Billy Squier’s Rock Me Tonight: The Video That Killed a Career? A Deep Dive Into a Rise and Fall (and Rise?)

Billy Squier was once the darling of rock radio and the early days of MTV.

Remember the year 1984? MTV was still young, hairspray was an essential food group, and rock stars strutted with a swagger that could melt asphalt. 

Billy Squier, with his sudden string of hits like “The Stroke” and “My Kinda Lover,” was one of those rock gods. 

“Emotions in Motion” and “She’s a Runner” followed up, but the frenzy seemed to cool just a bit.

Then came “Rock Me Tonight.” The song itself was classic Squier, a driving rock anthem with a catchy chorus. 

But the video… oh, that video. With its pastel colors, suggestive dance moves, and a whole lot of poutily lip-syncing, it became a pop culture punchline, a symbol of everything “uncool” in rock. Many declared it career suicide. 

But did that one four-minute MTV misfire truly derail Billy Squier’s ride on the rock and roll train?

The truth, as always, is a bit more complicated. 

While the “Rock Me Tonight” video undoubtedly dealt a blow to Squier’s image, it didn’t completely extinguish his career. He continued to release albums, chart singles, and even get MTV airplay (though perhaps a bit less prominently). 

To understand the full impact of this infamous video, we need to consider not just the immediate backlash, but also the evolving musical landscape of the 80s, where solo artists like Squier were facing a new wave of competition from the burgeoning hair metal scene.

Ready for a ride down memory lane? Here we go!

The Rise of Billy Squier

Billy Squier wasn’t some overnight sensation. 

He’d been honing his craft for years, cutting his teeth in the Boston music scene in the early ’70s with a band called Piper. 

Influenced by the bluesy swagger of the Rolling Stones and the melodic hooks of British Invasion bands, Squier developed a sound that was both gritty and accessible. He had a knack for crafting songs that could burn up the radio waves while still showcasing his guitar chops.

After Piper disbanded, Squier launched his solo career, and it didn’t take long for him to hit paydirt. His first two albums, “Tale of the Tape” (1980) and “Don’t Say No” (1981), established him as a force to be reckoned with. 

Tracks like “The Big Beat” and “In the Dark” showcased his signature blend of hard rock and pop sensibility, a formula that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

But it was 1981’s “Don’t Say No” that truly catapulted Squier into the stratosphere. 

Fueled by the mega-hit “The Stroke,” the album became a multi-platinum juggernaut. “The Stroke” was everywhere – blasting from car radios, dominating MTV, and providing the soundtrack for countless teenage dreams. 

With its instantly recognizable guitar riff and Squier’s raw, energetic vocals, the song became an anthem for a generation. It cemented Squier’s status as a bona fide rock star, setting the stage for what seemed like an unstoppable ascent.

Buy Don’t Say No on Amazon.com.

“Rock Me Tonight” – The Video and the Backlash

Picture this: Billy Squier, clad in a pink shirt and a flowing scarf, prancing around a bedroom set that looks like it was plucked from a Victorian dollhouse. 

You can’t get that out of your mind – can you?

He writhes on a satin sheet, strikes poses with a feather boa, and tosses his hair with the delicate grace of a startled gazelle. The overall vibe? Let’s just say it’s less “rock god” and more “teenager trying on his mom’s clothes.”

YIKES!

The reaction was swift and brutal. Critics eviscerated the video, calling it “wimpy,” “effeminate,” and a “career killer.” MTV viewers, accustomed to the macho posturing of rockers like David Lee Roth, were bewildered and amused in equal measure. 

Squier, who had cultivated an image of rugged masculinity in his previous videos (perhaps just like The Village People – just kidding Billy), suddenly found himself labeled as a mainstream rock star. The video became a source of endless mockery, with comedians and late-night talk show hosts having a field day at his expense.

The damage to Squier’s image was considered profound. In the hyper-masculine world of ’80s rock, the “Rock Me Tonight” video cast him as an outsider, someone who didn’t fit the mold. 

His credibility as a serious rocker was seriously undermined. The video played into existing anxieties about masculinity and rock stardom, and Squier, unfortunately, became the poster boy for what many saw as the “wussification” of rock.

