Remembering & Reimagining Van Halen’s “Right Now” Music Video
The music video for Van Halen’s “Right Now” has been stuck in my mind since it was released in 1992.
Do you remember this music video?
The core message of the song and its music video is to live for the moment, and not to be afraid of making changes, if that’s what you’ve gotta do. It served as a strong call to action during the early days of the 90s.
The video was pretty sweet. Or at least I thought so.
Live in the Now
Watching the video when I was 12, I remember thinking the band was sharing the secret to living your best life with us kids. It was like they were pulling back the curtain and revealing a new approach to living, that only the grown-ups new about.
This message was different than values that I had been taught by family, and at school. Indulging in something today, without thinking about tomorrow, was pretty much the opposite of what I’d been taught growing up.
As an 80s kid, I remember being taught to save for a rainy day. To plan ahead. To get an education, so that I could get a good job. Delayed gratification was the norm and, there was a sense that you had to work for things, and earn them after long periods of focus and effort.
Living in the now was like a rallying cry to the monkey part of my brain that hated having to wait for things. The pressure of being taught that the decisions I made at 12 and into my teens were critical to my future, was hard to cope with sometimes.
If the super successful, rich, famous, bad @$$ members of a rick band like Van Halen said “live in the now,” then by golly, it must be sound advice. Or so I thought.
After all, in the history of rock music, few bands captured the spirit of the late 20th century quite like Van Halen. Their sound was a dynamic blend of hard rock mastery and pop sensibility. Eddie’s guitar riffs were iconic, and and the intensity that Sammy Hagar sang with was awesome.
The Video Makes one Heck of a First Impression
Do you remember where you were when you saw the video for Van Halen’s “Right Now” for the first time?
I do. I was watching TV at home on a Sunday morning; on one of the 4 channels we could pick up through our “country cable” TV antenna. Watching music videos was a special event back then. For 90 minutes each Sunday morning in the early 90s, one of the regional cable stations from Ontario, Canada rebroadcast popular music videos.
And I didn’t dare miss a Sunday viewing. Otherwise, I would have to wait another whole week for a chance to catch a glimpse of the art form. We didn’t have access to MTV where we lived (or Much Music – Canada’s Music Channel). There was no such thing as youtube either. Without access to music channels, I remember fearing that our family was falling woefully behind the important cultural phenomenon that was the Music Video scene.
But getting back to that fateful Sunday morning… the TV screen goes all white and then little black letters flicker sending a coded message as this simple, yet captivating piano sequence of repeating piano notes burst forth from the old floor model TV set’s speaker.
Then a single, powerful, attention-grabbing piano chord is hammered in synch with the words “Right now, Ed is playing piano.” Ok, this is pretty cool. Kinda meta, in an old-school kinda way.
A few more messages appear as a the opening piano sequence continues on accentuated with these deep, powerful piano chords that ring out with each screen change. Within the first 4 on screen messages, one contains the word “sex,” and one contains the word “perverted.” If the video didn’t have your attention immediately, this clever choice of words and messages sure did.
Ok, You’ve Got My Attention
My eyes tried to read all the messages as the piano and electric guitar coalesced with Sammy’s screechy voice. Making the messages that I was seeing and hearing, seem desperately urgent.
When the music video faded to black I found myself almost out-of-breath. I immediately mailed away an order for “Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” from Columbia House, and started trying to figure out how I might be able to see the video again.
I wanted, no I needed, to see it again. The video was so cool. I wanted to read and hear everything Van Halen was telling me, and I wanted to do that, right now!
As a kid, I started to panic a little, that I needed to be taking more action, and living more for today. I was almost ashamed I had been wasting precious time. What if Sammy was right and there was “no tomorrow?”
I can easily say that my mind was blown that day.
Looking Back at Van Halen’s “Right Now”
Fortunately for all of us, Van Halen was wrong about there being “no tomorrow.” Today, as we look back from our vantage point in the 21st century, “Right Now” holds nostalgic value. The song and its music video are now pieces of retro 90s art.
As we constantly look to our past, to make sense of our present, it makes me wonder: what if “Right Now” was released right now? Like right now – today.
This Retro Review isn’t just about the song and its iconic video though. It’s also about a cultural evolution, technological advancements, and how echoes of a message from the past, can still be relevant in our ever-changing modern world.
Let’s revisit the nostalgic 90s world of Van Halen’s “Right Now,” and reimagine this iconic music video through the lens of today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven, modern world.
