The Pet Rock Is Back but Now as a Swinging Video Rock Star

The Pet Rock, a big selling but somewhat nutty novelty item of 10 years ago, is back--as a home video “rock” star.

At least this time the piece of granite does more than lie in a gift box, where it didn’t need much attention or care and amused friends by obeying such commands as “play dead,” and “stay.”

John Arnold, director of the “Pet Rock Video,” said he found the 1970s star going to seed in a San Francisco rock garden, spiffed him up, organized a fan club and auditioned for backup singers, choosing the “Stonettes.”

In its heyday, the original Pet Rock, created by Gary Dahl, sold for $4 each and 1.2 million people with spare dollars and a sense of humor bought the gift item.

Arnold said the trademark had lapsed on the unique novelty gift and so he formed the Pet Rock Video Co., to bring the “rock” out of retirement and into the 1980s through the medium of television.

The five-minute video, which uses fog and snow machines for special effects, has the rejuvenated “rock” wearing a sequined glove and riding to and from a studio session in a stretch limousine.

In the lyrics, the “rock” sings:

“Some say I’m bad, some say I’m rough

“I’ll tell you one thing, my skin is tough

“Cause I’m the Rock, I’m the Pet

“The baddest piece of granite you ever done met.”

Although energetic, it’s doubtful the video, which retails for $29.99 by Avalanche Productions, will replace the Rolling Stones or climb onto the best-selling record charts with Bruce Springsteen.