Chris Isaak Shares Intimate Details of "Wicked Game" Music Video

New Exhibit: rockhall.com/exhibits/herb-ri...
What was the song "Wicked Game" about? Did the on-camera chemistry with supermodel Helena Christensen happen off-camera, too? What was photographer/director Herb Ritts' vision for the video? Chris Isaak answers all your burning questions about the iconic 1989 music video for "Wicked Game" in new interview telling all the behind-the-scenes stories of working with director Herb Ritts.
Revolutionary photographer and director Herb Ritts is the focus of a new exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, opening March 13, 2015: rockhall.com/exhibits/herb-ri...

[@SometimesAbel]

Total gentleman! Where has his kind gone? No bragging, no disrespect or silly insinuations to bolster his “reputation.” Love him! ❤️

[@jensz9360]

Look at th eculture now....its garbage. Feel soory for these bastards growing up now, they'll never be normal people .

[@kinkane5566]

Absolutely. This is a REAL man. Real men don't need to constantly put it out there as such. That douche they call Beiber could learn how to be a man from Isaak.

[@Maximillion11]

@@kinkane5566 this is old but ftr, good people don't put down others to bolster someone else

[@kinkane5566]

@@Maximillion11 I'm not a good person.

[@Maximillion11]

@@kinkane5566 whatever u say

[@debprescott751]

One of the most haunting and most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[@lindamccarrin3114]

"Haunting"- that's the word

[@debprescott751]

Yes Linda. so agreed.

[@debprescott751]

@Chris Isaak Hello Chris. Thank you for this amazing song.

[@debprescott751]

@Chris Isaak Hey Chris!

[@debprescott751]

@Chris Isaak ok. How are you?

[@SuperPsykosis]

I wish more artists could express themselves in interviews like this.

[@89hybrid88]

I agree, but he’s a musician not an artist.

[@juanreynoso1392]

a musician is an artist. music is an art form...

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

Well, Chris is more than an artist...he's a human being.

[@wms1650]

@@davidhigginbotham5451 David you are correct. Chris was clear and humble. It's like he is unaware many women found him as the sexy part of the video. Not many singers are grounded with that kind of class.

[@grantbennett333]

@Jim n jinn Jobb. And tonic water tree downs ..... *Victoria's secret. M2Fm .. Mr E .... breakfast at sTiffany's*

[@dandlgardner]

He is so talented, kind and very humble.

[@antigen4]

only the very best are humble - look at clint eastwood for example ...

[@ericsinger7393]

I saw him in concert many years ago. He is a great singer, very funny, and very down to earth.

[@jillcrato1680]

What a gentleman! Chris has always been a class act!I I lost a gentleman friend to COVID 19 2 weeks ago! He was a class act too! They are so hard to find.

[@snoopy7886]

"Wrote the song between hanging up the phone and the person getting there." - talk about all around talent...not many of these left around in 2018.

[@BlackKettleRanch]

He gets people approaching him thinking they were lovers because the whole video came across as a real narrative. It succeeded.

[@MsBAustralia]

The video was shot so beautifully, I always loved the black and white and I'm not surprised people thought Helena and Chris were really together, they had such great chemistry in the video. Helena with her smokey eyes, naturally perfect cheek bones and all round exotic beauty and Chris with his retro 50's style handsome good looks - they both absolutely smoldered in front of the camera!

[@Dantfermo]

One of his best songs and videos. There is a sultry darkness to it.

[@NehaSingh-me9bb]

This man is still beautiful.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

Agree completely 👌👍👏 💯

[@melianna999]

Very handsome.

[@amyfletcher4749]

Her eyes were magic. It was a great video and song.

[@Roxanne_71]

I just love how humble he is with all that sexiness!

[@danielgause1195]

Wow, he is extraordinarily well spoken! That’s rare these days.

[@venicementor2068]

Met Chris years ago in San Francico and he was an amazing person - kind and generous with his time and acknowledgement. My youngest son had turned me on to his music and he and my nephews NEVER missed a concert when he was in Southern California, met him and always spoke to him and he actually knew who they were and remembered them by name - I couldn't believe it - what a talent this man!! I love his music.

[@LoriMiller1111]

One of the most mesmerizing songs I've ever heard! Love it!

[@incubrian]

this music video is literally one of the very best of all time for two reasons: simplicity, and two absolutely gorgeous human beings.

[@hanselthecaretaker]

Hard to believe this video is that old already. Also quite a humble sounding guy which is something we don't see much of anymore.

[@Timliu92]

What a warm, rich voice he has. I wish we have more voices like him in the mainstream charts nowadays - too many people out there wanting to be tenors.

