6 Music Videos From The ‘80s That Would Never Air Today

The ‘80s were a wild time for music videos. Back then, they were like a visual buffet—full of bold fashion, quirky dance moves, and sometimes, outright bizarre storylines. Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to imagine some of these classics making it onto our screens without a hefty dose of controversy. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, and let’s take a stroll down memory lane to explore six music videos from the ‘80s that would likely raise eyebrows in our more sensitive, politically aware world. Spoiler alert: things were a bit different back then!

1. “Girls on Film” by Duran Duran

Let’s kick things off with Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film.” This video was a staple of ‘80s MTV, with its glamorous models and high-fashion aesthetic. However, it didn’t shy away from some rather risqué scenes. Between the provocative poses and the suggestive implications, there’s no doubt that this video would face a barrage of criticism today. Not to mention, it’s a bit of a relic of an era when objectifying women was often brushed off as “artistic expression.” Can you imagine the Twitter storm it would spark nowadays?

2. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions

Ah, the power ballads of the ‘80s! “Rock You Like a Hurricane” is a prime example. The Scorpions really brought the rock star fantasy to life in this video. With its heavy use of scantily clad women and a storyline that can only be described as borderline predatory, it’s hard to believe this was ever considered acceptable. Today’s viewers would likely be more concerned about the underlying messages of consent and respect, which means this video would likely be pulled from the airwaves faster than you can say “metalheads.”

3. “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” is another gem that would probably cause some serious waves today. While it’s undoubtedly catchy and a classic of its time, the video is filled with innuendos and a whole lot of suggestive workout gear. Let’s just say, if you thought leg warmers were scandalous back then, wait until you see the workout routines. Though it was a celebration of health and fitness, the overt sexual undertones would likely land it in hot water if released in a world that’s still learning how to navigate issues of body positivity and sexuality.

4. “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits

Photo By Helge Øverås

Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” is an iconic rock anthem, but its animated video came with some hefty baggage. The lyrics and visuals portray a rather unflattering view of music industry stereotypes, particularly regarding women. The infamous line that starts with a derogatory term aimed at female musicians would definitely not fly today. It’s fascinating how we can appreciate the catchy riffs while simultaneously cringing at the outdated sentiments. In our current climate, the backlash would be fierce, and rightly so!

5. “I Want My MTV” by Various Artists

Now how about a little nostalgia trip with the “I Want My MTV” campaign? This wasn’t just a music video; it was a series of ads featuring various artists promoting the network. While it was fun and cheeky, some segments did have a tendency to lean into the absurd. These ads often played up stereotypes that, while humorous back in the day, would be seen as problematic today. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of representation and sensitivity in media.

6. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

Finally, we can’t leave out Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” This beloved classic features some iconic visuals, but let’s talk about the portrayal of women. The video has its fair share of objectification, showcasing a lot of female bodies in a way that feels outdated to modern audiences. Plus, the whole “bad boy” rock star trope might not sit well with today’s audiences, who are more inclined to appreciate authenticity over bravado. It’s a catchy tune, but the themes might not resonate quite the same way anymore.

Vinyl and Velvet