Stroke To Joke: How "Rock Me Tonight" Ruined Billy Squier's Career
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- In the summer of 1984, Billy Squier's career fell apart. After MTV aired his over-the-top, effeminate video for "Rock Me Tonight", Squier immediately began playing to half-houses and his career never recovered.
Billy went from everybody wanting him to NOBODY within a very short manner of time. However, his troubles began prior to the shooting of the infamous video as two prominent 80's music video directors, Bob Giraldi and David Mallett both passed on "Rock Me Tonight" because they either didn't like the budget or the song itself. As they say in baseball after a couple of missed swings... "stee-rike two". Unfortunately, "strike three" delivered a crushing blow to any momentum he had been building at that time.
When the video for "Rock Me Tonight" finally dropped on MTV in the summer of 1984, so did the jaws of both fans, peers and Billy Squier himself. Nobody could believe this video made it to television without the slightest hesitation. It begs the question, why didn't ANYONE, either Billy or his manager, ever bother to preview the video upon release? Wasn't anyone curious in the slightest?
Even though Billy took a couple of years to carefully craft his follow-up album, 1986's "Enough Is Enough", he simply didn't have the reputation or the singles to catapult him back into the mainstream as his earlier releases. That says alot, especially when his follow-up single, "Love Is The Hero", featured Queen's Freddie Mercury who was hot off his band's "Miracle" tour and Live Aid performance from the year before. As a side note, it was also likely one of Freddie's final guest appearances on anyone's album considering the serious health issues he would soon be facing.
In retrospect, I think Billy's career was tanked by two things: a tremendously awful video for "Rock Me Tonight" followed by one mediocre album after another that didn't fit too well into the late 80's hair band music scene. Let's face it, regardless of anything, a great song is a great song and Billy's brand of rock simply went "in the dark" after '84.
As for my video documenting this absolute mess, I must admit, it was probably the most fun I've had creating a video. I had completely forgotten that an entire chapter was devoted to Billy's disastrous video in the revealing 2011 book, "I Want My MTV", which I recall reading upon release. The book was assembled in a fun way that made for an easy, informative read; every story in every chapter was uniquely stitched together by quotes from various artists, VJs, managers, producers and more who detailed the varied history of MTV in a fresh way. I can't recommend it enough.
After revisiting the chapter on Billy, hilariously titled, "A Whopping, Steaming Turd, The Worst Video Ever Made", I wanted to bring that chapter to life in a video. This posed a challenge because I would be reacting to a MUSIC video without having the audio because of copyright reasons. However, I decided to go with a combination of my own commentary punctuated by short, memorable quotes by Billy and others from the book in a "pop-up video" kind of way. I needed to walk the line between not detracting from the horrendous video but also not reminding the viewer there was nothing to be heard. That being said, I enjoyed the challenge and am quite pleased with how things turned out.
Anyways, as mentioned at the beginning of this video, my idea for this topic came from the comment section of a recent video. I've been paying closer attention not only to what videos are most viewed on this channel but also what people are saying and how well those comments are received as it gives me a good sense of what people enjoy seeing. What a concept, right? Creating a video that people will actually relate to. I figure, as long as I can get behind an idea, it's a good place to start. So, if you ever have an idea for a topic or video, don't hesitate to drop it in the comments below as you never know how it may be used in the future. Maybe I'll feature your comment in a related video or it could become a video by itself. And, of course, I'll give credit where it's due.
Be sure to check out my "soundtrack", or companion playlist, to this video which features the best of Billy Squier, including "Rock Me Tonight" and more.
Companion Playlist: • Playlist: Nobody Wants...
I hope you enjoy this video and I'll see you again soon.
Ant
Rushtrader.com
I cant believe this brought him down. I ignored it then i dont care now. Its a stupid video. His music was amazing. One of the best concerts ive ever been to. I saw the tour where RATT opened up for him.
The Stroke was huge! This song is killer. MTV was loaded with glam bands who intentionally dressed like "transvestite hookers wearing enough make up to put most morgues to shame.
I don't care if Rock bands appear gay. Mick jagger with the gay look. David bowie rest his soul. Sometimes it helps their act. A lot of them had women friends anyway.
As a musician, guitarist, and songwriter, Squier was one of the very best. Exceptionally talented. He did not even *need* to do anything other than band shots (which many of his videos here on TH-cam actually are). If it ain't broken, DON'T FIX IT!
