New Wave: Dare to be Different

U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, The Clash, and The Cure: these iconic bands have collectively sold over 500 million records, yet their fame might have been limited if not for a modest radio station in Long Island, NY, known as WLIR. In August 1982, a team of radio pioneers realized they couldn’t rival the major New York City stations. With a bold choice, they revolutionized radio’s sound. Program Director Denis McNamara, the WLIR team, and the era’s top artists recount their struggle against the FCC, record companies, major radio networks, and traditional norms to spark a musical revolution that introduced New Wave to the United States.