In 1978, Horn and Downes formed the new wave band The Buggles with early contributions from Woolley. They secured a recording deal with Island Records and spent much of 1979 recording their debut album, "The Age of Plastic" (1980). The credits list Horn with co-production, lead vocals, guitar and bass. Its lead single "Video Killed the Radio Star" was released in September 1979 and reached No. 1 in the UK, propelling Horn, then aged 30, and Downes to mainstream fame. In August 1981, the song was the first music video to air on MTV.