Who's behind the notes? Discover Peter Gabriel: The Genesis of a Solo Visionary
"Sledgehammer" is a popular song by Peter Gabriel, released in 1986 as a single from his album "So." Here are some interesting facts about the song and its accompanying music video:
Groundbreaking Music Video: The music video for "Sledgehammer" is known for its groundbreaking and innovative animation techniques. It was one of the first music videos to use stop-motion animation, claymation, and pixelation. The video was directed by Stephen R. Johnson and took seven weeks to film.
Awards and Recognition: The "Sledgehammer" music video won numerous awards, including a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987. It remains one of the most iconic and celebrated music videos in history.
Chart Success: "Sledgehammer" was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also performed well internationally, topping charts in several countries.
Artistic Lyrics: The song's lyrics are known for their abstract and surreal imagery. Gabriel's poetic and metaphorical approach to songwriting added depth and complexity to the track, making it stand out from more conventional pop songs of the time.
Record-Setting Animation: The "Sledgehammer" music video set a Guinness World Record for the most awards won by a music video. It also became one of the most played music videos on MTV during the late 1980s.
Influential Album: "Sledgehammer" is from Peter Gabriel's critically acclaimed album "So," which is considered one of his best works. The album also includes other hit songs like "In Your Eyes" and "Don't Give Up" (a duet with Kate Bush).
Cover Art: The single's cover art is noteworthy for its use of a clay model of Peter Gabriel's face. The face appears to be melting, reflecting the surreal and creative nature of the song and video.
"Sledgehammer" Live: Peter Gabriel's live performances of "Sledgehammer" often featured elaborate stage designs and visual effects, adding to the song's spectacle in concert settings.
Cultural Impact: "Sledgehammer" and its music video played a significant role in the popularization of music videos as an art form. It contributed to the '80s and '90s era of extravagant and visually stunning music videos.
Continued Legacy: "Sledgehammer" remains a beloved and enduring song, frequently covered by other artists and featured in various forms of media, ensuring its place in pop culture history.
"Sledgehammer" is not just a hit song but a groundbreaking and influential piece of music and visual art that continues to captivate audiences to this day.