I was always a big Squier fan-when I saw that video I simply thought that someone gave him bad advice. making music videos was a new thing at that time & it was his first.I didn't freak out like so many ppl did and talk about it for decades.It didn't make me feel any different about him & his music.I still listen to his music-the man was a brilliant songwriter and musician ~he should have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame years ago.He was cheated big time.
Cool bud looking back that was some good kick ass guitar rock
Met him on the corner of 57th st and 7th ave in the 90's. Told him I saw him open for Queen @ MSG.
Still have his autograph somewhere..
Lucky you! 👍❣
@Woo Bino, it’s in the closet !
I have met him a few times. He's a nice guy. His wife is cool too.
That's awesome, love to meet Billy
There was a comment on the youtube version (with audio) where the guy says his uncle was paralyzed from vietnam, when he saw the video on MTV he got out of his wheelchair and flailing his arms like billy in the video...walked over to the TV and changed the channel. Yep...sums it up perfectly
Now that there is HILARIOUS!!!
This had me laughing so hard that I almost started crying. To this day, I have no idea what he was thinking when they shot that video.
Billy claims he tried to have it changed because he knew it was stupid...but was basically overruled
Nobody does.
he wanted to be michael jackson.. even tried to get jacksons last video director
He wasn’t thinking other wise he would have not done that video. I grew up listening to Billy’s tunes and liked his music but I have to Amit it was this video that turned me away from his music. I know that sounds bad but it was the 80s and when I seen him in that leotard I was like wtf is going on and then went back to smoking a bowl and drinking my OE 800 .
That's what happens when you listen to a gay guy and do what he tells you.
Billy's career continued long after this video. When his last studio album, "Tell the Truth" was about to be released, the president of Capital records called him and told him it was the best album they had coming out that year... and that he was going to do everything he could to make sure that the record would be buried. Basically told Billy that he was going to ensure that the record was a failure. He chose to walk away after that. So no, the video didn't help, but he got no help from his record company either. He has recorded since then, and has worked on multiple other projects. He has also toured and played at some small venues. His shows are always well-attended and he hangs around after the show and talks to the fans. He is a class act and does not deserve to be constantly haunted by this video. Especially when you had bands like Poison walking around with lipstick and eye liner every night.
I remember not really liking this video, even though I liked the song when it came out....but I didn’t think it was any more silly or embarrassing that what other singers were doing at the time.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Squier’s label struck a back room deal with Kenny Ortega to coerce an overtrusting Billy into making questionable clothing choices and dance moves and thereby kill off his male fan base and his Capital record label basically making him a sacrificial goat.
@lawyernurse you're absolutely correct, but I guess that wouldn't make as good of a clickbait title as this one.
Yeah but they never danced like a strippers first night on the stage.
Everything u said was right cept the end. Dont try to put Poison down bc their style
I was 15 back in 1984 and I had the biggest crush on Billy. I remember not liking this video and thinking he looked silly in those clothes and his dancing stunk, but I still always loved his songs. He also kept his good looks for many years after that. I can't imagine why he ever let this video be released though. If it looked bad to a 15 year old girl I would think it would be quite obvious to anyone.
Yep, I was 15 too back in '84 but didn't catch this video until I was adult. All Billy had to do was say "Hey, I'd like to see the video before it launches." Now, that would have saved alot of drama for sure. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
@@RushTrader nope, he was on tour and had no choice, the record company wanted it released
@@RushTrader lol, I was also 15 in 1984 and while not a huge music fan then, I knew Billy's songs including this one and the video. I don't remember a hugh controversy at the time, but Billy was just completely gone after this video.
My first concert 1981 backing up Foreigner . Dont say no is still one of the best rock records of all time
I have always loved Billy Squier. I think he’s very underrated. (I’ve always thought he, Jackson Browne, and the Little River Band should tour together and name it the “Better Than Most People Will Ever Know” tour.) I agree the video wasn’t great, but at the time (granted I was pretty young back then) I never saw it as “career-killing”. It was just another video on MTV. I’m sure there are plenty of other videos out there that are just as bad if not worse. Keep doing your thing, Billy. Us die-hard fans still love your music and couldn’t care less about the video.
Yeah the music video really shouldn't have been the thing that ruined his career it's a shame he gets overlooked so much just because of One music video I mean Journey had a silly music video as well and no one ever talks about that plus it didn't ruin their careers so why One music video Billy Squire's career? I put it like this people shouldn't volume focus on one bad thing that someone did in their career and just Overlook their talent completely Billy Squier really should be more recognized these days but the sad part is he has been completely blackballed by the music industry.
