What Happened on May 18, 1980

Historical Events

  • Belgium 3rd government of Martens forms

Mount St. Helens Erupts

Eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state triggers the largest landslide in history, killing 57 people and causing over $1 billion in damage

  • Fernando Belaunde Terry elected president of Peru
  • Gwangju Massacre: Students in Gwangju, South Korea begin demonstrations, calling for democratic reforms
  • People's Republic of China launches 1st intercontinental rocket
1980 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Ali Zafar, Pakistani singer and model (Channo), born in Lahore, Pakistan
Born in 1980

Famous Deaths

  • David A. Johnston, American volcanologist, dies in Mount St. Helens eruption at 30
  • Harry Truman, American victim of Mount St. Helens eruption, dies at 83
  • Ian Curtis, English rock vocalist (Joy Division), commits suicide at 23
  • Reid Blackburn, American photojournalist for National Geographic & victim of Mount St. Helens eruption, dies at 28
1980 Highlights

About May 18, 1980

Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 10 months and 11 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Taurus

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Call Me - Blondie
  • UK #1 Song: What's Another Year - Johnny Logan