Klaus Nomi, “Lightning Strikes”

October 8, 2006 was when I first learned about Klaus Nomi. Looking back, I’d seen him perform with David Bowie on SNL and in various other photos of the mega popstar from that era. But to see this person, know that he was a distinct individual with a name, that happened on October 8, 2006.

That was the date the first part of the two-parter second season finale of The Venture Bros. aired. The episode featured Nomi as a traitorous underling for the Sovereign (once again, David Bowie). I was curious — who was this person in such a striking outfit that seemed to be a known reference alongside Iggy Pop and other Bowie tangential figures? After digging around the Internet, I had found my answer in this very singular musician/performance artist.

This is a very long way of saying that the official Klaus Nomi YouTube channel has recently been uploading excellent versions of music videos by Nomi. They are as odd and distinct as the musician himself, but also as incredibly mesmerizing too. Here’s one for his cover of “Lightning Strikes.” If this is your first encounter with Nomi, I strongly suggest diving down the rabbit hole to learn more. If it’s not, then enjoy this performance in its most pristine version so far.