Video Vault Sundays: June 15, 2025 - Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer

In 1986, Peter Gabriel stunned the music world with his hit single Sledgehammer. While the song stood out for its funky groove and soulful vibe, it was the music video that truly changed the game. With its wild blend of stop motion, claymation, pixilation, and practical effects, the video became a pop culture moment and redefined what music videos could look like in the 1980s.

Sledgehammer felt like a living painting in motion. Gabriel’s face morphed, danced, and glitched through surreal visuals that were unlike anything seen before. MTV placed it in heavy rotation, and it quickly caught the attention of both fans and critics. The video did not just promote the song. It elevated it, giving it a bold visual identity that helped make it a global phenomenon.

The clip was directed by Stephen R. Johnson and included work from Aardman Animations, who later became famous for Wallace and Gromit. Gabriel had to sit under hot lights for hours to complete the stop motion sequences, giving the video a human energy that matched its technical creativity.

Sledgehammer went on to win a record setting nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987. That record still stands today. The video remains one of the most acclaimed and influential ever released.



Fun fact: Sledgehammer holds the record for the most MTV Video Music Awards won by a single video, with nine awards in 1987.