[@jeaneulogia]

Love the speaking voice and the singing voice...He's so charismatic...charming..sexy...and sooooooo talented! Love you Chris!

[@hinaseh1]

Chris is more like the next Elvis Presley!

[@Bluesbabesrv]

jean rojas, love love love Elvis but imho Chris has him beat. Chris writes and produces his own music. Plus is a very decent guitar player, Elvis used his guitar more as a prop. Saw Chris last week and he still has it, the humor, the voice, the look.....total package!

[@Bluesbabesrv]

Hina Sehgal Opps, that should have gone to the other comments on your comment.

[@ubaracist7078]

He still looks good. Helena was beautiful as was he!

[@vss426]

He puts on one hell of a show , high energy and wonderful vibes , class act

[@DeborahGilson]

Hearing well-known artists' inner-most thoughts allows others to express theirs, too. Nicely done, Chris!

[@toyman81]

To me Chris always reminded me of the 1950's artists, The hair and the suits. Great Talented person, Thumbs up from me.

[@don66hotrod94]

Yes indeed, down to the name on the guitar. Always reminds me of Ricky Nelson.

[@DustinHolmes]

Much respect for being so humble and he genuinely seems like a very nice guy.

[@davebennett2086]

Chris is such a cool guy. Down to earth. Hard to find people like him anymore. He can sing thats for sure.

[@chadpeery948]

What a talent. His style of playing is just beautiful, elegant, and memorable. Encore!

[@taffycat93]

I will always love this song. I love hearing Chris' description of how it was filmed from his viewpoint. ❤

[@KnightOnBaldMountain]

This song is incredible. Isaack’s vocals are stirring. Outstanding.

[@Ruthiebaby30]

How amazing is this man? Kind, talented and gorgeous. A perfect combo.

[@Leakstop247]

So gorgeous he thought he could force himself on Cameron Diaz at the 95 MTV music awards? He's a pig Jim Carrey probably gave him herpes, justice served

[@xkaemxkaem8182]

One of the Best songs ever. .Just Masterclass ✌✌👌❤❤

[@TheTiffany70]

Helena Christensen is one of the most beautiful women in the world-I remember this video and feeling jealous that she got to romp with the sexy Chris Isaak-love Chris Isaak

[@itiswhatis5656]

And we were jealous of him 😂🤣😂🤣

[@sylmen1111]

Yes I remember that well, how lucky was she, because he was in my opinion hotter than Helena and yes she’s very beautiful, too bad it was just acting because they looked good together.

[@oldgoat75]

The song you play when you're alone in your bed at 3am with nothing but darkness and the teardrops that are falling onto your pillow.

[@JBackkkkk]

Cookiegirl 1 edgy

[@Ashnesss]

Either that or the song makes you happy

[@GraceBones]

Cookiegirl Oh I've been there, darlin'. I feel you.

[@davidyuan1402]

You have no idea

[@jalicea1891]

Just make sure you don't do it with a gun in your night stand :-)

[@josemedeiros007]

I love the song Wicked Game and the music video with Helena Christensen in it.

[@youreallygotmenow4855]

True artist and a true gentleman. Honest, kind and down-to-earth. We need more people like him!

[@TheHiltonblake]

Love his humility.. Good on you, Chris..

[@CarlyWaarly]

Herb Ritts is a legend in the eyes of other photographers

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

...and he aroused a LOT of jealousy too....MTV at the time was finally clamping down on the sluts on parade music videos that was all the rage back then....particularly in heavy metal...and here is HERB RITTS with this soon to be supermodel....LITERALLY TOPLESS SITTING ON CHRIS ISAAKS' LAP....looking like she could not give a DAMN....throughout the whole video....i was on a video shoot and the director was livid about MTV telling directors what to do....and he was cursing a storm about HERB being gay and such....and getting away with murder...i smiled and told him that HERB....knew the difference between....SENSUALITY....and SEXUALITY...and he was a MASTER of LIGHTING....and he knew HAIR....makes a photograph....or video...i told the director to get a subscription to HARPERS BAZAAR...and get hip...and he thanked me....and he DID IT....LOL...HERB knew what the BUSINESS OF IMAGES ARE....and he lusted to make EVERYBODY.....LOOK THEIR BEST....PERIOD....and no one else seems to really CARE....

[@handsomeX]

💯

[@kelliebrand9837]

Yes! And Helena Christensen has said this also, she is breathtakingly beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nickienative5668]

Happy to see this video. ... need more from Chris Isaak

[@michellecox5543]

This is one of my favs songs of all time! I used to love to sing to this song. Still do actually. Chris is so very handsome even today! Keep on rockin Chris!

