That's weird - as I logged on to the site I was listening to " I don't remember " by the good man himself!
You can use everyhit.com - pick the time period jan 1981 to dec 1981 and highest position 2 and get a list. Looks like there were only about 16 number 2s that year.
Thanks all of you. I have tried what you have suggested GetOverIt but couldn't find a link. I have the full list and depending on the source there may be 18 + including some incredible unlikely gems like Stars on 45
The famous Phil Collins "drum sound" was used heavily on Peter Gabriel's third album released the year before which Collins played on. Maybe that's where you've got muddled up.
Thanks Brian - I didn't know for sure , I just took a guess at "In The Air Tonight" . I know they were both collaborating at that time so it was worth a guess .
Singles with highest chart position number 2 for 1981
2 Phil Collins In The Air Tonight Jan 1981
2 Ultravox Vienna Jan 1981
2 Kim Wilde Kids In America Feb 1981
2 Adam & The Ants Kings Of The Wild Frontier Feb 1981
2 Ennio Morricone Chi Mai (Theme From TV Series The Life And Times Of David Lloyd George) Apr 1981 Notes
2 Starsound Stars On 45 Apr 1981
2 Shakin' Stevens You Drive Me Crazy May 1981
2 Kate Robbins & Beyond More Than In Love May 1981
2 Starsound Stars On 45 Vol.2 Jul 1981
2 Stevie Wonder Happy Birthday Jul 1981
2 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra arranged and conducted by Louis Clark Hooked On Classics
2 Tweets Birdie Song (The Birdie Dance) Sep 1981
2 Altered Images Happy Birthday Sep 1981
2 Police Invisible Sun Sep 1981
2 Laurie Anderson O Superman Oct 1981
2 Cliff Richard Daddy's Home Nov 1981