The Empire State Building's colorful light show was reportedly for a music video

Quite the surprise.
By Jake Krol  on 
The Empire State Building's colorful light show was reportedly for a music video
Credit: Mike Murphy (@MCWM)/Twitter

The people of New York City got quite the surprise on Saturday night as the Empire State Building put on a wild light show.

The top of the building began lighting up in various colors at around 11:00 p.m. ET, and it continued for about two hours. In addition to the effect, two helicopters were seen the circling the top.

Perplexed citizens took to Twitter. Theories ranged from aliens coming in for a landing to the light operator being on drugs. Many were asking for clarification from other users or anyone who might know the real reason behind it.

The "Tower Lights" section on the building's website said it would be in orange and blue for the New York Islanders home opener, but that wasn't the case. In 2012, the Empire State Building upgraded to an LED light system that can cycle through 16 million colors. However, this is normally for special occasions like holidays.

A normal Saturday in October doesn't necessarily call for this wild show, but it was a nice surprise. The leading theory as of Sunday morning was that Eminem was filming a music video. We've tried reaching out to his team but have not heard back.

Josh Namdar, an Art Director at Ogilvy, posted two stories on his Instagram account about Eminem filming his next music video, and showing the Empire State Building various colors. Speaking to Mashable in an email, Namdar said that he is not associated with Eminem or the video. He was walking by the building and asked the doorman, who said they were filming a rap music video for (or possibly just featuring) Eminem.

It appears that Guillermo (from Jimmy Kimmel Live!) might also be making an appearance in the video as well. Namdar spotted him recording something "downstairs."

For now, we can speculate and hope that more spectacular light shows will arrive as we get closer to the holidays. In the meantime check out some of our favorite theories about the lights below.

UPDATED Oct. 7, 2018 at 2:10 p.m. ET with information from Josh Namdar.

Topics New York City

Mashable Image
Jake Krol

Jake Krol was a Tech Writer at Mashable and had been at the company May–December 2018. He holds a degree in Media & Communication from Muhlenberg College. Jake has a big love for all things tech, and is a huge Springsteen fan and also a native New Jerseyan.


Recommended For You
Celebrate spring blooms with flowery Lego sets on sale for 20% off at Amazon
a woman builds a bouquet of lego flowers




When is the last day to file taxes?
A person at their computer holding a note that reads "tax time."

More in Life
40+ of the best outdoor deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Solo Stove pizza oven and other outdoor gear in truck bed

Get up to 25% off Kodak instant cameras during Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Kodak instant camera taking photo of woman holding flowers



Get up to 80% off more than 700 Kindle books
LONDON - JULY 16: Amazon Kindle paper white e book reader. July 16, 2014 in London, UK.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 28
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 27
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!