25 years ago today, MTV went on the air in the U.S. I was 10 years old and instantly hooked. I have so many memories of those first months. They would often show the same videos a bit too often because frankly, they didn't have that many to start. Often they'd forget to put up the artist & title graphic. They were WAY too excited when they got their hands on their first video effects machine, to do ultra-cool wipes and dissolves between videos. The first 'World Premiere Video' was Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and you'd think it was like the biggest thing ever based on their excitement. They played "Under Pressure" constantly btw.... I saw "Calling All Girls" once in 1982 too.
As time went on, the original format of 24 hour music videos with the traditional Saturday night concert and the occasional special was gradually replaced by more and more programming which eventually had nothing at all to do with music.
MTV pretty much became a thing of the past for me after a few seasons of The Real World. I did come back for The Osbournes but got the hell outta there as soon as it was over ;)
I can't believe 25 years have passed. This makes me feel very, very old. link
Happy Birthday MTV!!!!
U woz great!!
Maybe if u get rid of those horrid reality shows and show musicvideos from all genres 24/7 i will come to your party!!
deleted user 01.08.2006 04:21
can I jjust say that I want to thank my mum, my penis....
woopsie, I mean I love the big thing but....
Happy Birthday MTV!!!
(having flashbacks of Micheal Jackson moonwalking, Yo MTV Raps, The Real World, Jessica "Chicken of the sea" Simpson, and Nick Lachey (RIP) and Madonna tonguing down Britney and X-tina)
I used to watch "Unplugged", "Rock Block" and "Headbanger's Ball" but these are all gone. When I click on the MTV channel by accident, they never have anything but stupid ringtone commercials. I can't believe that there are still living people watching.
MTV is the primary reason why the average person's appreciation for quality music has gradually gone down the sewer hole over the past 25 years, because the focus slowly shifted from the importance of music to the importance of "the image". Songs like "Video Killed The Radio Star" and "Radio Ga Ga" are two of the best foreshadowing songs ever. They spoke the truth.
One can argue that Queen could be partially to blame, since they are often credited to be the first band to record a promotional video, back in 1975. Perhaps that's where it all began...
Discuss.
I still like MTV. They have some really stupid programmes like 'Room Raiders' or 'Dismissed', but then again programmes like 'Boiling Points' or 'Trailerpark Boys' are quit funny.
And spoken about music, ah well, I hardly listen to any music of this time. I rather listen to some really clever bands from years ago. When music was still music and when the take was the take.