Are you sure? As you pointed out none of this footage was used in the music video. Sometimes artists let cameras shoot while recording to use the footage for future documentaries or find other use of it.

I don't know the truth, obviously, but why do you think they actually performed the song (precisely like it's on the record), rather than just mimed to playback? To me that suggested that it was the recording of the song.

I'm 100% sure. You can even see Richie playing the guitar solo, something that was added long after the song was originally recorded. I have no sound here at work but I recall them even saying they're filming the music video.

It won't let me view the video on a mobile device, but if the guitar solo in the video is exactly as it is on the album, this video isn't the recording of the song.

If the solo is the mellow one from the radio version, then this is video of them recording it. The new guitar solo was added to the album version after all the negative feedback they got about the radio version.

Here's the original opening to that.

The reason is quite simple actually - they tune the guitars and everything down one half step for live performances since I don't know when (the 90s?), so having one song in original key would just be too much effort...

The more I listen, the more angry I get that Backdoor to Heaven didn't make the final cut :cry: Such an amazing song!

Backdoor to Heaven or Full Moon High should have definitely replaced 99 in the Shade imo :)

Ah, 99 In The Shade is such a fun song, reminds me of my high school time, driving around in my car in the summer sun, every time I listen to it :-)

Blasphomy. You can't cut Tommy and Gina out of the NJ album.

New Jersey is perfect as it is. Leave well alone