[@tracywall4176]

I absolutely love this song, so hauntingly beautiful...

[@militarymisfit]

Good lord, that man's hot.

[@Kasakee2]

He's an awesome chap damn what a down to earth guy, great song as well... Thank you pandora lol

[@szmskib4]

I bought the DVD, which also has a documentery for each song/ performance's for the cd. It's so enjoyable because he also adds he's cheeky character.

[@shankapa3182]

What a darling. And an absolutely iconic song and video.

[@oops44]

Chris Isaak is charismatic, a great singer, humble and very handsome! 💙

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

One of the best clips ever

[@camman6912]

I saw him right up front next to the stage He was fantastic This song was the song that my ex and I related to It's sad that the song came true for us 22 great years together Then 2 years of hell

[@kommentator9524]

Herb Ritts was a GENIUS! All of his videos look amazing and this one is absolutely stunning. I know Chris Isaak from this song only and have never seen an interfview with him. He seems like a very nice and reasonable person, which I think is very rare in the music business.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

He's actually got a great sense of humor. He's hilarious in interviews promoting his concerts like in Australia, etc.

[@robertjackson2700]

Chris Isaak is my generations Elvis. Great artist and man.

[@davebennett2086]

I agree 100% Nice guy too.

[@sylviarippey6488]

I still LOVE this song and video in 2024. Never gets old...

[@Lavaman3682]

LOVE Chris Issak. So glad you have had a career. Classy things to say about her, including denying the rumors. One of the FEW celebs I would love to have a beer with. Keep doing what you do, man (including wearing the same GMT as me :-)

[@chris55top]

He's totally down to earth person I would have never of guessed that in a million years from watching that video.

[@harlowjademermaid1882]

Chris Isaac can still get it...damn

[@TheJosiahsmom]

Fabulous song, great artist! Never tire of hearing his voice.

[@VickyF_]

God I love this man. Beautiful inside and out, talented and with a voice the never fails to give me goosebumps. ❤️

[@kyliepatmore1823]

One of my all time favourite songs and videos. 💖

[@FarOutRadioMusic]

Great back story that shows how "illusion" and "reality" are sometimes worlds apart.

[@folkengames]

Chris Isaak and Conan OBrien should have a self deprecating humor contest to see who can trash talk themselves better. Wicked game is a masterpiece of a song and the video suits it well.

[@jasoniwanko9945]

They should be glad Rodney Dangerfield is dead (I'm not, I miss that guy so much). He'd mop the floor with them.

[@chucky1time337]

And they look alike too almost twins LMAO 🤣

[@victormontano7148]

Most soulful song i've ever heard!.

[@superflygrace]

Always loved this song and always will. Chris Isaak is a timeless musician. He's got class and has a very funny sense of humour. His mannerisms and his laugh in this interview remind me of a bit of Tom Hanks, also one of my favourite actors.

[@astonm.8173]

Oh please, Chris is 100% real, Tom Hanks is a method actor with a whiny voice and maybe 2% of Chris' charisma

[@ampassionstruck9138]

This song is haunting!! Cant get enough of it !! Thanks chris isaac!!.😘😘🙏🙏👌👌👍👍

[@debeckersley3850]

Chris's Dad was a well known psychologist in San Francisco. He dated a co-worker of mine. Lovely, lovely man. Chris came into the office to pick up Kathleen while his Dad waited in the car (he was double-parked) And was disappointed to just see me. I immediately recognized him, and paged Kathleen that her appointment was here. Chris asked me if I knew who he was. I said, "Yes, and we're not going to have any nonsense, are we?" Can you imagine having a riot on your hands from women (and probably men, too) from the surrounding offices and floors? No way was I going to let that happen!

[@adic6515]

Love this guy. Such truth and love in his voice...

[@stevelittle9289]

That guy is cool.

[@sarahleach9997]

one of the greatest videos.love it

[@angelawest9759]

Just seem him this week in Auckland NZ. Saw him at the Bristol Old Vic in the UK about 33 years ago. I didn’t even want to go and a friend dragged me along. Have loved him ever since He is still amazing. So funny and humble ❤

[@Reikiman]

Nice chap and gorgeous with it!

[@cinemaholic730]

A beautiful man with a seductive voice and yet humble and didn't think he was sexy. That makes him even more attractive being humble

[@Marcoplo]

Mr.Isaak. that song, that instrumental, the lyrics, that video. YOUR FACE. all Beaut!! Thank you for being here, and giving the world this. I am lacrimose every time I listen and watch that.

