7 Classic Rock in Pioneering Music Videos

In the golden age of classic rock, not only did the music define a generation, but the way bands presented their songs through music videos also set new standards. These videos were not just promotions for their latest tunes but were creative expressions that matched the energy and innovation of the music itself. Here’s a look at seven classic rock bands who led the way in making music videos that were as memorable as their songs.

1. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” wasn’t just a groundbreaking song; its music video was revolutionary. Before the era of MTV, Queen created a video that was both a performance and a visual experiment. The video showcased the band playing, but with a twist – layered images and effects that matched the song’s shifts in style. It was one of the first times a band had used video not just to show them playing but to add a new dimension to the song. This approach opened the door for music videos to be more than just performances, encouraging creativity and storytelling.

2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”

The Beatles were pioneers in many ways, including music videos. Their video for “Strawberry Fields Forever” is a perfect example. Instead of just performing the song, they took viewers through a surreal, dream-like experience. The video mixed performance with abstract imagery, creating a visual representation of the song’s psychedelic vibe. It showed other artists that music videos could be an artistic expression, setting a standard for creativity in the music video industry.

3. The Rolling Stones – “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

When The Rolling Stones released “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” they also released a music video that captured the raw energy of the song. Filmed in a simplistic style, it focused on the band’s performance, but with an intensity that matched the music. The video’s straightforward approach was a reminder that sometimes the power of a music video lies in its ability to highlight the band’s energy and charisma without needing complicated effects or storytelling.

4. Bob Dylan – “Subterranean Homesick Blues”

Bob Dylan’s video for “Subterranean Homesick Blues” might seem simple by today’s standards, but it was incredibly innovative for its time. Dylan flips cue cards with the lyrics of the song (and sometimes, amusing mismatches) as the song plays in the background. This video merged visual art with music in a way that was unconventional, creating a memorable and iconic piece. It’s a prime example of how music videos could be creative while still focusing on the lyrics.

5, The Who – “Who Are You”

The Who’s “Who Are You” music video combines live-action performance with graphic effects that were state-of-the-art at the time. This video showcased the band’s dynamic performance style, but also played with visual effects to add an extra layer of interest. It was a blend of the traditional performance video and the emerging trend of using video effects to enhance the music, showing that music videos could be both energetic and visually innovative.

6. David Bowie – “Life on Mars?”

David Bowie was known for his artistic music videos, and “Life on Mars?” is a standout. The video featured Bowie in a striking suit, with makeup that echoed the glam rock style he was known for. The video’s simple, yet theatrical presentation highlighted Bowie’s unique persona and the song’s emotive power. It’s a testament to how a music video can amplify a song’s impact by focusing on the artist’s performance and style.

7. Led Zeppelin – “Whole Lotta Love”

Although Led Zeppelin was known for shying away from TV appearances and music videos, their creation for “Whole Lotta Love” showed they could also embrace the medium. The video mixed live performance with fantasy sequences, visual effects, and thematic imagery that reflected the song’s lyrics and feel. It was an early example of how music videos could go beyond the performance to create a visual story that complements the music.