1985 MTV Video Music Awards Winners: A Comprehensive Look At The Iconic Event
When we talk about iconic moments in music history, the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards has got to be one of the most memorable nights ever. This event wasn’t just a celebration of music; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined how we see music videos as art forms. The winners of this legendary night set the bar high for future generations, showcasing creativity, innovation, and raw talent. So, buckle up as we dive deep into the magic of the 1985 VMAs!
Imagine yourself in 1985, sitting in front of your TV, buzzing with excitement as the world’s biggest music stars stepped onto the stage. This wasn’t just any award show; it was the second-ever MTV Video Music Awards, and the music industry was still figuring out what these awards meant. The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the winners? Well, they became legends overnight.
But why does this event matter so much today? Because it was more than just handing out trophies; it was about recognizing the artists who pushed boundaries, created visual masterpieces, and connected with fans on a whole new level. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the winners of the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards, exploring what made them so iconic.
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Table of Contents
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Biography of the Event
Before we jump into the winners, let’s take a moment to understand the significance of this event. The 1985 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 14, 1985, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It was the second edition of the awards, but it felt like the first time for many because of its massive impact. The show was hosted by none other than the legendary Dan Aykroyd, who brought his signature humor and charisma to the stage.
Here’s a quick look at the event’s key details:
| Date | September 14, 1985 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Radio City Music Hall, New York City |
| Host | Dan Aykroyd |
| Network | MTV |
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s get to the good stuff – the winners!
Awards Overview
The 1985 MTV Video Music Awards featured a variety of categories, each celebrating different aspects of music videos. These awards weren’t just about the songs; they were about the visuals, storytelling, and overall production value. Let’s break it down:
Categories and Winners
Here’s a list of the main categories and the winners who took home the Moonman trophies:
- Video of the Year – Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”
- Best Male Video – Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”
- Best Female Video – Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got to Do with It”
- Best Group Video – Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing”
- Best New Artist – Eurythmics – “Would I Lie to You?”
But wait, there’s more! Each of these winners had a unique story behind their success, and we’re about to uncover them all.
Iconic Winners
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic winners from the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards:
Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”
Who could forget Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer”? This video was a masterpiece of stop-motion animation and puppetry, pushing the boundaries of what music videos could achieve. Gabriel’s creativity shone through, earning him not one but two awards – Video of the Year and Best Male Video.
What made “Sledgehammer” so special? It wasn’t just the song; it was the way the visuals complemented the music, creating an unforgettable experience for viewers.
Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got to Do with It”
Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It” was a powerhouse performance that won her the Best Female Video award. Turner’s commanding presence and the video’s stunning visuals made it a standout in a sea of great music videos.
This win was more than just an award; it was a testament to Turner’s resilience and talent. Her story resonated with fans around the world, making her victory all the more meaningful.
The Impact of Music Videos
Music videos weren’t just promotional tools back in 1985; they were art forms in their own right. Artists like Peter Gabriel and Tina Turner used the medium to express themselves in ways that lyrics alone couldn’t capture. The 1985 MTV Video Music Awards celebrated this evolution, recognizing the importance of visuals in the music industry.
But what impact did these videos have on the industry as a whole? They set a new standard for creativity and production value, inspiring future generations of artists to think outside the box. The success of videos like “Sledgehammer” proved that music and visuals could work together to create something truly magical.
Behind the Scenes
Every great music video has a story behind it, and the winners of the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards were no exception. Let’s take a peek behind the scenes of some of the most iconic videos:
“Sledgehammer” – Peter Gabriel
The making of “Sledgehammer” was no easy feat. Gabriel worked closely with director Stephen R. Johnson to bring his vision to life. The video’s use of stop-motion animation was groundbreaking at the time, requiring hours of meticulous work to get just right.
But the effort paid off big time. The video’s unique style captured the imagination of viewers, making it one of the most iconic music videos of all time.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” – Tina Turner
Tina Turner’s video for “What’s Love Got to Do with It” was a masterclass in storytelling. Directed by Andy Morahan, the video showcased Turner’s incredible vocal range and powerful stage presence. The behind-the-scenes footage revealed a performer who was fully committed to her craft, pushing herself to deliver the best performance possible.
This dedication to excellence is what made Turner’s win so well-deserved.
Cultural Significance
The 1985 MTV Video Music Awards wasn’t just an awards show; it was a cultural event that reflected the spirit of the times. In the mid-1980s, music was more than just entertainment; it was a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others. The winners of this event represented the best of what music had to offer, and their impact was felt far beyond the music industry.
For many fans, the 1985 VMAs was a moment of discovery. They were introduced to new artists and styles that would go on to shape the music landscape for years to come. The event’s cultural significance cannot be overstated; it was a turning point in how we view music and its role in society.
Long-Term Effects on Music
The impact of the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards can still be felt today. The event set a new standard for music videos, influencing countless artists and producers in the decades that followed. The winners of that night became icons, their work inspiring new generations of musicians to push the boundaries of creativity.
But it wasn’t just about the music; the awards also highlighted the importance of visuals in the music industry. Today, music videos are an integral part of an artist’s brand, and the legacy of the 1985 VMAs lives on in every video that breaks new ground.
Celebrity Appearances
No award show is complete without a few celebrity appearances, and the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards was no exception. The red carpet was packed with some of the biggest names in music, including Madonna, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. Each star brought their own flair to the event, making it a spectacle that fans couldn’t get enough of.
These appearances weren’t just for show; they were a reflection of the music industry’s growing influence in pop culture. The 1985 VMAs was a celebration of music, and the celebrities who attended were a testament to its power.
Fun Facts About the 1985 VMAs
Here are a few fun facts about the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards that you might not know:
- The Moonman trophy was designed by Keith Haring, a famous street artist known for his bold and colorful style.
- Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” video was nominated for a staggering nine awards, breaking records at the time.
- Tina Turner’s performance of “What’s Love Got to Do with It” was so powerful that it brought the audience to their feet.
These facts add another layer of intrigue to an already legendary event, showcasing the creativity and talent that made the 1985 VMAs so special.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our comprehensive look at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards, it’s clear that this event was more than just an awards show. It was a celebration of music, creativity, and the power of visuals to tell a story. The winners of that night – Peter Gabriel, Tina Turner, and others – became icons, their work inspiring countless artists and fans around the world.
So, what can we take away from this iconic event? First, that music is more than just sound; it’s an experience that can be enhanced through visuals and storytelling. Second, that creativity knows no bounds, and the best artists are those who push the limits of what’s possible.
And finally, we’d love to hear from you! Did you watch the 1985 VMAs? Who was your favorite winner? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends. Together, let’s keep the spirit of this legendary event alive for generations to come!
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