A still from the video for "Kings of the Wild Frontier" by Adam and the Ants
During a week when Vivienne Westwood designs took center stage at Mirror80, we had to keep the fun going with this video pick by Adam & The Ants. Westwood and partner Malcolm McLaren conceptualized the “Pirate” look embraced by early ’80s musical acts like Bow Wow Wow and the band at the center of this post!
Throughout his career, Adam has made some highly entertaining videos (both with the Ants and solo). From the fairy tale-esque “Prince Charming” to the medieval “Ant Rap,” the videos of Adam Ant (aka Stuart Goddard) are packed full of theatrical energy.
So why spotlight “Kings of the Wild Frontier,” which features Adam & The Ants performing in a white room? No back-story, no dramatics. Well, almost none… Because rarely will you see such no-holds-barred energy–almost wild, which perfectly embodies the post-punk/tribal/New Romantic fusion that took the worlds of fashion and music by storm in the early ’80s.
The hussar jacket sported by Adam Ant in this video and numerous other appearances was originally worn by actor David Hemmings in the 1968 film The Charge of the Light Brigade. As you get glimpses of the band throughout this energetic four-minute piece, note their nautical garb, from striped sleeves to a buccaneer shirt. Ant’s tribal paint makes perfect sense in the context of the jerky camerawork and frequent edits. Pure video magic.
Enjoy, and Happy Friday!
Superb, once again 🙂
Love how Marco Pirroni accented his guitar strap with a pair of handcuffs. Ah, the joys of the Bromley scene!
🙂 I sometimes put this video on while I exercise. It’s so wonderfully frenetic, and it’s impossible not to get a boost of energy while watching these lads perform!