Whoa! Sounds like an authentic Dad talking some serious Dadrock! Awesome.
People forget about the power of MTV back then! The backlash was instant, and all without cellphones or social media. It’s a shame, cause the guy made some great music, which still stands up after all these years. I’ve bought his hits repeatedly over the years, and yet every time I hear this story, I want to buy all his albums, just to make up for the screw job he got. I guess no one gets to ride that ride as long as they’d like. What matters is what you leave behind. Shame he can’t erase that video. But to be fair, most of the videos from the 80’s sucked! 😂
You're a stand up dude, you said you would give me a "co-write" credit and you did!
❤❤❤
What sucks is that the song itself is not bad at all.
Thank you, Billy! This video is a treasure. Sorry it hurt your career, but it is certainly a wonderfully entertaining and shocking video.
I saw Billy Squier live... he was doing the same "moves".
EXACTLY! It’s how Billy ‘moves’ (like Jagger, ahem 😬). WTH, who cares? The man is a force of nature!!!
@@suza3883 He is so ghoosy and squiggly.
Yeah. I saw him in 81. His dancing was the same as the video. Several things he did seemed gay. He was too friendly with that other guitarist. He got the water bottle and squirted tge friendly girls. Who were good looking. The lyrics in the stroke bothered me. Some of them. Some guy in judas priest was gay too but no one cared.
Suspicious how close he was to Freddy Mercury.
i loved this song when it came out..and back in 84 i really didn't think the video was anymore weird than say a Boy George or Twisted Sister video
Thanks for the comment Anthony!
Totally agree. The song had a great sound. And the video concept, a rock star dancing around a room like an adolescent imitating a rock star, is nothing short of a “ mise en abyme “. You need not look too far in its periphery to find Rod Stewart’s “Baby Jane”, where the most interesting object is a highball glass containing a neon-blue liquid, or anything from the all-zeitgeist pervading Don Johnson (Heartbeat) or his t.v. partner-in-law cum musical partner-in -crime Philip Michael Thomas (Just the way I Planned it).
14:30 Phil Collen: This coming from a guy that is in his 60s and still never wears a shirt. I guess you can't rip your shirt off when you never wear one.
And claims he is an original member. Lol
So true! Phil Collen plays all his shows shirtless with baby oil rubbed all over him.
@@jaxsonsmommy1 eww
@@jaxsonsmommy1 Exactly... he's the last guy that should be throwing stones... he's like one of the cheesiest guys in rock. Not to mention Def Leppard started to suck immediately after he joined.
The rumors about him that spread around high school when that video came out is what sank his career. Remember, no social media back then. It was all word of mouth. And it spread like the plague. Nobody was wearing any black concert shirts from him anymore.
Thanks for pointing that out because I know there's some who discount the video having any impact when it clearly did. Even Squier mentioned how venues were not as packed after the video came out so it definitely made an impact. Couple that with having mediocre material going into the mid to late 80s, along with the musical shift and that all spelled the end as he knew it.
I remember that! Him and the nick jagger , rod stewart swallows comments were everywhere!!!!!!
My little brother gave me a t-shirt and i still have it. Will wear it proudly once again!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
@@tpw9099 Exactly. That’s ALL you heard.
I couldn't stand it back in 1984...You should be high love off the Tale of the Tape album was the only song of his I liked period. It's a rocker.
I remember it was the talk of everyone in highschool . It was the pink shirt that did it . A fucking pink shirt !
Awesome show, RT. Billy rocked in the day. In 81 & 82, he might have been one of the top 5 biggest acts in the world. His music was everywhere. Too bad a cringe inducing music video overshadowed everything.
Too bad he let a non man ruin his lucrative career.
There's a reason one bad video hurt Squire more than other artists. This was back when there weren't 700 channels on TV and fans read about their favorite artists much more than seeing them. At that time Squier had an image of being an edgy rock n roll artist who wrote edgy songs like The Stroke and Everybody Wants You. So it was shocking to see him dressed like Richard Simmons, crawling in silk sheets and redefining the term "prancing around the room."
And as far as Squier totally blaming Ortega, WTF was he thinking okaying a video BEFORE seeing it? Also, did he think sliding down a pink stripper pole was going to look cool somehow?!?
