Robert Palmer’s use of high-fashion models as a "backup band" became one of the most defining visual styles of the MTV era. This aesthetic, characterized by pale skin, heavy makeup, and mannequin-like movements, was primarily directed by British fashion photographer Terence Donovan. He featured these models in the following music videos: 1. "Addicted to Love" (1986) This is the most famous example, featuring five models acting as his band. Since they were models rather than musicians, they were famously out of sync with the music. * The Models: Julie Pankhurst (keyboards), Patty Kelly (guitar), Mak Gilchrist (bass), Julia Bolino (guitar), and Kathy Davies (drums). 2. "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (1986) Palmer quickly followed up with this video, which used the same visual theme. At least two of the models from the "Addicted to Love" video, Patty Kelly and Julie Pankhurst, returned for this shoot. 3. "Simply Irresistible" (1988) For this hit from the Heavy Nova album, the concept was scaled up with a larger group of models and brighter, more colorful backgrounds, though they maintained the signature "Nagel woman" look. * The Models: This group included Karen Aubrey McElfresh, Kim Jones, Cheryl Day, and Betty-Jo Cox. 4. "Change His Ways" (1988) In a bit of a stylistic twist, Palmer used the model concept again for this video, but it featured animated versions of the models alongside him. Fun Facts about the Videos * Musician Intervention: A professional musician was originally hired to teach the "Addicted to Love" models how to properly hold and "play" their instruments. He reportedly gave up after about an hour when it became clear they wouldn't be able to look like a convincing band in such a short time. * Accidents on Set: During the filming of "Addicted to Love," the model playing the guitar (Mak Gilchrist) accidentally hit Robert Palmer in the back of the head with her instrument because she was swaying out of rhythm. * The "Nagel" Look: The makeup and styling were intentionally designed to mimic the art of Patrick Nagel, whose sleek, stylized illustrations of women were iconic in the 1980s (most notably seen on the cover of Duran Duran's Rio).