News

“Paint Me Down” Video Shoot by Steve Dagger

Fri, October 09, 2026

‘Paint Me Down’ Video Shoot - Steve Dagger

On 9th October 1981, filming began for the video for SB’s 5th single and second on the then forthcoming album “Diamond“. Russel Mulcahy was directing again, his third in a row for SB.

The result is a strangely compelling and surreal retrospective of the band’s whirlwind journey since they had been reborn as Spandau Ballet on the stage of the Blitz nearly 2 years before. It features archive footage, press clippings and photos mixed with some new scenes portraying their rise to fame as being a strange vision.

On day one, Tony was filmed writhing on a bed while being drenched in paint, seemingly in a troubling dream. The band’s great friend Paula Yates also took part, kindly allowing her naked back to be filmed with yet more paint ( white ) being poured slowly down it. All of the band were filmed in loincloths, again with more paint.

Day two of filming elevated the video to national notoriety even before it had been edited. Russel had the band in loincloths pre-dawn on Parliament Hill, smearing paint against the rising sun. It’s a great opening sequence, but Steve Norman being tied to a tree and blindfolded might have been alarming for early morning joggers and dog walkers.

Anyway, someone called the police, and Spandau Ballet were in the news yet again.

Steve Dagger

‘Diamond’ is available to order now on transparent vinyl. ‘Journeys To Glory’ has also been reissued on white vinyl. Both albums are also released on softpack CD.

Click here to order @ https://spandauballetstore.com