Rock and metal bands have always faced controversy and attempts at censorship due to the sexual content of their music and visuals, accusations of Satanism, scenes of violence, or graphic content, reasons that have led to numerous bans on music videos on television, from Queen and Foo Fighters to Mötley Crüe and Sepultura .
Before the internet age, music videos represented a great opportunity for promoting music on channels like MTV, which initially had programming entirely dedicated to showing music videos—a model that revolutionized the cultural industry and was responsible for the rise of many groups in different styles.
Even so, big names in rock and metal have been banned from television programming over the decades. Therefore, Loudwire has compiled a list of 10 music videos that were banned at the time of their release – some of which, even today, are not available on YouTube.
Neil Young – “This Note's for You”
Year of release: 1988.
Reason for banning: Criticism of large companies, such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Billy Idol – “Cradle of Love”
Year of release: 1990.
Reason for banning: Despite its sensual content, it was banned for having scenes with actor Andrew Dice Clay, who was banned from MTV.
Queen – “Body Language”
Year of release: 1982.
Reason for banning: Sexual innuendo.
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Van Halen – “Oh Pretty Woman”
Year of release: 1982.
Reason for banning: Insinuation of sexual abuse.
Motley Crue - “Girls, Girls, Girls”
Year of release: 1987.
Reason for banning: Explicit nudity.
Sepultura – “Arise”
Year of release: 1991.
Reason for banning: Scenes of crucifixion and use of religious imagery.
READ ALSO: From Black Sabbath to the Beatles: 5 best rock and metal songs about marijuana
Foo Fighters – “Low”
Year of release: 2002.
Reason for banning: Drug use and sexual innuendo.
Soundgarden – “Jesus Christ Pose”
Year of release: 1991.
Reason for banning: Accusation of a message against Christianity.
Tool – “Prison Sex”
Year of release: 1992.
Reason for ban: Sensitive content.
Nine Inch Nails – “Happiness in Slavery”
Year of release: 1992.
Reason for banning: Explicit nudity and torture scenes.
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