[@Marcoplo]

yur fawkin HAWT!!

[@tikiduck]

Chris and the band came out to the bar after a show at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz years ago. Very friendly bunch of guys.

[@tomboi4lyfe69]

Nice, humble guy...what a refreshing change.

[@desantotony77]

This kind of gentlemen belongs another generation ladies. is more and more rare now. but still existed some few...

[@rupertgrech7097]

I’m in Malta and lots of people do covers of this song. Great song. Great singer. Great video. Great guy.

[@FrancescoLertora]

This is how a stunning pieace of art was born........

[@changmark]

This song is a masterpiece.

[@Metfan1986]

This song moves in strange ways that’s hard to put in words. My best description could be it brings a sense of cold emptiness but with a longing for something I once had or think about wanting again but not sure if I can commit my heart to her.

[@thetruth9286]

Just checked some recent photos of Helena. It hurt - aging is cruel. I will continue to live in the past.

[@Gaark]

Hit a nerve all right, lyrics describe that painful situation so well

[@mistertexaz]

Jeff "what a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you"

[@discoverme7621]

Awww...he is so sweet. 🥰🥰🥰

[@irenedemarco1354]

Omg... Michael Hutchence saw this video and was so attracted to Helena Chtistensen.... he arranged to meet her.... His head injury absolutely destroyed their relationship...but she was sworn to secrecy... Michaels head injury changed his personality and hisl suicide so badly affected all those who loved him, and The Band..INXS... RIP MICHAEL

[@teejayoz1221]

Helena is a former supermodel and Miss Denmark, great video by Herb Ritts, ❤️ Chris, sexy and a true gentleman

[@irishgrl]

Interesting to hear his take on it all these years later because it still ranks as one of the sexiest music videos ever in my mind...and he was every bit as hot in that video as she was, so I'm sure it was the easiest "acting" job she ever did. I know there are millions of women out there that would have happily traded places with her, including myself!

[@waveafterwave0723]

irishgrl I actually read up a story years ago where it was quite chilly, they were wet the whole time and she had no shoes on and the little fragments of seashells kept cutting up her feet. Do you think it’s easy to spend hours on a beach cutting your feet up and keeping a smile on your face and staying in character? Nope. And I read she didn’t complain once

[@irishgrl]

Никол I read up on it too & Chris has always given her full credit for being a trooper. Doesn’t change what I said tho.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

@@waveafterwave0723 ....also this video was shot near a volcano....they really took their lives in their hands because the volcano was active....and spewing volcanic rocks....and lava....lol...people had died from sinking in it the day after the shoot...the steam in the air was real....the beach was extremely cold....they faced death...tour guides warned them not to do it....but they all did....and made ART....

[@patrickowens4146]

What a voice!

[@jeepdude7359]

Still hands-down, one of the best music videos. Also a great track for the bow-china-wow-wow time. 😉

[@dennisweifenbach2647]

Amazing song, amazing people. One of my all time favorites.

[@funkyboodah]

humble and awesome... love this guy

[@randyjohnson5426]

What a stand up guy!!! Open and honest...quite refreshing

[@marlibricker3123]

Loved listening to the video story....He's humble and so talented...

[@patriciaharmanci865]

Excellent! Love him.

[@silbava17]

What a wonderfull person, artist and handsome man. This music and his voice is atemporal and amazing.

[@jayr0071]

I think I love him 😮

[@rileybenstead3574]

I love this song and what a beauty Helena Christensen was.

[@lorrie5409]

Chris beautiful on the inside and outside. Loneliest song ever. His voice makes me melt.

[@brianbumgardner8704]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Great voice.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

I've always loved this song. It's on my cover band's 'to learn' list for 2020. Looking forward to it.

[@Mszahnclass95]

Oh my God I loved this song and video.Yes a beautiful video ❤️💖

[@Canon1968]

The song and the music video still rocks in 2024.

[@pisnell]

the others at most can pretend they're humble, but he IS. Respect!

[@sojourner1840]

Thanks for sharing this story with us Chris! Awesome person and amazing artist!

[@brandalito71]

Perfect song. Perfect video. Amazing artists. ❤

[@christopherelderwood8334]

What an incredibly humble man! From the video, you would never guess that he possesses anything else but an over-riding sense of arrogance. I'm so pleased that I saw this! What a lovely fella!

[@beautifulworld7940]

Most beautiful song and most beautiful music video ever! 💥💥😍😍

[@redrum567]

Still one of my favorites \m/