Music videos exploded on the scene in the early 1980s with the advent of MTV. However, “music videos” weren’t exactly a new idea. In the late 1960s, bands often created “promotional films” which were licensed to TV shows to promote their new songs. The Beatles were at the forefront of this movement after they stopped touring in 1966. These films were not as sophisticated as later music videos but they did their job. In February 1967, Eric Clapton filmed such a promo while with Cream.
Over the years, channels like VH1, MuchMusic, MTV2, Fuse and others fueled the need for musicians to film videos to go along with their newest radio singles. They were a seen as a necessary tool to promote an album. Often, an artist’s music videos were compiled and released on video tape and DVD to the home market. Clips from “long-form” live concert videos were also released to these channels to keep the artist in the public eye.
With the change in programming on music channels away from 24 / 7 airing of videos, many heritage acts have chosen not to film new videos, although they continue to release new music. After a lull and the emmergence of YouTube and social media, videos once again became popular.
LIST OF ERIC CLAPTON MUSIC VIDEOS
Forever Man / 1985
She’s Waiting / 1985
It’s In The Way That You Use It / 1986
Love Like A Rocket (with Bob Geldof) / 1986
After Midnight / 1988
Fight (with The Bee Gees) / 1988
Bad Love / 1989
Running On Faith / 1989
Pretending / 1989
I Wish It Would Rain Down (with Phil Collins) / 1990
Tears In Heaven (Rush Soundtrack) / 1991
Tears In Heaven (Unplugged) / 1992
Layla (Unplugged) / 1992
Running On Faith (Unplugged) / 1992
It’s Probably Me (with Sting) / 1992
Runaway Train (with Elton John) / 1992
Motherless Child / 1994
Love Can Build A Bridge (with Cher, Chrissie Hynde & Neneh Cherry) / 1995
Change The World (with Babyface) / 1996
My Father’s Eyes / 1998
Pilgrim / 1998
Blue Eyes Blue / 1999
Riding With The King (with BB King) / 2000
I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It / 2001
Gotta Get Over [Lyric Video] / 2013
Every Little Thing [Lyric Video] / 2013
Every Little Thing (Damian & Stephen Marley Mix) [Lyric Video] / 2013
Call Me The Breeze / 2014
Call Me The Breeze [Lyric Video] / 2014
Don’t Wait (with John Mayer) [Lyric Video] / 2014
Forever Man [3D Chalk Art] / 2015
Can’t Let You Do It [Lyric Video] / 2016
Spiral [Lyric Video] / 2016
Stones In My Passway / 2016
Home For The Holidays [Lyric Video] / 2018
White Christmas / 2018
White Christmas [Claymation] / 2018
Christmas In My Hometown / 2018
For Love On Christmas Day / 2018