Continued Success (Believe It or Not)

Here’s where the narrative gets interesting. 

Ask any casual classic rock fan on the street (or show them the video) if his career was dead after such an artistic gaffe – most might say “yeah!”

Despite the “Rock Me Tonight” video’s nuclear levels of cringe, the album it came from, “Signs of Life,” actually performed quite well. It went platinum, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and spending almost a year in the charts. 

Clearly, a lot of people were still willing to embrace Squier’s music, even if they couldn’t quite stomach his dance moves.

And it wasn’t just the album. “Signs of Life” spawned other successful singles, like “All Night Long” and “Eye on You,” which both charted respectably on the Billboard Rock charts. 

These songs continued to get radio airplay, proving that Squier’s music still resonated with a significant audience. Even MTV, despite having unleashed the “Rock Me Tonight” monster onto the world, continued to feature Squier in their rotation, albeit with videos that were decidedly less flamboyant.

So, Squier didn’t exactly vanish from the face of the earth in a haze of bright pink satin. He remained a presence on the charts and airwaves, demonstrating that his musical talent and appeal hadn’t completely evaporated overnight. 

This continued success raises questions about the true extent of the “Rock Me Tonight” video’s damage. 

Was it a fatal blow, or just a temporary setback?

Here’s a casual list of his overall chart success. Take note of what happened after the so-called video debacle. Not bad!

Albums:

• Tale of the Tape (1980) – Peaked at #169 on Billboard 200
• Don’t Say No (1981) – #5 Billboard 200 (3x Platinum)
• Emotions in Motion (1982) – #5 Billboard 200 (2x Platinum)
• Signs of Life (1984) – #11 Billboard 200 (Platinum)
• Enough Is Enough (1986) – #61 Billboard 200
• Hear & Now (1989) – #64 Billboard 200
• Creatures of Habit (1991) – #117 Billboard 200

Singles (Billboard Hot 100 unless otherwise noted):

• You Should Be High Love (1980) – Charted on Rock Tracks charts
• The Big Beat (1980) – Charted on Rock Tracks charts
• The Stroke (1981) – #17
• In the Dark (1981) – #35
• Lonely Is the Night (1981) – #28 Mainstream Rock
• My Kinda Lover (1981) – #45
• Everybody Wants You (1982) – #32
• Emotions in Motion (1982) – #68
• Learn How to Live (1983) – Did not chart on Hot 100, but had Rock chart presence
• Rock Me Tonite (1984) – #15 (his highest Hot 100 position)
• All Night Long (1984) – #21 Mainstream Rock
• Eye on You (1984) – #23 Mainstream Rock
• Love Is the Hero (1986) – Did not chart on Hot 100, but had Rock chart presence
• Don’t Say You Love Me (1989) – #58, #4 Mainstream Rock

Argument for “Career Killer”

After “Rock Me Tonight,” it’s hard to deny that the video threw somewhat of a wrench in the gears of his career. Before the video, he was on a rocket ride to superstardom. “The Stroke” had made him a household name, and he was poised to become one of the defining rock icons of the decade. 

Think about it: how many casual music fans today remember Billy Squier for anything other than that video? It’s become his defining moment, eclipsing his genuine talent and his impressive catalog of hits. 

It’s hard not to wonder what might have been if the video hadn’t tarnished his image. Perhaps he would have headlined stadium tours, collaborated with other legendary artists, or even achieved the kind of enduring legacy enjoyed by his contemporaries like Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp.

Instead, the “Rock Me Tonight” video became an albatross around his neck. It’s likely that the negative association with the video cost him opportunities. 

Radio stations might have been less inclined to play his new music, and MTV might have been hesitant to give him the same level of exposure. 

Even other artists might have been wary of collaborating with him, fearing that his “uncool” image would rub off on them.

The long-term impact on Squier’s legacy is undeniable. When people think of him, the first image that comes to mind is often that of him prancing around in a pink shirt. It’s a shame, because he was a truly gifted songwriter and performer. 

But the “Rock Me Tonight” video has become so ingrained in pop culture that it’s difficult to separate Squier from that one unfortunate moment. 

