Some old die-hard ZZ Top fans believe the band sold out to MTV with the release of Eliminator. They must have done a great job, winning “Best Group Video” at the very first VMAs. I don’t think they lost their souls in ’83. They evolved and took advantage of a new medium that was getting people excited about rock music again. It’s not like Billy and Dusty shaved their beards and started wearing Asian-Tiger shirts with parachute pants.

The video (watch it here) was key to “Legs” success. Here’s a short synopsis: A shy young lady, an employee of Yolanda’s Shoe Salon is pushed around by most of the rude world she lives in. A young fry cook recognizes her predicament and attempts to rescue her, only to be brutally shoved by that same world. When all seems hopeless, the “Eliminator Girls” pull up in the “Eliminator Mobile” and save the day by being ruder to before-mentioned society, and by giving the young social victim a makeover. She becomes HOT and is rude to all except the girls, ZZ Top and the fry cook.

“Legs” is part of a trio of videos where the downtrodden are saved from their despair by three 80’s-hot girls in a custom coupe with suicide doors. Where are the nice 4-5 minute stories with a “can-do” message today? Not on MTV, nor “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”.