‘I put a raging dent in Neil Young’s forehead!’ Tim Pope on his riotous videos for the Cure, Bowie, Queen, Soft Cell and more
Music video director Tim Pope reflects on his career creating iconic, often surreal videos for artists like The Cure, David Bowie, and Queen. He discusses his unconventional methods, which often involved placing stars in challenging or humorous scenarios for the sake of artistic vision.
Why it matters
The article provides cultural insight into the golden age of MTV and the collaborative relationship between directors and major musical artists.
‘No artist has ever looked as silly’ … Pope directs Freddie Mercury in a prawn costume. Photograph: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/Alamy ‘No artist has ever looked as silly’ … Pope directs Freddie Mercury in a prawn costume. Photograph: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/Alamy Music Interview ‘I put a raging dent in Neil Young’s forehead!’ Tim Pope on his riotous videos for the Cure, Bowie, Queen, Soft Cell and more Dave Simpson He dressed Freddie Mercury as a prawn, got Paul Weller to wear lipstick, put a camera in Robert Smith’s mouth and created a 75ft penis for Hall & Oates. Pope looks back on is wild adventures with titans of music
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