Marty Callner Director of Many Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac Videos Passed Away

 

Marty Callner, director of dozens of classic MTV-era music videos as well as numerous comedy specials and creator of HBO‘s Hard Knocks, has peacefully passed away at his home in Malibu. He died on March 17 of natural causes and surrounded by loved ones, according to his son, Jazz. He was 78.

His career as a director of music videos started with Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Going to Take it,” followed by Pat Benatar’s “We Belong,” both of which saw near-constant play on MTV in their heyday.

What followed were hundreds more, including Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” a slew of Aerosmith hits including “Cryin’,” “Crazy”, “Amazing,” “Livin’ on the Edge,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Dude Looks Like A Lady” and “Love in an Elevator.” Others of note include Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again,” Poison’s “Every Rose Has a Thorn” and Stevie Nicks’ “Stand Back.” He also worked with Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Kiss, Scorpions, The Bangles and ZZ Top.

What Marty had to say about filming Stevie for the first time on the Bella Donna Tour:

When I met Stevie I had only heard of her. To say I fell in love is an UNDERSTATEMENT. I had not and still have not met anyone so pure about their art as Stevie. She was just embarking on her first solo tour away from Fleetwood Mac and she was so happy and emotional with this band she put together. This piece was shot on the last night of this very short extremely special tour, the now infamous "Belladonna". In her heart she didn't want it to end. I shot it with so much love and I was blessed to have the opportunity to capture her brilliance and especially her magic.

Stevie is the reason I got into Rock and Roll. When I met her I was floored, and thought everyone in rock was going to be like her. Boy was I wrong! This clip is from "Bella Donna Live" in 1981, and was the first time we worked together. This was the last night of a very short, emotional tour, and I was the lucky guy who got to capture it. Stevie is my all time favorite!

Tango In The Night "Seven Wonders" video shoot

Marty on the Seven Wonder video:

Fleetwood Mac "Seven Wonders." I have a long and amazing relationship with Fleetwood Mac and especially Stevie Nicks. I first worked with Stevie when I directed her Bella Donna special for HBO. I then directed the Fleetwood Mac concert at the forum for HBO on their Mirage tour. I then went on to direct several videos for Stevie, a bunch of videos for Fleetwood Mac and I even did a video for Mick's band The Zoo. This video is really special to me because it shows the rare and playful side of the relationship between Stevie and Lindsey. Rare moments and a true classic.

When Christine McVie passed here’s what Marty had to say:

Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Christine McVie’s passing. Completely in shock. Fleetwood Mac was formative for me as a director, as an artist and as a person. I first directed Stevie Nicks “Belladonna,” and not long after that got the call to direct Fleetwood Mac “Live Mirage Tour.” The pic attached is one of the most pivotal shots of my career, an incredible rack focus during The Chain between Stevie and Christine. I went on to do several music videos for Fleetwood Mac as well. Christine was as gracious as they came, and truly the glue that held Fleetwood Mac together, both sonically and personally. Her harmonies are haunting, and her songwriting is incredible. It can’t be stated how important she was to the band. This feels like the end of an era and I’m heartbroken. Praying that her family finds the strength to get through this time, and grateful for all that Christine gave to humanity.

Among the many videos and concert that he directed, here is a list of the videos he worked on for Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks:

• Stevie Nicks “Blue Denim” video (Director) 1994
• Mick Fleetwood’s Zoo “Shakin’ The Cage” video (Director) 1992
• Stevie Nicks “Sometimes It’s A Bitch” video (Director) 1991
• Stevie Nicks “Rooms On Fire” video (Director) 1989
• Stevie Nicks “Live at Red Rocks” video (Director) 1987
• Fleetwood Mac “Tango In The Night” Live VHS/DVD (Director - Stevie Nicks add'l photography) 1988 
• Fleetwood Mac “Seven Wonders” video (Director) 1987
• Stevie Nicks “I Can’t Wait” video (Director) 1986
• Stevie Nicks “Talk To Me” video (Director) 1985
• Fleetwood Mac in Concert: “Mirage Tour ’82” HBO (Director) 1983
• Stevie Nicks “White Wing Dove Concert” video HBO (Director) 1982