Since the inception of MTV in the 1980s, no artist can live without it; a music video. Some artists just choose to make it a little crazier than others. With an accompanying price tag, of course. MASTERS lists the five most expensive music videos ever made.
This song by hard rock band Guns 'N Roses was released in 1991 and lasts a whopping nine minutes. The song which is about a divorce and became best known for its lengthy nine-minute-long music video. The clip includes Axl Rose jumping off the deck of an oil tanker and the band boarding a helicopter. These scenes, among others, ensure that this clip has a price tag of €3.5 million.
Minor spoiler; Madonna is well represented in this list. Although this clip is at number four, it carries a price tag of about €4.2 million. It was directed by Mark Romanek, who would later direct the music video that surpasses this song in terms of cost... In retrospect, it turned out to be well worth the generous four million, as the final product is touted as one of Madonna's most experimental music videos ever and has been included in various art and music collections of museums around the world.
At the time of its release in 1989, this video was the most expensive ever. It was directed by top director David Fincher and, like the previous clip, Bedtime Story, cost about €4.2 million. The inspiration was the 1927 German science fiction film Metropolis. The video shows Madonna, among other things, wearing a chain around her neck and handcuffs while lying strapped to the bed. On this, Madonna said in an interview, "I was chained to my desire, and no one put the chains around my neck, except me," making it clear that she is going her own way, not caring what the world wants from her.
Again a video of Madonna, but caused by the many special effects, this really is the singer's most expensive. The song became the title track of the James Bond film of the same name. The clip features the Queen of Pop as a secret agent who gets into life-threatening situations. The stunts, including several fight scenes Madonna performed all by herself. She even took screen training for this, which most likely also took up part of the budget. The price tag for making the clip? Approximately € 5.7 million.
This music video featuring a duet of siblings Michael and Janet Jackson is the most expensive music video of all time. The song is about the massive media attention the two receive during their careers and their difficult relationship with their father. Converted, this sci-fi-like clip cost approximately € 6.2 million. It was directed by Mark Romanek, who also directed such well-known music videos as Hurt and Can't Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
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