Ok, crashburn, feel better now? You must be a guy... and as a reminder, guys started the rumors, guys spread them and guys stopped listening. I'm confident in saying that no red blooded heterosexual female had one bit of a problem with Billy sliding on the sheets or crawling on his elbows... are you kidding me? Questioning his "sexual orientation" never for one second crossed my mind. There just wasn't anything "tuff" in it for the guy fans. He didn't bomb a city or shoot someone. I'm sorry, bro, I don't mean to jump in your cyber-face, but Squier had/has talent and magnetism in spades. "What do you want from him"?? (Did you catch that?) boomba boomba boom tadada 🎶
Crashburn is right. This video was so bad it toasted Squier’s career.
I love your whole in-depth video on this awful video. Great information and your commentary while the video played had me laughing my ass off. New subscriber!
As for Billy Squire looking gay… hmmm I am a gay MAN… and never acted like that… I am a man, and I carry myself like a man !! Feminine prancing around should never determine a person’s sexuality, but more of a person’s mental state.
Liberace, Richard Simmons and Freddie Mercury all watched the video, looked at each other, and said "Yeah, that was pretty gay."
That damn video didn't make me like him any leas ! He is a classic preformer and song writer!
Billy has some great music.
He does! I loved him in the early 80s and never saw this video at the time.
The video never bothered me. I just thought it was tongue-in-cheek (and it did not matter where the cheek happened to be located! ha ha) I still respected Squire as a musician.
@brightbite haha good one!
I 👍
Best title EVER!!! Stroke to joke...holy shit that's funny. Love your videos...always great stuff!
You haven't seen anything until you type in 'Dancing In The Streets no music'. 😂🤣😂
Love that one!
That shit is hilarious.
When I first saw the Rock me tonite video, my jaw hit the ground. WTF!!!! were my first thought. Billy the KING! what are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Any fan saw the disaster immediately.
All the more mainstream guys in high-school were listening to Billy squire while we were listening to priest mercyful fate queensryche etc
You guys were mainstream dudes too. We were listening to Black Flag and The Germs.
My wife and I laughed through this whole video!!...The Barry Manilow comment killed me!..Sad to say that he is a truly talented artist and a shame that he trusted Ortega and how he misrepresented his intentions..I remember when that video came out and thinking “how awful this is”...however, back then, I was keenly aware of Boy George and the clothing and blurred line between male and female. The video fit in with the time, but his rock and roll image may have taken a hit compared to the “new romantic” look of say Duran Duran, Culture Club and Spandau Ballet..his musical talent should have overcome the video, but the video age was a huge influence often being MORE important then the music..Paul
Billy ok'ed this video and thought he was so sexy.
The comments under the actual music video for "Rock Me Tonight" are pure gold
I will go look. I can use a laugh 🤣🤣🤣
Totally agree, so many hilarious comments. I was laughing so much!!
I didn’t really care that much about the video then. It was all about the great music I still love. Truly underrated in my opinion.
It’s crazy that this video could damage his career, his music is what should matter
Not his video, lots of bad taste videos are out there and nobody says anything about those,
I personally love his music, True heart of rock and roll, pouring talent and lots of feelings…
And yes, he is a very sexy and good looking man, his voice is unique, and his moves are
Different from everybody else, his music amazing! Isn’t that enough to be recognized as a true artist?
You couldn’t find anyone like Billy❤️🌟 anywhere.❤🌟
I love your comment , Billy is a super talented guy and sexy , and his moves are unique
Videos were huge then. A good song needed a great video.
A very cogent analysis and presentation regarding the impact this video had on Billy Squire's career.
Nice work.
Regarding the video itself... imagining Richard Simmons in Billy Squire's place makes it much more palatable.
Bianca, thanks so much for the kind words! Thanks also for the Richard Simmons visual. Just a heads up, I'm likely to feature your comment in a future video just so I can do the side x side comparison.
@@RushTrader No worries. I remember when "Rock Me Tonight" premiered, and I'll be honest... I was disappointed and lost interest in Billy Squire's music from that point onward.
I have subscribed, and I'm looking forward to checking out your other videos soon.
Have a great day.
Thanks again for the great work.
q:)
If this had been a runaway success, other bands (even Fleewood Mac) would have had to start making videos like this. Can you picture John McVie wearing pastel colors & flapping his arms to 'Go Your Own Way' Lol
It's now 2023 and Billy has new music coming out. I also went to a BS concert around 2002, somewhere in the early 2000's and i loved it too. I love his music. I don't even remember that video and i watched MTV all the time when it first started. Man, this thing is old, it wasn't even 2011 yet?
