Alcatrazz — God Blessed Video (1985)

JUL 01 1985 · 12:00

Alcatrazz — God Blessed Video (1985) (1985) Director: Michael Miner Era: MTV Golden Age / Glam Metal Ascendancy (1985) - Mid-decade heavy metal crossover moment when Capitol Records–signed hard rock acts competed fiercely for MTV rotation; Alcatrazz's self-referential concept video satirised the very medium gatekeeping their success. High. A documentable instance of MTV self-censorship blocking a commercially ambitious heavy metal video with direct thematic relevance to the network's own cultural role. Directed by a filmmaker who would go on to co-create RoboCop, the video sits at the intersection of mid-80s metal, satirical media commentary, and pre-blockbuster Hollywood talent working in the music video space. Its subsequent rediscovery via GTA: Vice City adds a meaningful dimension to its archival legacy. Context: Released in spring 1985, 'God Blessed Video' arrived at peak MTV gatekeeping power, when heavy metal acts with Capitol Records backing still struggled to break through against more photogenic New Wave competitors. The video's meta-satirical conceit — an angel and devil arguing over the soul of music video culture — positioned Alcatrazz as self-aware critics of the very medium they needed. MTV's effective blackout of the clip became a self-fulfilling prophecy: the album stalled at #145 on the Billboard 200, the tour was cut short due to financial losses, and the single was never released in the United States. The song subsequently entered wider cultural memory via the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) soundtrack on the fictional V-Rock station, introducing it to a new generation. Director notes: Confirmed as director via IMDb (tt32373367). The video was produced to support 'God Blessed Video,' the lead single from Alcatrazz's second studio album Disturbing the Peace (Capitol Records, released 22 March 1985). The concept employs costumed angel and devil characters who debate and attempt to steer the direction of the music video itself, intercutting with band performance footage — a self-aware satirical approach to the MTV format. Despite the concept's relevance to the network's brand identity, MTV largely declined to rotate the clip. The UK single was released 22 June 1985 and received limited play on MTV Europe's metal programming blocks. IMDb lists Frazer Smith in the cast, credited as Press Agent, consistent with the production's use of a radio/TV personality in a supporting role.