the songs, backing singers could be heard, but not seen on stage. It received top marks from one of the Welsh juries during the voting. This song was later recorded by Frida (of ABBA) and included on her solo album Something's Going On.
Song number five was by the eventual winners Prima Donna, singing "Love Enough for Two". It was written by Stuart Slater and Stephanie de Sykes. The band were especially put together for the contest. At the Eurovision, very little was changed in the performance, except for the colour of their outfits. At the Song for Europe contest, the lead singer, Danny Finn can be clearly seen whispering something to his female partner, Sally-Ann Triplett on two occasions, although it's unknown what was said.