MTV Is 30 – Live4ever’s Ten Essential British Music Videos

As MTV celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, here the Live4ever Ezine picks ten of our essential British music videos of all time to mark this significant occasion. While some pre-date the MTV revolution, they all represent the best of a medium which was transformed when the station launched back in 1981.

From the innovation of Queen‘s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘, to the playful nature of ‘Whatever‘ and ‘Bad Cover Version‘, via the emphasis on human emotion featured on ‘Just‘ and ‘Bittersweet Symphony‘, these videos chart the rise of the music promo from its basic state to the leading role it now plays in any band’s life. Yep, this particular anniversary is a good opportunity for those bands who have spent long hours in a TV studio perfecting their lip-syncing technique to raise a glass to the ripest fruits of their labour.

Is your favourite example of the British music video not included? Leave a comment below to add your suggestion to the debate.

10: Pulp – Bad Cover Version (2002)

9: The Rolling Stones – Jumping Jack Flash (1968)

8: Oasis – Whatever (1994)

7: Coldplay – The Scientist (2002)

6: Pink Floyd – Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 (1979)

5: Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)

4: Blur – Coffee & TV (1999)

3: Radiohead – Just (1995)

2: New Order – True Faith (1987)

1: The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony (1997)