Ever found yourself humming along to “I’m Not in Love,” that lush, multi-layered masterpiece, and then thinking, “Wait, the guys who made this song also turned music videos into an art form?” You bet they did. We’re diving into the wonderfully weird world of 10cc—not just a band, but a factory of genius—and their drummer-turned-video-visionary, Kevin Godley. Buckle up, because this story is about hits, groundbreaking visuals, and how one man’s creative detour might have made his wallet as happy as his muse.
First, the 10cc Hits That Made You Smile
Before we talk about directing megastars, let’s give it up for the tunes. 10cc gave us “The Things We Do for Love,” “Rubber Bullets,” and the utterly bonkers “Dreadlock Holiday.” These songs are pure pop confection, laced with clever lyrics and harmonies that could make an angel tap its foot. They weren’t just a band; they were sonic scientists, and Kevin Godley was right there, playing drums and singing backup.
But here’s the twist: while the band was wowing the world with their stereo wizardry, Kevin and his bandmate Lol Creme were tinkering with a gizmo called the gizmotron. That little black box—a string-simulating device—eventually led them down a rabbit hole of music videos, and honestly, the world is better for it.
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When Kevin Godley Pointed the Camera at Megastars
So, did directing megastars like Paul McCartney, Sting, and George Michael make Kevin Godley’s net worth soar? Let’s just say, those bank statements probably looked very happy. After leaving 10cc in the early 1980s, Godley and Creme formed a directing duo that basically redefined what a music video could be. They didn’t just film bands playing; they created miniature movies that made you stop and stare.
Think about it: Who else would make Herbie Hancock sit on a giant, glowing light-box for “Rockit”? That video—with its robotic, jerky movements and surreal visuals—was a seismic shift. It wasn’t just a promo; it was a piece of performance art broadcast on MTV. And then there’s “Every Breath You Take” by The Police—Godley directed that iconic, stark black-and-white masterpiece. The song was haunting, but the video made it a legend. You can bet that kind of visionary work comes with a nice fee.
I'm Not In Love: Who was the whispering star of 10cc's huge hit? - BBC News
But money isn’t the whole story. It’s the legacy that made Kevin Godley’s net worth not just a number, but a symbol of creative freedom. He didn’t just ride the wave of 10cc hits; he created a new current for the entire music industry. And honestly, isn’t that the most fun kind of wealth?
Why This Makes Life (and Art) More Fun
Here’s the takeaway for you and me: The best careers are the ones full of unexpected turns. Kevin Godley could have simmered in the pop star life, playing 10cc hits on a reunion tour forever. Instead, he looked at a music video format that was mostly bands miming in fields and thought, “Nah, let’s make a giant, dancing vacuum cleaner instead.” That spirit of playfulness—of risking creative bankruptcy for the sake of a crazy visual—is what made him a standout.
10CC surprise guest performance by Kevin Godley Royal Albert Hall 25/3
So, when you hear a 10cc song today, or stumble upon an old Godley & Creme video on YouTube, take a second to appreciate the audacity. It’s a reminder that your side hustle, your weird hobby, or that crazy idea you have about making stop-motion animations... it might just become your main gig. And yes, it might even help you buy a slightly fancier house.
The Uplifting Note You Deserve
Kevin Godley’s story is proof that talent plus courage equals a ridiculously good time. He turned a drum stool into a director’s chair and made the world watch. His net worth likely did soar—not just in dollars, but in the currency of influence and joy.
So, here’s your mission: go listen to “I’m Not in Love” right now. Then, immediately look up the music video for “Rockit.” Let those 10cc hits and those groundbreaking visuals remind you that the most fun path is often the one you build yourself. Your own “soaring” moment is just waiting for you to point the camera.
