Music video director Marty Callner who was famed for working with the likes of Cher, Aerosmith and Stevie Nicks sadly died at home earlier this month, it’s been confirmed

Marty Callner, a visionary director behind some of rock’s most iconic music videos, has passed away at 78

Marty Callner has died at the age of 78. The music video director sadly died at home on March 17. He gained fame for directing Aerosmith’s music videos, which featured actress Alicia Silverstone, 48. The star took on the role of a rebellious teenager in three of the band’s most memorable videos: Cryin’, Amazing, and Crazy. Marty also collaborated on iconic music clips, including Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time and Stevie Nicks’ Stand Back. His creative vision helped several songs become major successes.

Some of his most recognisable work includes Here I Go Again by Whitesnake, If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher, Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison, Alone by Heart, We Belong by Pat Benatar, and We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister.

Marty once stated: “There are no rules in rock video. You can experiment and play with film and have a good time. You can get as weird as you want.”

Marty collaborated on iconic music clips, including Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time and Stevie Nicks’ Stand Back(Image: FilmMagic for HBO)

His family informed Rolling Stone that he passed away at his home in Malibu due to natural causes. Alicia Silverstone shared her heartfelt tribute to Marty on Instagram. Alicia is an American actress best known for her role in Clueless. She knew Marty Callner because he directed her in the music video for Aerosmith’s “Cryin’” when she was 16.

In her post, which included a collection of snaps and selfies she had taken with Marty, she wrote: “Marty was truly one of a kind. He had this incredible ability to make everyone around him feel deeply loved… unconditionally and effortlessly.”

She went on to describe him as “an amazing father, devoted husband, loyal friend, and just an all-around cool guy.” Alicia admired Marty’s genuine rock ‘n’ roll spirit and how he knew how to fully embrace life. She added, “It feels unreal to have lost him so soon.”

She continued, recalling how their relationship began: “Marty saw ‘The Crush’ and asked me to be in the Aerosmith ‘Cryin’’ music video. I was 16 when we first met in his office, and he pinky-swore to me that day that we would be lifelong friends and he was right.”

Alicia shared the close bond they developed, remembering how they would drive around together, talking about important things and going out to lunch. “He invited me into his family where I got close to his beautiful wife Aleeza—the warmest, most loving woman—and all of their kids. He was there at my wedding; I was at his son Jazz’s bar mitzvah. We shared countless family days and holiday celebrations… always showing up for each other whenever we could.”

Alicia also praised Marty’s legendary impact: “Marty was a legend whose storytelling defined an era. If there’s an iconic rock music video you adored from the golden days of MTV or an unforgettable HBO comedy special, chances are that Marty directed it. He poured heart, humor, and passion into every story he told, touching so many lives along the way.”

Alicia Silverstone shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram(Image: aliciasilverstone/instagram)

She spoke about the personal connection they shared: “Years ago, when Marty first began experiencing health issues, I introduced him to the healing benefits of a vegan diet, which he embraced wholeheartedly. It gave us many more happy years with him”

Alicia reflected on how Marty became like a father figure to her: “I realize now that while we were always family, Marty was like another dad to me, filling my life with the unconditional loving support and warmth I needed at a critical time.” She also remembered the emotional moments at Marty’s funeral: “Watching his family speak so passionately at the funeral, we cried deeply and laughed fully, celebrating a beautiful soul who touched us all.”

Alicia ended her tribute with love and admiration, saying, “I love Marty, and I know how deeply he loved me. Marty Moose the Party Moose will never be forgotten.”Marty, born on 25 August 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, was a prominent American director known for his extensive work in music videos, comedy specials, and television programmes. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, he began his career in 1969 at a local television station before moving to Boston’s WBZ-TV, where he directed Boston Celtics broadcasts. In 1975, he started directing stand-up specials for HBO, eventually transitioning to music videos after being inspired by Kim Carnes’ Bette Davis Eyes.