Synopsis

Bananarama are preparing for a television appearance when an unexpected visitor interrupts their dressing-room routine. After seeing a news bulletin being broadcast from a nearby studio, they abandon their scheduled slot and invade the newsroom. The trio takes over the live broadcast, turning the polished television environment into a platform for the song's protest message. The clip mixes backstage comedy, studio confusion and direct-to-camera performance, contrasting the group's bright pop image with the serious subject matter behind "Rough Justice."

Factoids & Trivia

• "Rough Justice" was released in May 1984 as the third single from Bananarama's self-titled album. It reached No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart.

• The song was inspired by the death of Thomas "Kidso" Reilly, Bananarama's road manager and a friend of the group, who was shot and killed by a British soldier in Belfast in August 1983.

• The album Bananarama carries a dedication to Reilly. "Rough Justice" was part of a more socially conscious period for the group, whose songs at the time also addressed issues such as drug addiction and domestic violence.

• BBC newsreader Peter Woods appears as the presenter of the television bulletin interrupted by the group.

• The studio floor manager is played by Bruno Tonioli, who was working as Bananarama's choreographer before becoming widely known as a television personality and judge.

• The video was included on the 1984 home-video compilation "And That's Not All...", alongside clips for songs including "Cruel Summer," "Robert De Niro's Waiting..." and "Hot Line to Heaven."

• Although the music is energetic and brightly arranged, the serious subject matter made the single less commercially successful than the group's preceding hit, "Robert De Niro's Waiting..."