5 Cheesiest Classic Rock Music Videos That Are Just Cringe

September 5 is celebrated as “National Cheese Pizza Day.” While indulging in a slice of cheese pizza is a must for the day, you can also honor the occasion by diving into this list of wonderfully cheesy classic rock music videos. These videos are packed with over-the-top moments and memorable visuals that are as satisfying as a perfect slice.

Journey – Separate Ways
This song is a powerful rock anthem from Journey, but its music video is famously awkward. Featuring the band performing air instruments against a backdrop of shipping containers, the video is filled with random extreme close-ups and dramatic gestures. The woman who just walks around aimlessly adds a surreal element, making it feel like a parody of itself. Despite its cheesiness, the video is iconic in its own right, becoming a staple of ’80s rock music videos.

Steve Perry – Oh Sherrie
Steve Perry, the lead vocalist of Journey, went solo with “Oh Sherrie” and proved he could serve up cheese without his bandmates. The video presents a quirky “video within a video” concept, where Perry steps in and out of different scenes as if he’s part of a grand musical theater production. The premise makes you think of it as the music video version of a “Turducken,” blending multiple layers of entertainment. Perry’s dramatic expressions and theatrical flair only add to the charm and campiness of this classic ’80s video.

Beach Boys – Kokomo
The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” is arguably one of their most lighthearted and kitschy songs. The music video ups the ante with its scenes from the movie Cocktail and a special appearance by John Stamos playing the steel drum. The tropical visuals, combined with cheesy smiles and synchronized swaying, turn the video into a perfect guilty pleasure. It’s like a slice of paradise with extra cheese, making it a timeless favorite for fans.

David Bowie & Mick Jagger – Dancing In The Street
Nothing screams cheesy like the collaborative video for “Dancing In The Street” by David Bowie and Mick Jagger. The entire video is filled with energetic dancing, wild facial expressions, and exaggerated moves. There’s no storyline—just pure, unfiltered dancing from start to finish. The video is so over-the-top that it’s hard not to smile and enjoy the absurdity of two rock legends just having fun.

Billy Squier – Rock Me Tonight
“Rock Me Tonight” by Billy Squier is infamous for its role in derailing his rock career. The video, featuring Squier prancing around a pastel-colored room in a torn tank top, became the ultimate example of cheesy ’80s excess. His dance moves are so awkward and earnest that you can’t help but imagine him dancing like this when he’s home alone, singing into a hairbrush.