Garth Brooks Revives “The Thunder Rolls” Music Video That Was Banned For Controversial Artistic Decisions

Garth Brooks talks about headlining the Superdome, new music | Keith Spera | nola.com

Garth Brooks has reuploaded a batch of classic music videos, one of which is “The Thunder Rolls” that was banned for depictions of domestic violence.

The singer, who’s still embroiled in a sexual assault case, has decided to rerelease seven of his classic music videos. Including the controversial “The Thunder Rolls.” They have been uploaded to The Vault on his website for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

“Inspired by recent conversations about the Anthology series, Garth Brooks is restocking the Vault on garthbrooks.com with seven of his classic music videos,” the site says. The uploads include the award-winning “Red Strokes,” and the popular “We Shall Be Free” and “Midnight Sun.”

Now, this wouldn’t be big news if the batch didn’t include a music video that has been banned since 1991. Only a day after the music video aired.

“The Thunder Rolls” was a big hit for Garth Brooks, and rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. The song covers infidelity and, most controversially, domestic violence. Brooks wrote this song with a serious message. When making the music video, he didn’t want to undermine the severity of the topic.

So, in the music video for “The Thunder Rolls,” domestic violence was depicted. And the networks didn’t like that one bit.

“The Thunder Rolls” Music Video Banned Over Domestic Violence Inclusions

Taking on the role of the abusive and cheating husband himself, Garth Brooks set out to portray a vile character for the viewers to hate.

But including it in the video was a step too far for Country Music TV (CMT) and The Nashville Network (TNN).

Only a day after the music video aired, both networks banned it. CMT didn’t want to promote or condone “gratuitous violence,” although TNN reached out to the team to come to a compromise. Reportedly, TNN suggested that Garth Brooks film a disclaimer at the end of the video.

Although Garth Brooks said they could film one, he wouldn’t do it himself so as not to compromise the vision.

Despite the video being banned, it went on to win Music Video of the Year at the CMAs.

It has now found a home on his website, so you can watch it any time you wish.