Why These 4 Infamous Classic Rock Music Videos Got In Trouble

Because they frequently make the song instantly recognized, music videos have grown to be equally as significant as the songs themselves. What began as straightforward visual recordings has developed into complete productions that can compete with films or television series. These days, music videos serve as a platform for musicians to express their creativity and promote particular ideas in addition to being an extension of the song. They may be humorous, poignant, provocative, or just plain strange.

Some films attract attention because of their original concepts, while others cause controversy because they are excessively provocative, aggressive, or edgy. But in this list, we’ll look at four controversial music videos that turn out to be less troublesome than they initially appeared to be. Let’s get started!

Baby Got Back: Sir Mix-A-Lot

The first song on our list is “Baby Got Back”, a 1992 hip-hop smash by Sir Mix-A-Lot. Known for its memorable first phrase, “I like big butts and I cannot lie,” it’s understandable why some initially thought the song and music video were a touch too much. It certainly caused a stir in the past with its emphasis on people’s assholes and obscene dancing. But was being barred from MTV really that bad?

Despite its somewhat clever subject matter, the song is by no means filthy. According to Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Baby Got Back” was a celebration of accepting bodily variation and defying society’s limited notions of beauty, not an attempt to objectify women. You can tell from the lyrics and the video that the message is deeper than it initially appears.

Although there are a lot of dancing and butt shots in the video, it isn’t extremely offensive or sexual. In actuality, the music video seems far lighter and more enjoyable than provocative in comparison to other recent videos, such as Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda”. Its lighthearted, upbeat message is actually misunderstood in the controversy around it. Fortunately, the ban on the video was short-lived, and the song has subsequently gained recognition for its body-positive messages and enduring influence on popular culture.

This Note’s For You: Neil Young

Neil Young is no stranger to controversy, with many of his greatest hits tackling heavy topics like racism and political unrest. Songs like “Alabama” and “Southern Man” delved into slavery, while “Ohio” responded to the tragic Kent State shooting. Known for his socially conscious lyrics and bold political statements, Young’s music often sparked conversations.

But his 1988 song “This Note’s For You” stood out for a different reason. While it certainly had its fair share of sharp commentary in the lyrics, the music video got just as much attention—if not more. The song, a playful jab at the over-commercialization of the music industry, parodied Budweiser’s famous slogan and criticized artists who were cashing in on sponsorship deals. The video featured lookalikes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, poking fun at how musicians were being used in commercials.

Despite the video’s humorous and satirical tone, MTV pulled it off the air, supposedly to avoid legal trouble with artists like Jackson. But it soon became clear that the real issue was protecting their sponsors. Ironically, “This Note’s For You” won the Video Music Award for Best Music Video, a piece of poetic justice for Young, who had been banned by the same network. This song marked the beginning of Young’s career comeback, proving that sometimes controversy can lead to unexpected success.

We’re Not Gonna Take It: Twisted Sister

Twisted Sister rose to fame in the heavy metal scene thanks to their outrageous hairstyle and extensive makeup. Their popular song “We’re Not Gonna Take It” had the ideal balance of a humorous, cheerful music video and powerful melody. However, this was not the case for everyone.

Tipper Gore said that the song’s lyrics and video encouraged violence, which led to its inclusion on the Parental Music Resource Center’s “Filthy Fifteen” list. But the band’s lead singer, Dee Snider, was having none of it. To correct the record, he famously testified before Congress. Snider noted that the song’s rebellious message is about standing up for yourself and not harming others, and it never calls for violence.

Snider described the video as a lighthearted, slapstick comedy that was influenced by cartoons such as Looney Tunes, particularly the antics of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. There isn’t any gore or violence in the video; it’s lighthearted. The antagonist in the video may become irritated, but he is only caught up in absurd, cartoonish scenarios and is never hurt.

“We’re Not Gonna Take It” was ultimately intended to be an upbeat, enjoyable protest song with a positive message that would eventually serve as a rallying cry for several causes. The debate around it was all a misunderstanding, as is now evident.

I Want To Break Free: Queen

When it comes to music videos in particular, Queen was always on the cutting edge. They were pioneers in transforming music videos into a legitimate art form and are well-known for their extraordinary musical ability and imaginative film designs. But even a band as iconic as Queen has its share of scandal.

When the music video for their 1984 smash song “I Want To Break Free” was prohibited, it sparked criticism, primarily because the band members wore drag. Cross-dressing was banned in the mainstream media at the time, and because Freddie Mercury’s sexual orientation was frequently conjectured upon, MTV removed the video out of concern that it encouraged homosexuality and cross-dressing.

However, the video’s true backstory is far less controversial. With each member dressed as a character from the British soap series Coronation Street, the band’s drag costumes were actually a lighthearted homage to the show. British viewers recognized the joke right away, but American viewers, who were unfamiliar with the show, misinterpreted it, which sparked a lot of controversy.

Cross-dressing for humorous effect had long been a practice in the UK, and it was Roger Taylor, not Freddie Mercury, who came up with the notion of dressing in drag. This demonstrates that sometimes it’s crucial to comprehend the background information before drawing any judgments. One of Queen’s most well-known songs over time, “I Want To Break Free” now represents freedom and creativity in a more accepting society.