You might not guess it from the music video but Yankee Rose was actually David Lee Roth’s tribute to the Statue of Liberty, which was going through major renovations for the 100th anniversary of its dedication when this song was released.
(Check out Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins if you want a close-up look at what was happening to the Statue at the time.)
Of course, Roth knew what sold on MTV so the music video doesn’t feature the Statue. Instead, it features Roth’s trademark humor, showmanship, and sexual innuendo. In typical Roth fashion, it also starts out with a comedy sketch that would probably get the video taken down if it were released today. Perhaps more than any other frontman, Roth is someone who truly epitomizes an era.
Roth directed this video, along with Peter Angelus. Angelus also plays the sleazy playboy who appears at the start of the video.
Enjoy!
Through the Shattered Lens 