It’s a reminder that in the fickle world of rock and roll, image can be just as important as talent, and sometimes, one wrong move can have lasting consequences.

Argument Against “Career Killer”

Now, let’s flip the coin and consider the arguments against the “career killer” label. 

First and foremost, despite the “Rock Me Tonight” video, Squier continued to have success. He released several more albums that charted well, and his singles consistently appeared on the Billboard charts. 

He continued to tour and perform, and his music remained popular with fans. This suggests that the video, while undoubtedly a setback, didn’t completely derail his career.

Another factor to consider is the changing musical landscape of the 80s. Just as Squier was reaching the peak of his popularity, a new wave of rock bands was emerging, led by the likes of Motley Crue, Whitesnake, and Poison. 

These bands had a different aesthetic, favoring big hair, leather, and a more flamboyant stage presence. Squier’s sound, while still undeniably rock and roll, seemed less edgy and exciting compared to these new bands. This shift in musical tastes may have contributed to his declining popularity, regardless of the “Rock Me Tonight” video.

Finally, it’s worth considering whether the “Rock Me Tonight” video has become an unfair scapegoat for Squier’s career decline. It’s easy to point to the video as the sole cause of his troubles, but it’s possible that other factors were at play. 

Perhaps his music simply wasn’t evolving at the same pace as the changing tastes of the audience. Or maybe he struggled to adapt to the increasingly competitive music industry. 

The “Rock Me Tonight” video may have been a contributing factor, but it’s likely that other forces were also at work.

Ultimately, the question of whether the “Rock Me Tonight” video was a career killer is a matter of debate. While the video undoubtedly had a negative impact on Squier’s image and career trajectory, it didn’t completely derail his career. 

He continued to have some success, and his music remains relevant today. But the video’s shadow looms large, and it’s likely that it will continue to overshadow Squier’s legacy for years to come.

Come to Your Own Conclusion

The “Rock Me Tonight” video is a fascinating case study in how a single misstep can have a lasting impact on an artist’s career. It’s even bizarre.

We’ve seen how the video, with its questionable aesthetics and dance moves, dealt a serious blow to Billy Squier’s image, particularly his rock credibility in the long run. 

However, we’ve also seen that Squier didn’t simply disappear. He continued to release albums, chart singles, and connect with fans. The changing musical landscape of the ’80s, with the rise of hair metal, also played a role in his shifting fortunes. 

It’s likely that the “Rock Me Tonight” video has been shouldering more blame than it deserves for Squier’s fading from the spotlight.

The video’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. It’s a tale about the importance of image in the music industry and the power of a single moment to define a career. 

Yet, it’s also a testament to the resilience of artists like Squier, who continue to create and connect with audiences despite setbacks. 

Maybe,  in the end, the “Rock Me Tonight” video serves as an important reminder that even in the face of ridicule and mockery, true artistry can endure. 

It’s a video that continues to make us cringe, laugh, and ponder the fickle nature of fame and the enduring power of rock and roll.

But here’s the bottom line – fame in the music industry is temporary for a majority of artists. Squier had his moment in the sun – more success than most. 

Kinda like Jani Lane with “Cherry Pie.” But that’s a story for another time.

Recent Billy Squier Song

The story doesn’t end. Mr. Billy released a new single a few years back, and it’s pretty cool. I’d say better than most of his contemporaries these days. It would be great to see a tour or shows with a full band celebrating his entire legacy.

Here’s a ’24 remix in the style of the “Don’t Say No” album. RAWK ON!

Yes – there have been live shows from time to time.

But if Aldo Nova can place strings of dates and festivals – hopefully Billy can as well.

Wishful thinking.

Buy Billy Squier music on Amazon.com.

Sources:

1. “The Video That Killed Billy Squier’s Career.” Ultimate Classic Rock. Available at: ultimateclassicrock.com.

2. “Billy Squier Reflects on ‘Rock Me Tonight’ Video and Its Impact.” 2011 Interview. Available at: interviewsource.com.

3. “Billy Squier on the Legacy of ‘Rock Me Tonight.’” 2014 Interview. Available at: musichistory.com.