More than videos make “Spectacle” at The EMP (Photo Slideshow)

EMP’s VIVID: An Opening Night Party for Spectacle! The Music Video (Photo by Mocha Charlie)

The EMP’s newest installation, Spectacle: The Music Video, brings the music video back to the forefront of the music industry, by allowing patrons a look inside the making of videos from the ’80s through today. The touring exhibit was seen in Ohio, New York, Brazil and Australia prior to its opening in Seattle. As an interactive exhibit, visitors can watch and listen to hundreds of videos, and see many props from some of the more memorable ones. Without giving too much away, our photographer, Mocha Charlie, captured the opening night celebration last Friday.

Those in attendance not only viewed the exhibit before it opened to the public, but they were also treated to a short presentation by lead singer of OK GO, Damian Kulash. He spoke about the making of two of the band’s videos, “Needing/Getting” and  “All Is Not Lost.” Throughout the evening, other music videos were shown on the large viewing screen inside the museum’s “Sky Church.” Daft Punk‘s “Around The World,” played while live performers replicated the video on multiple stages. The event featured a “surprise guest” musical performance (rumors leading up to the event named Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, which turned out to be true.) Their entourage came out at approximately 9 p.m., with Macklemore being the last onto the stage, shrouded in a “clever” disguise of a wig, beard, and large false nose. They played two hit songs, “Thrift Shop”  &  “Can’t Hold Us,” during which Macklemore remained incognito. Although this was a one time occurrence, (no, Macklemore won’t be performing at the exhibit again,) you can see a few props from their videos, and can catch a glimpse of their MTV “moon man” awards, among other items. The “Spectacle” exhibit is open during the museum’s regular hours, and will run through January, 2015.