It’s a circus out there, and Corey Feldman is embracing it fully with his vibrant, ’80s-inspired music video for his latest single, “The Joke.” Directed by Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst.
“‘The Joke’ is more than just a song — it’s a statement. For years, I’ve faced criticism from those who want to undermine my dedication to music. This single is my way of reclaiming the narrative and showing that my commitment to my art is unshakeable,” Feldman told Billboard. “Fred and I have a long history of working together. We originally recorded ‘Seamless’ as a feature in 2016 on my Angelic 2 The Core album, which will be re-released digitally on July 4th weekend. We co-wrote and co-produced that song, but working with Fred Durst as a director on the music video has been an incredible experience. He had a clear concept in mind, and although it wasn’t how I saw it, his version surprised me and delivers the laughs. I can’t wait for my fans to see the energy and vision we’ve brought to life.”
The video kicks off with Feldman on stage, bouncing around to circus music with his dancers and band, all decked out in the decade’s brightest attire. The tune takes a creepy turn as Feldman laughs maniacally before the band — complete with headbands and hair inspired by Robert Smith and Alice Cooper — begins to jam.
During the bridge, Feldman rips open his multicolored tracksuit jacket to reveal a Goonies T-shirt underneath, paying homage to the 1985 classic film in which he starred. As he sings, “Maybe there are times, I second guess myself / The pain outweighs the wealth? / Maybe it is time, to crawl back in my shell, contemplate farewell? / Well …,” a familiar “hee hee!” is heard, and Feldman re-emerges dressed as his late friend Michael Jackson.
The video ends with Durst making a cameo, clapping and praising the performance. Feldman, still dressed as Jackson, expresses a few concerns about the video they just filmed. “Listen, I love that you’re directing this. I think it’s gonna be amazing; everything looks great,” he starts before gesturing to his sequined Michael Jackson outfit. “I really don’t know about this whole thing, though.”
With “The Joke,” Corey Feldman proves that he’s not just a musician but a true entertainer, willing to take risks and have fun with his craft. The video is a nostalgic trip back to the ’80s, filled with energy, humor, and a touch of creepiness, showcasing Feldman’s unique artistic vision.
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