Why would you call it a bullshit concert? Did it suck that bad? Weren't there a bunch of Dads there?
Ha! Loved this! Back when I was just a kid my mom used to play his album (among others) and dance around the living room. Then one day she stopped playing Squier and said, "He's a good singer, but he really can't dance. He's awful." Lol.
Hey Julie! haha, nice story there about mom. There's an old saying having to do with finding happiness and part of it says "...dance like nobody's watching." Well, we know how that can sometimes go...
@@RushTrader Truth!
I liked the video then and now.
If you're a fan of his music, a few videos you don't like shouldn't change that; let alone just one.
🤣🤣😭😭 You're wrong as hell for that thumbnail pic!! Poor Billy. 😌 Thanks for the laugh though. No matter how many times I've seen that video it is still hilarious! 😁
😂 Stacie, do you realize just how much time I spent making sure I captured the best possible frame from that award-winning performance?? Anyways, thanks so much for watching and glad it brought it a smile!
@@RushTrader You definitely put together a great video! I love Billy Squire's music, even if his dancing is horrific. Lol I just can't believe that someone who dances THAT poorly....somehow has no clue. No one's that delusional, right? I mean, he's got a mirror doesn't he? I don't care how much people may have lied to him and kissed his ass. He HAD to have known. While it sounds like a lot of people contributed to making this video the shit show that it is, in the end Billy should've never signed off on this. He was worried about the f'in sheets yet doesn't see a problem with all the skipping?? Come on, Billy! It just doesn't make sense! I still feel bad for the guy though and wonder how far his career could've gone if this never happened cuz he was definitely talented. Nevertheless, I still love his music and will continue listening to him, even if I don't watch him. 😉😁
Hey Stacie, I do believe Billy suffered from "dancer's delusion" back in the day. He was already making similar moves in previous videos and in concert but this video really took things to another level. Billy probably thought he had great moves but then Kenny Ortega had to come along and screw it all up! 🤣 Billy should have reviewed the tape! His first album is even called "Tale of the Tape" and what a tale this one's been. However, shit video aside... I do believe his popularity was on it's way out anyway because, on subsequent albums, he didn't have much of anything to offer commercially.
You explained so much,enlightened me so much. I saw Queen with Billy Squire as the opening act in MSG in NYC in the early 80's: 1 of the best concerts ever!!!
I would have loved to see that show back in the day as Queen was the first band I ever really got into and I really enjoyed Billy's stuff too.
Congratulations. His last name is spelled Squier. Not like Chris Squire of Yes.
Inciteful. Funny. But where you filming this? The place where the guy lowers the lotion in a bucket?
Billy can blame the director all he wants but it is Billy himself who bears the blame for this disaster. Nobody put a gun to Billy's and forced him to prance around like that. It was Billy's "dancing" that made this a laughingstock.
Yep. His " dancing" , choice of clothes worn, and those damn satin sheets.
Shouldn't have featured a bed, especially with satin. Shouldn't have emphasised peach and pink. Shouldn't have ripped his shirt open. Shouldn't have sashayed. Only guys in the video??? Should've had GIRLS, and shown THEM dancing.
Oh I know, totally gay.
This is the first rock guy, that I remember, being "cancelled" I have a REALLY bad memory so..
I remember this crappy video....his moves remind me of Pee Wee Herman wearing a wig. Could not someone in the band, a gaffer or even a lighting dude have just said: “Billy...that shit ain’t right.” I enjoyed the laugh, I had forgotten how hard I chuckled at this video back in the day.
Great song, can't sit still listening to it. Video is entertaining; but questioning why the pink guitar...otherwise, much ado about nothing. This never should have ruined his career and if you were really a fan, you would not have turned your back on him. Everybody loses because of narrow minds.
Rock Me Tonite song and video were the best and sexiest of all and of all time ever!!!❤ Billy Squier is the sexiest man ever!!! You guys are all jealous!!! Look at the crap that's on these days!!! I love you always Billy.
Wearing pink and moving like James Charles wasn't going to endear him to his rock fans.
James Charles? I was thinking Richard Simmons.
I love the video. It's no worse than any other video from the time. The homophobia around the video seems undeserved as well. Androgyny had alway been a key element to rock music (little Richard, Elvis) But particualry in the 70's and 80's it was kind of the main way to be as a rockstar (any artist during the 70's and 80's). So being slightly efiminate was not a crime at the time of this video. Billy's movements are a bit weird and ungraceful but the same could be said for Mick Jagger, or Sinead O'connor, or Michael Stipe or David Byrne. They're weird movers. That's what makes it interesting to look at.
he killed it!!! i loved it! didn’t ruin it for this 16 yo at the time
lol.
