menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

4 Music Videos Inspired by Bob Dylan’s Groundbreaking ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ Visual Art, Filmed on This Day in 1965

11 0
08.05.2026

Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

4 Music Videos Inspired by Bob Dylan’s Groundbreaking ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ Visual Art, Filmed on This Day in 1965

The “Subterranean Homesick Blues” cue card concept became known as one of the first music videos way before MTV was even conceived. 

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

On May 8, 1965, Bob Dylan and D.A. Pennebaker went into the alley behind London’s Savoy Hotel and filmed one of the first music video concepts. At the time, it wasn’t technically a music video.

Instead, the clip of Dylan holding up cue cards of lyrics to “Subterranean Homesick Blues” was for the intro to Pennebaker’s 1967 documentary Dont Look Back. But the film clip went on to inspire many other musicians and directors. Here are four music videos that pay homage to Dylan’s original idea.

“Misfit” by Curiosity Killed the Cat

Curiosity Killed the Cat initially released their debut single, “Misfit”, in August 1986. Despite a music video directed by Andy Warhol, the single wasn’t super successful until a reissue in June 1987 sent it to No. 7 on the U.K. charts.

The video references “Subterranean Homesick Blues” for only about 30 seconds, starting around the 2-minute 35-second mark with Warhol standing in a New York City alley holding cue........

© Vice