Early Rock Music Videos You Need to See

Check out this list of early rock music videos you need to see. From Elvis Presley to The Beatles, these videos shaped the genre and are still popular today.

Early Rock Music Videos- You Need to See

Rock music has come a long way since its inception in the 1950s. The early days of the genre were marked by simple, three-chord progressions and fairly basic melodies. However, what early rock lacked in complexity, it more than made up for in energy and excitement. The early years of rock n’ roll were a time of experimentation and innovation, with artists pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of both sound and visuals.

One of the most important aspects of early rock music was the music video. These videos were often crudely made and consisted primarily of live footage of the band performing. However, they served an important purpose in bringing the music to a wider audience and helping to establish the visual identity of the artist.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most influential and important early rock music videos. These videos helped to shape the genre and set the stage for the decades of rock music that would follow.

The Beatles- “A Day in the Life”

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, whose best-known line-up comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time. They were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music’s recognition as an art form. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, their sound incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop in innovative ways; the band later explored music styles ranging from ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock. As they continued to draw influences from a variety of cultural sources, their musical and lyrical sophistication grew, featuring invocations of paeans to love—as well as the struggles, hedonism and angst of adolescence—often wrapped in real-life detail that alluded to the UK’s rapidly changing social mores.

The group built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-year period from 1960, with Stuart Sutcliffe initially serving as bass player. The core lineup of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr secured their commercial success with their first album Please Please Me (1963). Help! (1965), Rubber Soul (1965) Revolver (1966) Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), The Beatles (1968) – commonly known as “The White Album” – Abbey Road (1969) and Let It Be (1970) were released over the next seven years. With members regularly pursuing solo projects during the band’s dissolution in 1970 after McCartney’s departure following disagreements over business management,[1] all four continued to record commercially successfully into the 1980s individually or with subsequent groups; Ringo Starr remains active as a touring musician.

The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988,[2]and went on to receive critical acclaim for their innovative work which significantly impacted popular culture worldwide.[3][4][5] In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked the group number 1 on “The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.[6] In 2012, Billboard magazine ranked them the greatest musical act of all time.[7][8] With estimated sales of more than 800 million records worldwide,[9]they have had more number-one albums on the UK chart[10]and held sway over pop culture for more than five decades.[11][12][13][14]

The Rolling Stones- “Gimme Shelter”

The Rolling Stones- “Gimme Shelter” (1969)

Filmed in November of 1969, and directed by late great Albert Magnoli, “Gimme Shelter” is a classic rock music video. The song, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is from the Stones’ album “Let it Bleed.” This particular video features the band playing the song in a studio, with some brief shots of them performing live. It’s a simple video, but it’s effective in conveying the raw power of the song.

Led Zeppelin- “Stairway to Heaven”

Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is one of the most iconic and popular rock songs of all time. The song was released in 1971 on the band’s fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV, and quickly became a fan favorite. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but it is Led Zeppelin’s version that remains the most well-known.

The music video for “Stairway to Heaven” was shot in 1971 and directed by Peter Clifton. The video features footage of Led Zeppelin performing the song live, interspersed with shots of various locations around England. The video is simple but effective, and it perfectly captures the atmosphere of Led Zeppelin’s live shows.

If you’re a fan of rock music, then you need to seeLed Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” music video. It’s a classic piece of rock history that represents everything that was great about Led Zeppelin in their prime.

Pink Floyd- “Another Brick in the Wall”

Perhaps one of the most amazing and impactful music videos ever made, “Another Brick in the Wall” is a must-see for any fan of rock music. The video, directed by Gerald Scarfe, consists of animation mixed with live action, and tells the story of a group of children who are forced to build a wall under the tyrannical rule of a faceless authority figure. The song, written by Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, is an indictment of the education system and a rallying cry for rebellious youth. The video was banned by many television stations due to its graphic content, but went on to win two Grammy Awards and has been hailed as a masterpiece of political commentary.

Queen- “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Few music videos are as iconic as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The six-minute epic was released in 1975, and was an instant hit with fans and critics alike. The video, which was directed by Bruce Gowers, features the band performing the song in front of a live audience. It is considered to be one of the first true rock videos, and remains one of the most popular and influential music videos of all time.

The Who- “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

TheWho’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is an early rock music video that is a must see. The video features the band performing the song in a live setting, and it is intercut with footage of them backstage and in the dressing room. The video is a great example of how a live performance can be captured on film, and it is also a great example of how a band can use video to promote their music.

David Bowie- “Changes”

David Bowie’s “Changes” is a classic example of early rock music videos. The video features Bowie lip syncing to the song while walking around various locations in New York City. The video was shot in 1972 and is a great example of the early days of music videos.

Black Sabbath- “Paranoid”

Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” is one of the most iconic early rock songs, and its accompanying music video is just as seminal. Released in 1970, the video features the band playing in a spooky castle surrounded by strange creatures. It’s a simple concept, but it’s executed perfectly, and the video has stood the test of time.

Deep Purple- “Smoke on the Water”

Few songs are as universally known as “Smoke on the Water.” The opening riff is one of the most instantly recognizable in all of rock, and the song has been a mainstay in the setlists of rock bands for decades. Deep Purple’s classic lineup of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice made some of the most enduring hard rock ever recorded, and “Smoke on the Water” is undoubtedly one of their most well-known and loved songs.

The music video for “Smoke on the Water” was released in 1973 and features the band performing the song live. The video is simple but effective, showing the band members tearing through the song with passion and precision. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar playing is particularly impressive, and Ian Gillan’s powerful vocals are prominently featured. The video is a great example of early 1970s rock music videos, and it remains an essential part of Deep Purple’s legacy.