Synth-pop (1981), which produced a series of hit singles. These included "Don't You Want Me", which reached number one in the UK at the end of 1981. Synth-pop reached its commercial peak in the UK in the winter of 1981–2, with bands such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Japan, Ultravox, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode and even Kraftwerk, enjoying top ten hits. In early 1982 synthesizers were so dominant that the Musicians Union attempted to limit their use. By the end of 1982, these acts had been joined in the charts by synth-based singles from Thomas Dolby, Blancmange, and Tears for
Helen DeMacque formed their own act, named Pepsi & Shirlie. Created immediately after Wham!'s final Wembley concert, the duo had a more upbeat and pop genre sound. The group had two UK Top Ten hits: "Heartache", produced by Phil Fearon and Tambi Fernando, reaching #2 in the UK Singles Chart, and "Goodbye Stranger", produced by Tambi Fernando and Pete Hammond, which reached #9. Pepsi & Shirlie went on hiatus in 1989, but briefly returned in 2000 to record backing vocals on the UK number one Geri Halliwell hit "Bag It Up". The duo also reunited to perform for the Here and Now