Video Killed the Radio Star - Russell Mulcahy
Highlander Director Interviewed on Sky Arts Show About Music Videos
Sep 8, 2009
In 1979 Russell Mulcahy directed his first music video. It was for a track called ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ by The Buggles. The resulting three minutes or so of visual mayhem proved to be groundbreaking. Previously bands had never worried too much about doing a video, but the onset of MTV meant having one was essential. In the first of a Sky Arts series, Mulcahy spoke about his work with stars like Duran Duran, Queen, Rod Stewart and Bonnie Tyler.
A straight-talking Aussie who sounds like he is high, Mulcahy had plenty of entertaining anecdotes about his time spent making music videos before movies came a calling. Describing his working methods as ‘organised chaos,’ Mulcahy would often have only a day to film a shoot leading to plenty of improvisation.
Shooting Videos for Duran Duran and Rod Stewart
While filming the video for Duran Duran’s ‘Rio’ Mulcahy realised he did not have enough footage so he used stuff filmed by a German tourist. A rumour persists to this day that Mulcahy almost drowned lead singer Simon Le Bon during the filming of ‘Wild Boyz’ by strapping him to the sails of a windmill. Le Bon insisted he never felt in any danger, but admits he may have been too out of it to notice.
Rod Stewart was so hungover during the shoot for ‘Young Turks’ he wouldn’t leave his trailer so Mulcahy started shooting the video without him. When the singer called for Mulcahy and asked what was going on outside, the director told him in no uncertain terms he was making the video with or without him. Stewart joined in, but only if he could wear his sunglasses.
Bonnie Tyler and Total Eclipse of the Heart
Bonnie Tyler refused to spray a group of young men with water during the filming of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ Tyler admitted she called Mulcahy a “prevert,” which may be Welsh for pervert. The video was put on high rotation by MTV, which may explain why she phoned Mulcahy up and asked her to direct another video for her. “F*** off” was the director’s response.
Mulcahy Inspired by Cinematic Musicals
Mulcahy’s taste for spectacular visuals and well-choreographed dance routines was formed by an appreciation of cinematic musicals. It was no real surprise when the film world began to take notice of Mulcahy. Steven Spielberg was so impressed with Mulcahy’s video for Kim Carnes ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ he tried to get in contact with the young director, only to be told by an assistant he was busy.
Movies, Queen and Highlander
After directing his feature debut Razorback (1984) in his native Australia, Mulcahy got his chance in Hollywood with the Christopher Lambert movie Highlander (1986). Mulcahy showed a print of Highlander to Queen and they agreed to provide a number of songs for the soundtrack. Their track ‘It’s a kind of magic’ was inspired by a line delivered by Lambert in the film and Mulcahy directed the music video for the single release.
Video Killed the Radio Star airs on Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts 2, channels 256 and 257 respectively. They regularly rotate their schedules and provide repeats of shows. Check their website for details of their schedules.
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