Billy Squier, a MA native, was highly criticized for this music video, some saying it ruined his career. His last album in 1993, Tell The Truth, didn’t chart at all and that’s when he left his record label. Despite the controversy, I’ve always loved his music. To me, he’s... an icon of the 80’s. Billy Squier - Rock Me Toniteshow more

The music video was directed by a gay dude who also did the Glee tv show or film. It destroyed Squier's career because he was considered a tough guy by his fans and this destroyed that image.

Yes, I read that.

i didnt know that until recently. i was not a big fan, although i respected his ability to write songs. i remember his fans saying it was a weird video. that's when mtv was king.

I can see why his fans might have been like, huh, after seeing it.

Yes, he was like a more sophisticated, younger version of Stuntman Mike, with a cigarette pack rolled up in his white t-shirt, and then suddenly he was doing the most flamboyant gay things imaginable in a video. that was sabotage.

I remember hating this video hard. No fast forward so we just had to sit thru it, not knowing what would be next. If it was Ebony and Ivory I was out.

😂

Before that fiasco he released the album that was the soundtrack to my middle school years...

It's a shame because the song isn't bad. But they had him doing a guy's version of Flashdance. Maybe not even a guy's version. 🤣

Great song, but come on! He's dancing like Elaine and then morphs into a scene from "Flashdance?" There's just something "off" about that video. I saw him numerous times open for other bands and was always delivered! 🎸

😂

I agree I think he is great. There is no reason a “bad video” should ruin a song All the videos were cheesy

True, so many cheesy 80’s videos.

Every song on this album is top notch.

Dude really jumped the shark with that cringe, fruitcake video. His management destroyed his career with one bad decision.

Not to mention, he was an outstanding live performer, loved his concerts back in the day.

And has the best but very underrated and underplayed non- traditional XMAS song. This is a great look back at what made MTV awesome and Billy playing along!

I love his music! All of it!! I guess you forgot me, been a while I know

Of course I remember you, it’s just been a while since I’ve seen a post of yours.

X does that and I glad to see you and yours again!😊

Same things happened to Frampton for this album cover. Young record buying Dudes were unforgiving.

Call me crazy, but without knowing anything about him, I’d say it’s the prancing that did him in.

Relieve it or not he made millions from rap artists sampling his songs

@the_jabronie Loved him!

Lonely is the Night from his self titled first album was just one the best Rock debuts in history

Awful dancing/choreography. Hard to watch.

I've mentioned this before, but as I kid a loved this video. I didn't know anything about Billy Squier--not is reputation or his other music. I learned about artists through music videos, and watching this dude jump around like an unhinged fruitcake was right up my alley. 😂

He has made millions from other artists "sampling" his music. His career has been wildly successful.

It’s the sissy dance. Career ending.

My then girlfriend, now wife, saw him open for Foreigner during the Foreigner 4 tour at the Boston Garden in 1981. He was great. His image and career were shattered by the poorly conceived video. He all but disappeared. He is played heavily on @SIRIUSXM now.

He didn't realize how bad he was.

Billy is awesome and I don't care what anyone says otherwise. His music is making a resurgence too.

I actually saw him play with his band before he went solo They were called PIPER

I heard a rumor that the video was the beginning of the end because it made Billy Squier a bit flamboyant

Billy Squier's 1980 song "The Big Beat" is one of the most iconic and frequently sampled drum breaks in hip-hop history. Despite not being a major hit upon its release, the song’s booming, distinct drum intro

@KathyKansas saw billy in fresno ca 1983 with saga! billy squire rocked!!

This is so crazy. Squire used to be one of my favorite artists. The reaction to this video basically caused him to disappear. The video wasn't that bad!

"Lonely Is the Night" and "My Kinda Lover" are still, as the kids say, bangers.

He has some iconic 80’s tunes that still sound good now.

In an interview after he saw the video he did not want it released but he said he was deceived. He knew it would ruin him

I agree, Billy was making killer music on the first 3 LP's. And Tell the Truth is another great record that deserves rediscovery. Hear and Now is also a great listen. Really all of his solo records have their moments. Saw him live in 84, 91, 01 and 09.

I know im late to the game, but i totally agree with you, Billy Squier was under rated for music that he created, even back in the 80's he had so many good song ( other than the The Stroke)

Could care less about videos, loved Billy Squier.

I use for see Billy walking his dog on the upper west side. He lived a few blocks up from the Dakota. I think the San Remo.