A Crying Shame

Head Like A Hole , Music Video – 1997

from the EP A Crying Shame (1994)

This live favourite from Head Like A Hole is built on a a catchy riff from — of all rock n' roll instruments — a trumpet. Guitarist Tom Watson invented the riff; his departure from the band meant HLAH needed to put the call out for guest trumpeters when performing the song live. Director Jonathan King creates a travelling freak show scenario with vocalist Nigel "Booga" Beazely nailing the role of a sleazy medicine man promoting his dodgy elixir. Meanwhile Watson and guitarist Nigel Regan fight for camera time. The song was part of HLAH's third album Double Your Strength, Improve Your Health and Lengthen Your Life.

Their third album was a stylistic triumph for HLAH, underlined by a compelling performance in the Supertop, as the last act of the 1997 Auckland Big Day Out.
– Music writer Gavin Bertram on album Double Your Strength..., containing the track A Crying Shame, Audioculture, 20 December 2013