In case you need a reminder of how amaze-balls this video was, I’ve embedded it below. (Warning, you may want to put on a sweater because you’re about to get goosebumps.)
Origins and Themes of “Right Now”
The 90s were a transformative period in music and culture. Van Halen’s “Right Now” captured the essence of that era with unfiltered clarity. The song itself, layered with Eddie Van Halen’s distinctive piano melodies and Sammy Hagar’s earnest vocals, was more than a call to seize the day; it was a reflection of the times—urgent, raw, and introspective.
As we mentioned earlier, “Right Now” was about making the most of the present. A theme that resonated deeply in an era defined by rapid change and uncertainty.
The music video, directed by Mark Fenske, was groundbreaking for its time. It interspersed the band’s performance with rapid-fire textual statements. Offering a running commentary on social issues, cultural norms, and ironic observations.
These bold, often provocative messages ranged from socially conscious (“Right now, our government is doing things we think only other countries do”) to the sad, but true (“Right now, someone is working too hard for minimum wage”).
This interplay of text and imagery was very innovative. It also served as a mirror of the complexities and contradictions of the early 90s. The video became a visual anthem of its time. Challenging viewers to reflect on the world around them while listening and watching it on the TV screen.
Then and Now: Reflecting on the Evolution of Societal Issues
The 90s were a decade of significant transition. Marked by the end of the Cold War, the rise of the internet, and a growing awareness of global environmental issues. Yet, it was also a time of economic prosperity and relative peace, especially in the Western world.
The issues that Van Halen’s “Right Now” touched upon in the 90s—corporate greed, environmental neglect, and social apathy—were reflections of a society grappling with the newfound possibilities and responsibilities of a rapidly globalizing world.
Fast forward to today, and while some of these issues persist, their context has dramatically shifted.
Environmental concerns have escalated from awareness to urgent action against climate change, with a greater emphasis on sustainable living.
The digital revolution, still in its infancy in the 90s, has now matured, bringing forth issues of digital privacy, the impact of social media on mental health, and the double-edged sword of global connectivity.
Economic prosperity has given way to concerns about income inequality, the gig economy, and a reassessment of work-life balance in a post-pandemic world.
Interestingly, some issues have faded into the background. The fear of a nuclear apocalypse, which loomed large in the earlier part of the 90s, has been replaced by other global security concerns like cybersecurity and terrorism.
The optimism about the internet as a free, unifying force, has been tempered by concerns over misinformation, censorship, and the digital divide.
Seize the Day is Still Relevant Decades Later
Yet, through all these changes, the core message of “Right Now”—to seize the moment and be aware of the world around us—remains as relevant as ever.
It reminds us that while times change and issues evolve, the need for awareness, action, and personal responsibility in shaping our world is a constant.
Van Halen’s “Right Now” thus serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Highlighting how far we’ve come, and yet how much still remains to be addressed.
The Evolution of Culture and Technology:
Since the early 90s, the landscape of music, culture, and technology has undergone a seismic shift. The digital revolution transformed how we consume music. Creating a world where streaming services, social media platforms are now our go to for accessing media. (Yes, YouTube is considered social media)
This shift has changed how we access music, as well as how music is produced and marketed. To be honest, I’m not even entirely sure if most bands even make music videos anymore? If they do, it’s no longer how I find new music. I usually use the “if you like, then you might like” features of platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Music-Map, etc.
Culturally, the last three decades have seen a dramatic shift in societal attitudes and values. Issues like environmental awareness, social justice, and digital privacy, once peripheral concerns, have moved to the forefront of our public consciousness.
The Digital Landscape Has Changed So Much Since 1992
The rise of global connectivity has fostered a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape. An online community where voices from around the world can be heard and amplified.
However, sometimes this global community can also be a negative space. A place where people hide behind the anonymity of online avatars and personas to spread messages of hate and ill-intentions.
Technologically, the advancements are nothing short of extraordinary. The rise of smartphones, social media, and high-speed internet has transformed daily life, creating a hyper-connected world.
In the 90s, the idea of watching a music video on a phone would have seemed like science fiction. Today, it’s a mundane reality. And not only that, we can watch anything we want on-demand. No more waiting for Top 30 countdowns (or once-a-week Sunday morning music video programs).
This cultural and technological evolution sets the stage for our modern reinterpretation of “Right Now.”
Today’s version would have to reflect all of these changes. While also speaking to a new generation, with its own unique challenges and perspectives.
