Tom Saint Picks His Top Ten Most Controversial & Risqué Rock Moments

Rock music has always thrived on controversy — and a new generation of artists continues to prove that rebellion is timeless. Rising fast from the chaos of the UK underground, Tom Saint is redefining what it means to be an alternative artist in 2025. His new EP, SAINT (out now), fuses emo, alt-rock, drill, and hyperpop with raw emotional honesty. The Southampton-born, London-based artist has become one of the UK’s most vital new alt voices. With SAINT, Saint channels the energy of classic rock defiance through modern production — a fearless record tracing his journey from despair to self-acceptance.

That same unfiltered spirit runs through rock’s most infamous moments. From banned album covers to scandalous videos and shocking live performances, artists have always pushed boundaries to express the inexpressible. In this feature, Tom revisits ten of the most risqué and talked-about moments in music history — from Guns N’ Roses’ censored Appetite for Destruction artwork to Tyler, the Creator’s disturbing “Yonkers” video. Each moment challenged expectations, provoked outrage, and ultimately helped shape the sound and visual language of alternative music — paving the way for fearless new artists like Tom Saint to continue breaking the mould.

1. Guns n’ Roses – ‘Appetite For Destruction’ (Original Album Cover)

The initial artwork for Appetite For Destruction was a surrealist painting by Robert Williams depicting a robotic rapist being attacked by a metal avenger. I got tattooed in Brighton recently and my artist told me to go to this record store round the corner that had a rare vinyl featuring the original artwork complete with a crazy price tag. Arguably working in the bands favour the censorship and pulling of the first pressing did lead to the creation of the alternate and now iconic cross and skulls cover we synonymise so closely with the band.

Guns N‘ Roses ‘Appetite For Destruction’ Album Artwork

2. Sabrina – “Boys Boys Boys” Music Video

My old housemates favourite video to put on at the rave afters, “Boys Boys Boys” is an 80s Italo Disco gem. Infectious and catchy, the hooks are working hard – but not as hard as Sabrinas bikini top in the music video.

3. George Michael – “Freeek!” Music Video

The first fetish style music video I ever saw on TV – I remember being confused that George had all his dancers on leashes – I thought he was keeping them as pets (maybe he was). Blending sci-fi fetish visuals with sex-laced lyrics and acid-synth work this track continues to inspire my own music. George said the track was meant to be a critique of how sexuality had become consumerist perhaps proving his point too deliberately causing the outrage that followed.

4. Skepta – “All Over The House” Music Video

The first music video I heard of dropping on free porn sites (based) – the video is what it says on the tin. My favourite part is where Skepta leans in the hallway casually spitting bars while the couple are railing each other in the background.

5. Nine Inch Nails – “Closer” Music Video (UNCENSORED)

First time I saw this my mate showed me when I was stoned and it really twisted my brain – I have a strong stomach for most blood and guts but the visceral nature of this video will make the most hardened of gore lovers feel some tension as the machine goes to work on the body of its willing victim. Banned everywhere (as expected) lovingly brought to you by the freedom of the internet (for now… UK lawmakers I’m looking at you)

6. Eric Prydz – “Call On Me” Music Video

The most mainstream of the list and UK No.1 for what seemed like forever, because of this the chances of your Dad walking in on you watching this on TV thinking you’d switched to Babestation TV was greatly increased (as happened to me).

7. Cradle of Filth – “Jesus Is A Cunt” T-shirt

Arguably the most controversial t-shirt in rock, as a kid I remember walking down Eastleigh High Street with someone wearing this watching all the old ladies doing their weekly shop gasping in horror outside big Tesco as we walked past.

Cradle of Filth T-Shirt Image

8. Tommy Cash – “Untz Untz” Music Video

Pornographic Olympics with hilarious sequences – less sexy and more hilarious – again, another free porn site release that reignited my love for Tommy Cash and his passion for breaking rules but keeping it fun and entertaining at the same time.

9. Jay Z 1997 interview (featuring a F/F sex scene)

Infamous Jay Z interview where two girls are engaging in a steamy lesbian encounter while he answers questions about his new album, but never averting his gaze at the sex scene taking place beside him on the sofa. A hilarious watch and a time capsule of a by-gone era for Hova considering where his career (and love life) went from here.

10. Tyler The Creator – “Yonkers” Music Video

I would argue this is the last successful shock horror music video that makes a statement without being contrived. Featuring cockroaches and suicide it was a moment that launched Tyler The Creator into the minds of most music listeners and eventually the UK home office who banned him from entering the country under Teresa May (booo) based off the content of his music during this era. Thankfully that was subsequently lifted – his change in sound after definitely helped.