I remember that Rock Me Tonite video Billy did. Even as a 12 year old kid I knew it was schlock.
Now we know, all makes sense now !
Good job bro. That was a great video! Let me say this. At the end of the day, BS has nobody to blame but himself. His limp wristed dance moves (more like lack there of) right out of the gate made Boy George look masculine. That definitely was a steaming pile!!!!!!!
I think the fact that billy squire sucks had more to do with his career taking a dump than the video did.
Billy was the guy on cam, those were his moves. The driver of the car is responsible. And that's billy squire.
First things first: I totally have no idea who the heck you are, but I took a look at the many other videos on your channel, and I was like, damn, this dude's got some cool stuff here. Just subscribed, bro.
Why do you let a femme choreograph a video for you and you DO IT??!!
"Here, prance around all swishy and stuff in a pink shirt and roll all over that bed with shiny satin sheets".
Um....
NO!
Moral of the story; Anytime a femme compliments you, walk away. Far, far away.
Just revisited this again Tony. Outstanding ! Miss your videos and commentaries. Are you coming back ??? - David - Philadelphia
David, thanks so much! Yes, I've had alot going on (good stuff) and will be returning real soon. I never intended to be away this long and thanks so much for still wondering about me! See you soon.
My career's fallen and it can't get up..... great line
It's a great song. As for the video, there was a lot of gay stuff going on at the time on MTV, so I don't think it ruined him as much as he thinks. His time was running out and the video makes a great scapegoat.
Billy Squier is my all time favorite musician❣️ His ENTIRE CATALOG is supreme Rock and Roll. Dude is super talented. 🎧😎
I don't think the real fans (which are many!!!!) really cared about the video this much... Mostly media drama (vultures)
Im laughing so hard at this..He confused me doing this video..😂🤷🏻♀️
I think it's his best video because of how awful it is. I love it! Sorry it killed your career, but it brings me happiness!
I’ve never seen either video but I actually liked David Bowie’s dancing. David could follow choreographed moves but Billy is so tragic! Someone did him dirty by not telling him the truth about his wrists and pigeon twos!😢
My god hadnt seen this before..embaarasing. emotions in motion was his peak though. Not sure if the video killed it for him, but it sure didnt help!
I saw Billy 3 times, And it sort of wasn't a secret that He was feminine. Just that no one felt the need to talk about it, The Big wigs were to busy with detroying Michael Jackson.
(12.50) record company says "it will be ok"...i know the lead singer of a big 80s band who was railroaded into getting their 3rd album "remixed in the US" and was told by the record label executive "if you dont like it, we wont use it". He had to go along with it and then when it came back he HATED IT...all the guitars were messed up, but the label A&R said " we love it!! it cost us a lot of money, we have to use it now" and what could he do...be called "hard to work with"? And then ...the album flopped. Hard. The guitars chased away the fans. THIS IS HOW THEY SCREW YOU. Same thing with Billy here..."we've spent all this money, we cant change it now, MTV deadline is looming.."..its like full blown sabotage..I feel really sorry for him. This has happened to many artists. Sadly.
Billy Beals...jennifers brother.
Can’t go back in time but it would have been very interesting had Billy IMMEDIATELY shot another hard core “ rock “ video with this song and maybe did a short n sweet interview about it on MTV for the premiere. I wonder if that would have worked somewhat as damage control 🤔
Thanks for the comment! I've never heard that possible scenario but certainly couldn't have hurt. The thing is, there was no budget left after this video so I doubt he could have shot another one even if it were simple. It's a shame they didn't shoot more footage with his band as that could have been the entire video and save him alot of grief.
Did I mention how incredible Billy Squier is?
No, first I'm ever hearing of it! 😁Thanks for the comment!
Billy was and is awesome. The fact that idiots used this video to take him down is a tragedy. He's one of the most talented musicians of the 80's.
You nailed it Anthony, the video and his lackluster material is what tanked his career. How the hell did Billy Squier look at this video and say, Yeah that's cool and really macho! Gene Kelly was a truly talented dancer with many outstanding physical dance moves, Mr Squier comes across as being a clueless spastic in a pink shirt. At this point the only thing that got "Stroked" was his career.....
the video killed him.. the album and the follow ups werent too good either.
How can it be that a choreographer films a dance video, in which the protagonist does not know how to dance.
