In a delightful slice of 1990s nostalgia, sharp-eyed music fans have unearthed a surprising secret from the archives. The unlikely star stealing the show in a classic rave-era music video is none other than Hollywood hardman Jason Statham.
From The Transporter to Leopard-Print Dancer
The video in question is for The Shamen's 1992 single 'Comin' On Strong'. Known for their chart-topping hit 'Ebeneezer Goode', the Scottish psychedelic band were staples of the UK Singles Chart. Amid the video's frenetic, oiled-up dancers gyrating in a typical 90s rave setting, one figure stands out upon closer inspection.
There, wearing nothing but leopard-print briefs, is a young Jason Statham, years before his breakthrough in films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Transporter. The actor, famed for his stoic action-hero persona, is seen enthusiastically dancing and boogying behind the lead vocalist.
Internet Reacts to Statham's Groovy Gig
The discovery has sent social media into a spin. Fans on platforms like Facebook and Reddit have been sharing their amused disbelief. One user hailed it as "Jason's finest performance," while another on Reddit quipped, "Okay. Alright. I see you, Jason. A whole lot of you."
The revelation has also sparked admiration for Statham's pre-fame work ethic. Before his acting career took off, he was a competitive diver, a fashion model, and, as it turns out, a music video dancer. One fan commented, "This guy's the definition of hustle... legend!" Another noted, "After I realised what Jason endured to succeed, my respect toward him grew exponentially."
It was also pointed out that this wasn't his only dancing gig. He also appeared in Erasure's 1994 video for 'Run to the Sun', proving he had a brief but memorable stint in the music video scene.
The Legacy of The Shamen
The band behind the video, The Shamen, were formed in Aberdeen in 1985. Originally called Alone Again Or, they found major success with their 1992 album 'Boss Drum'. The group underwent a tragic change in 1991 when member Will Sinnott drowned while swimming in Tenerife during a video shoot. Rapper Mr. C joined as a full-time member later that year, cementing the band's status as a household name for the rave generation.
For Jason Statham, the video is now a hilarious and humble footnote in a career that would see him become a global A-list action star. As one YouTube viewer perfectly summed up the newfound clip: "One Jason Statham on the screen is never enough. Even the director knew this in 1992."
