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

Hey!

Welcome to We love the Eighties Community!

Thanks for visiting our 80s paradise. At We Love the Eighties we celebrate everything that made the 1980s unforgettable, from classic music and blockbuster movies to retro TV shows, vintage video games, pop culture icons, and bold fashion trends. Take a trip down memory lane with our Retro Rewind flashbacks, join in on nostalgic forum discussions, and share your favorite memories from the greatest decade ever. Guests can browse a few threads, but full access requires registration. Ready to relive the magic of the 80s? Sign up today and become part of our passionate eighties community.
This thread is for the general discussion of the Feature Video Vault Sundays: June 15, 2025 - Peter Gabriel Sledgehammer. Please add to the discussion here.
Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" is a quintessential piece of 1980s music history. Released in 1986 as part of his album "So," the song became famous not only for its catchy rhythm and soulful sound but also for its groundbreaking music video. The video, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, utilized innovative techniques such as stop-motion animation and claymation, making it a visual spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide.

The song itself is a fusion of rock, funk, and soul, featuring a prominent horn section and Gabriel's distinctive vocal style. "Sledgehammer" was a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and winning a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, including Video of the Year.

The video remains a landmark in the history of music videos, often credited with pushing the boundaries of what the medium could achieve. It was a perfect match for the vibrant and experimental spirit of the 1980s, reflecting the era's embrace of new technology and artistic expression.
 
Back
Top