Crazy conspiracy theory that just ran through my head...do you think it was possible the record industry was getting back at him for his attack on them in 'The Stroke"? Just a weird thought. But pink was a color that guys wore back then, think 'Miami Vice'.
The hairbands were coming in at the same time, Billy dropped this video. It was just time for him to phase out, but the video sped up the process a little.
This was legit the guy that showed up at the concert I went to back in the day. Shiny purple knickers, White puffy pirate's shirt (like in Seinfeld), BIG puffy hairdoo and pranced around the stage. What made things worse for Squire, was Def Leopard opened for him and they fricken KILLED it.
In those days music was getting heavier Billy’s music got lighter and that video just hurried along the inevitable.he should have adopted a harder edge. In the dark was a hard rock song and it’s what got most of us interested at the time.
I thought to myself: "oh it couldn't be that bad"... I was wrong 😁
Surprisingly fair assessment of this video, great job and research! And hilarious. The video absolutely ruined him, anytime I see him, the video is triggered in my head to this day.
Fabulous sashay around the bedroom at 11:10, Billy! You killed it!
Man, I feel sorry for Billy! I wonder who picked out his outfit that day??! Whoever it was is to blame..it's that simple! Lololol I never knew why we didn't see him anymore, until now. This video was hilarious btw!
Well April, he certainly didn't get a package with "American Gigolo Attire" stamped on it, did he?? I think Kenny Ortega must have picked out his clothes that morning. That alone should have killed the Richard Gere vibe he was shooting for. Oh well. I'm still shocked nobody waived a red flag through this whole mess, or even a pastel one! 😂Anyways, thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed!
He definitely still had some good tunes in him. Don't Say You Love Me (1989) SHOULD'VE been a hit! Great song, with a killer guitar riff! But no one paid attention.
Billy could and should of STOPPED it
I remember watching this when it first came out on MTV I have to admit I was one of the ones that was like what the f***. It made a whole new outlook on Billy squier. I just couldn't believe it when I saw it I just stood there in the daze like what just happened here
I remember when it came out and the metalheads were angry and were saying the man was gay and they hated him now. LOL Tbh, if he had a sense of humor about it, if he publicly made fun of it, like play it at his concerts and make fun of the video MST3K-style, he could've saved his career. Even claiming it was a parody of Mtv at the time, which is kind of is. By having a sense of humor, he could've saved his career but maybe he only had a few albums in him.
I think most artists back then made some pretty embarrassing videos in retrospect like Kiss (Paul Stanley) dressed in neon outfits, Journey’s Separate Ways playing invisible instruments, etc ... But this one is for sure the most infamous.
Yeah, when your career suffers due to a bad music video in the 80s, it musta been a special kind of bad!
We Built This City video. Awful,, especially when that Abe Lincoln statue comes to life. “Cringe”
I really don't see the big deal.It was the 80's, all the guys were wearing pink shirts! David Lee Roth came out in pink spandex! Talk about a terrible dancer! All the hairbands wore spandex, make up,Whitesnake had a couple questionable videos,Davie Bowie with all that make up, Billy Idol, Mick Jagger and his ridiculous 'moves like Jagger', on and on the list goes ...I get it people want to see him with a guitar, but how could one video change your mind about a talented musician that you really like? I did'nt care about the video, it did'nt change anything for me.
Now days that video will make his career
Shit with music is going to hell in a hand basket
I saw Squier open up for Queen in 82, man those were the good ole days.
That would have been nice! At least they rocked those disco songs out for that tour.
Dance like nobody's watching...Go billy
This song was HUGE on the radio (in a summer just overflowing with great hits from every corner of the music world). I never saw it on MTV or any music video show of the day (and I never heard anybody talk about it.) It's a silly and misguided video (and I think trying to position Billy as some kind of New Wave rocker) but I think whatever backlash he faced was more a result of the even sillier (but very real) homophobia of the rock scene and the early '80s ... I mean, it's a GREAT rock song! (Even though, gasp, it has sprinklings of synths in it ... ) But to address Mr. Squire's claim he was sabotaged, I think that's a little self-serving at this point. He put on the clothes. He saw the set. He busted out those moves. (Flashdance is butcher than this!) He was a big enough name to walk away. (I just don't understand how Billy's manager was OK with this 'cause it's his bottom line, too.) The reality is that most people have probably danced around their room this like or "worse" but America was just not ready for Billy's truth lol ...
