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videos | up on the catwalk

director
John Scarlett-Davis


producer
Aldabra


studio
Visions


source
Up On The Catwalk [Edit] (4:04)


genre
Studio performance


comments
There was less budget for this one and so it shows. The effects machine was given back to Top Of The Pops and everyone got down to the task of making a cheap-and-cheerful video look, well, less cheap-and-cheerful.

So, it was decided to get the band on a catwalk (see what they did there!), with another catwalk around the studio's edge (again, see just what they did there) and then have lots of flaming torches dotted around the place (you've lost me now). Now, the catwalks obviously link in with the song, but why someone decided to set the studio on fire is a bit of a mystery to me.

During the performance a multitude of oddly dressed models parade up and down the various catwalks, trying not to set themselves alight. The usual glamour girls are there (with eerie painted faces), but a tennis player and Superman add to this rapidly surreal situation. Watch out for the shots of Derek trying not to laugh.

Despite the strange and unnerving 'models' parading around the periphery, it's the face montages which are the most disturbing. I think you'll agree that the image below is downright frightening. Up On The Catwalk is probably Simple Minds' most disturbing video.

And they're all wearing far too much makeup.




archive
The master is held in the Universal archive and was created on the 25th January 1983.

Seven reels of the original 16mm film are listed. These were copied onto three videotapes on the 21st January 1983 as protection copies, and have running times of 58:00, 58:00 and 34:07. Having the original sources is very rare.




availability
Seen The Lights - A Visual History Promo DVD Seen The Lights - A Visual History DVD Sparkle In The Rain Remaster Super Deluxe Box


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Eerie face montage. Not the best way to start

And we're up on the catwalk...

With the flaming torches...

Derek not getting into the spirit

Rare side shot of Derek and Charlie

Jim giving it his all

Extras from a cheap Doctor Who episode