Reimagining “Right Now” in Today’s Context
In reimagining “Right Now” for today’s audience, the first shift would be in the medium itself. The music video, once confined to TV screens, would now be a digital-first experience. Likely premiering on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, and designed for sharing across social media. The inherent virality of online content would play a significant role in its design and dissemination.
Visually, a modern “Right Now” could harness advances in video technology. Featuring high-definition imagery, and possibly even interactive or VR components that offer a more immersive experience.
The rapid, almost staccato style of text overlays in the original would fit seamlessly into our meme-driven, bite-sized content culture. No need to change much there.
Thematically, the video would need to resonate with contemporary issues. It could feature updated texts reflecting today’s socio-political climate: climate change, digital privacy concerns, social media’s impact on mental health, the gig economy, or global political tensions.
These messages would serve as a nod to the original’s unapologetic commentary while grounding the video firmly in the present. A modern version of “Right Now” would be a tribute to the past, as well as a conversation with the present. Inviting viewers of all generations to ponder their place in a rapidly evolving world.
Thought Exercise: Modernizing What’s Happening Right Now
In the original “Right Now” video, the on-screen text was a powerful tool for conveying messages and sparking thought. Updating these messages for a modern audience involves reflecting on how the world has changed, while also recognizing what remains relevant.
Some of the statements would be fine to leave exactly the way they are and they would still be relevant. However, just for fun, let’s explore how some of the messages might be updated.
Potential Updates to the Video’s On-Screen Messages
- Original: “Right now, someone is working too hard for minimum wage.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone who risked their life as an essential worker only makes minimum wage.”
- Original: “Right now, our government is doing things we think only other countries do.”
- Updated: “Right now, we don’t know what to believe; every channel, every influencer tells us something different about our government’s motivations”
- Original: “Right now, a 13-year-old is illegally downloading this song.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone is streaming Van Halen netting the band $0.004 per stream”
- Original: “Right now, someone is waiting for a liver transplant.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone is waiting for bioengineering technology to grow viable organs.”
- Original: “Right now, someone’s favourite film hasn’t been released yet.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone’s favourite film is being crowdfunded.”
- Original: “Right now, someone is writing the next great American novel.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone is training an AI language model to write the next great American novel.
- Original: “Right now, someone is making headlines tomorrow.”
- Updated: “Right now, a tweet is sparking tomorrow’s global controversy.”
- Original: “Right now, someone is dreaming of a world without cancer.”
- Updated: “Right now, AI is analyzing data to unlock the next breakthrough in cancer treatment.”
- Original: “Right now, someone is too tired to recycle.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone is watching their recycling get dumped in the same truck as their trash.”
- Original: “Right now, someone is putting off something they should do.”
- Updated: “Right now, an app is reminding someone to take a break from screen time.”
- Original: “Right now, someone is reading the tabloids.”
- Updated: “Right now, a viral deepfake is blurring lines between fact and fiction.”
- Original: “Right now, someone is quitting smoking.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone is giving up vaping.”
- Original: “Right now, someone can’t afford their rent.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone is living in a tent city; not by choice.”
- Original: “Right now, someone’s identity is being stolen.”
- Updated: “Right now, someone’s usernames and passwords are being sold on the dark web”
Reflecting on Context
It’s interesting to compare and contrast these messages to see how much things have changed from the early 90s, and how much remains the same.
I will say that I was struck while writing these, by how different this little thought experiment might’ve been a few years ago in the throes of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme of “Right Now,” would’ve taken on a different meaning during that healthcare crisis, the fear we felt, the lockdowns, the uncertainty of vaccines, and concerns for the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones.
The Lasting Legacy and Contemporary Reflection
Van Halen’s “Right Now” music video stands as a remarkable piece of music history. It’s become a living, evolving legacy that continues to resonate with new generations.
The song, with its urgent call to live in the moment, transcends time, adapting to the ever-changing world around us. It demonstrates how music serves as a powerful tool for social commentary and for personal reflection.
As we look to the future, the spirit of “Right Now” encourages us to remain aware and active in shaping our world. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and significant social transformations, the call to make the most of the present moment has never been more crucial.
Van Halen’s “Right Now,” whether in its original form, or reimagined for a new audience, continues to inspire and challenge us. It is a reminder that, while times may change, the power of a great song to provoke thought and stir emotion remains constant.
Join the Conversation
What does “Right Now” mean to you in our current era? How would you update its powerful messages to reflect today’s world?
Share your thoughts, ideas, and reflections in the comments below. Let’s continue celebrating the enduring legacy of Van Halen’s “Right Now” together, right now.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a rad rest of your day!
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.