I love Billy Squier and couldn't care less about a video. His music is amazing, I'm a huge fan and have been for decades. Billy is a little androgenous though. So maybe Kenny saw this and played it up. Although, I feel Billy got set up for some reason. I have always had my suspicions about this. I hate that this happened to him though, seems like a very down to earth, humble guy.
Hello Nicole
How are you doing?
It's a pleasure to have you here!
One of my favorite videos. And not for the reason Billy Squire would hope it is...
Awesome video man. Really enjoyed it.
Have a good day..
Thanks for the laughs 😀
You're so good! Watched it twice. But.... I usually do watch all your videos at least twice. Your commentary during the video was hysterical. I sure appreciate all of your research throughout. I always thought it was a conglomeration of Billy's music (it got tiresome fast) and the video. But to have an entire chapter in a book about mtv dedicated to your horrible video, wow, that's just sad.
Hey there Amy... thanks for watching x2 (or more) and, as always, I appreciate you so much. Glad you enjoyed!
you are hilariously funny - subscription earned
I'm glad you enjoyed, thanks for the sub!
This might be a long comment. I'm a Gen Y kid, I got into 80's music in the 90's, and I used to see this video on VH-1 and think "Okay, Billy's dancing it up for the women, I get it., I'll just ignore that and listen to the music" and always thought the full band scene was pretty cool in that Miami Vice way. I was 12.
As the years went on and the internet grew I noticed people bringing this video up more and more, it's like what E.T. Extra Terrestrial was to the Atari 2600 game system, and now is the legendary "worst" of all time. As I got older, started working, I figured this video was the result of some kind of corporate fuckery. My wife bought that book and I read it and all it did was confirm what I thought all along - corporate fuckery (+ maybe some of Kenny Ortega's personal preference seeping into the project). As a fan, I just ignored it and moved on. As a TH-camr myself, Since Billy spoke up, it's been tempting to try and create something like what Billy wanted: which was basically him getting ready at home, cut to some fans hopping in a car, Billy's having dinner at a cafe, cut to the lonely girl fan climbing out the window, etc...you get the idea, and then right where it cuts to the regular band in the original, you'd have the full concert, with the fans from earlier in attendance, then fade out as the music fades and the concert rolls on. Simple concept.
That said, and something I've only heard mentioned once in 40 years, is I have to wonder if the music video for "She Goes Down" was a response to this video because it's like the complete Antithesis of "Rock Me Tonight" - hot girls everywhere, female nudity, I've seen it twice online, TH-cam CAN'T host it for obvious reasons. Probably never seen by the masses either because only the Playboy channel played that one.
To be honest with you, I never knew this video killed his career. I don't remember ever seeing until now. I did like his first album but I really didn't follow his career. I remember I bought his first album and Rush"s Moving Pictures around the same time but I went with Rush and liked almost everything they did from that time on until they retired. Yes's Leave It video is pretty lame and I like Yes. I can think of quite a few other videos that were just as bad from other bands.
We cringed and laughed and lost respect as it was so fanooky. The song was good, so we left it on, and cringed like trainwreck! Before that, he reminded me of Zep. Prance on!
I have to say, I love this song! I love Billy Squier! And to be honest, I don't mind the video...It just made me laugh. But he should have made another concert video with this song. It would've been much better and no one would've given him crap about it.
I owned Don't Say No and Emotions in Motion back in the early 80s. They were more radio oriented than video. Those songs didn't really have a visual associated with them. Rock Me Tonite made it impossible to call yourself a Billy Squier fan if you were a teenager. The ridicule from peers was punishing
Great point Peter! I remember loving "Emotions In Motion" and "Everybody Wants You" back in the early 80s before I had MTV and was glued to the radio. Those songs stood on their own. MTV bringing in the visual element was a blessing or a curse to certain bands depending on if they could use the format to their advantage.
@@RushTrader There was an Australian singer named Christopher Cross who had a lot of soft rock type hits, like the Arthur theme. When MTV and the video era of the 80s came along, his career pretty much ended as he wasnt very photogenic. I have heard his name mentioned a few times as an artist whose career was pretty much wiped out due to his appearance.
Which must feel bad when you are Christopher Cross.
The video never affected me rocking to his music and he is worth 40 million from what I hear.
I see the one line phrases example nobody wants you I just shake my head and think I don't think iam a nobody; if iam not a nobody that makes me a simebody;and I still listen to your music and always wil!! I do believe that you have definitely made someone proud that would be Les Paul himself knowing you use his creation with full heart and passion