Bootleg Betty
Video Short – Bette Midler Tackles The Stones – Boodles BonBon
From Boodles BonBon
Feb 1, 2026
Overview of Bette Midler’s “Beast of Burden” Music Video
Bette Midler released her cover of the Rolling Stones’ classic “Beast of Burden” (originally from their 1978 album Some Girls) as a single from her 1983 album No Frills. Her version reached #71 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and performed better in some international markets (e.g., top 10 in Norway and Sweden). The song features some lyrical tweaks for her rendition, such as changing “Pretty, pretty, girls” to “my little sister is a pretty, pretty girl.”The music video, released in 1984 during the height of MTV’s influence, is a fun, comedic, and campy production directed by Allan Arkush (known for films like Rock ‘n’ Roll High School). It prominently features a guest appearance by Mick Jagger himself (the song’s co-writer and original performer), adding a special crossover appeal.
The video opens with a backstage scene in Bette Midler’s dressing room, where she chats with Mick Jagger. They then head to the stage for a lively duet performance, complete with dancing and playful interaction. The tone is lighthearted and sexy, with Bette delivering a powerful, wailing vocal take on the rock track. It builds to a humorous climax: as the song ends, someone throws a pie at Mick Jagger, hitting him square in the face. Bette laughs—until she gets pied herself. The video wraps with a mock newspaper photo of both stars covered in pie cream, under the headline “Just Desserts”—a punny nod to the pie-throwing payback.
The video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards in 1984 (including in the Best Stage Performance category, though it didn’t win that one). It’s remembered for its humor, the star power of the Jagger-Midler pairing, and its early MTV-era style blending performance with a mini-storyline.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Mick Jagger’s cameo was a big draw; fans often call it hilarious and sexy, with the two dancing together and sharing the spotlight.
- The pie-throwing ending adds classic slapstick comedy, turning a rock anthem into something playful and self-deprecating.
- Additional choreography and casting were handled by Lori Eastside.
- Behind-the-scenes footage (including MTV specials) shows Bette discussing wanting to add comedy to the song and make it fun, while emphasizing the relationship dynamics in the lyrics.
- The video has been praised for Bette’s confident, resilient take on the song’s themes of not being taken for granted in a relationship.
- It was filmed in 1983 (during the album’s era), with photos from the shoot (e.g., by Greg Gorman) still circulating among fans.
