I want my MTV (25 years ago today it all started)

[RonJonSurfer]

Yes, no matter if you loved or hated MTV, or still do for that matter, you cannot argue that MTV became a music and television revolution.

If you get VH1 Classic, they are replaying the first full day of MTV all day today. It started with a lengthy space shuttle countdown and lifted off with "we've got rock and roll". You can all picture the blast off and the MTV music.

The first song was "Video Killed The Radio Star" followed by "You Better Run" by early MTV darling Pat Benatar. Rod Stewart was next followed by some group called PhD doing "Little Susie's On The Up" (Anybody know anything about them???)

I remember early MTV as something so unique, a place to see my rock stars 24/7...and yeah, it's changed.

When I got my first VCR in the 80's I tested it on MTV and taped J. Geil's "Centerfold". They ran every episode of the Monkees continuously one weekend. It was a nice place for rock and roll.

Dire Straits immortalized it in "Money For Nothing". It is an institution.

I don't watch it anymore, the programming just isn't for me, but I remember the old days of MTV fondly.

[Jenny]

Me too...I have VH1 classic, and I will try to catch some of it tonight, if I can. We didn't have cable at my house for a few years after MTV came out, but we watched it at my aunt's house.

[RonJonSurfer]

We didn't have cable either when it first came out. When I finally did get cable I watched way too much MTV, just because it was there.

[RonJonSurfer]

I just found this interesting list:

The first MTV hour in order

1. Video Killed the Radio Star -- the Buggles

2. You better Run -- Pat Benetar

3. She Won't Dance -- Rod Stewart *

4. You Better you Bet--- The Who

5. Little Susie's on the up -- Ph. D **

6. We dont Talk Anymore -- Cliff Richard

7. Brass in Pocket -- The Pretenders

8. Time Heals -- Todd Rudgren *

9. Take it on the Run -- REO Speedwagon

10. Rockin the Paradise -- Styx

11. When Things Go Wrong -- Robin Lane and the Chartbusters

12. History Never Repeats Split Enz

13. Hold on Loosely -- .38 Special

[Tenacious_Peaches]

I'm off work today and I've had this on all morning. I remember the beginning of MTV and it's been a part of my life since. I still watch it, even though I might not necessarily care about some of the music.

[RonJonSurfer]

I'll watch some more later tonight. Of course, with the temps over 100, the power will go and I'll see nothing.

If that happens, rest assured, I'll be strummin' an acoustic on the front porch, singin' blues classics, and drinking that unopened bottle of Tequila that's sitting on the piano. (and sweating alot)

[Tenacious_Peaches]

I'll be there about 9, Ron. Have a shot glass ready for me.

[RonJonSurfer]

Sharing it straight out of the bottle on blues night dear.....

[Tenacious_Peaches]

Even better. Although I do occasionally like to down a shot and then throw the glass across the room as a projectile exclamation point. But for you, baby, I will gladly share the bottle.

I am now watching "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" by Rod Stewart. I distinctly remember Rod's videos being at least 17% of MTV's early playlist.

[RonJonSurfer]

I heard on of the guys from Vanilla Fudge talking about "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy". It was supposed to be a rock song, not a dance number...of course, the record companies wanted to jump on the dance craze.

Rod was Mr. MTV.

[Tenacious_Peaches]

And Pat Benatar was Ms. MTV. I still love her.

[Tenacious_Peaches]

I think I'll combine my video watchings to this thread. Otherwise, I'll stink up the "What are you listening to?" thread too much.

I've seen 3 Rod Stewart and 2 REO Speedwagon videos in the past hour. I am now watching "You Better You Bet" by the Who. Daltrey's just phoning it in, man.

[daslied]

You choose to pick on Roger Daltrey while leaving REO Speedwagon untouched?

[Tenacious_Peaches]

I'm trying to erase all memories of REO out of my mind. If I call attention to them, they won't go away.

[Tenacious_Peaches]

Elvis Costello & the Attractions with "Oliver's Army"

[RonJonSurfer]

I saw a couple by The Prentenders earlier today. They got a lot of MTV time too.

[Sweet Jane 61]

MTV25 MOMENTS

Check this out and remember some interesting moments on MTV.

[Tenacious_Peaches]

Now it's Rapture by Blondie. I've seen multiples from Rod, Pat, REO, Styx, the Pretenders, Robert Palmer, .38 Special, and Cliff Richard. I've also seen the occasional out of place oddity such as Lee Ritenour's "Is It You?"

I've typed for so long that now it's "Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads. I'm in adolescent heaven.

[Tenacious_Peaches]

Holy crap, I just saw another Lee Ritenour video. I didn't even know he had 2 songs. The people behind MTV had a lot of balls to start a channel with such a limited bank of videos. More power to them. Speaking of balls, I've seen more of Kevin Cronin's sack than I ever needed to. Can I say sack? Someone moderate me, please. I've gone over the edge.

[TheLizard]

Wait wait wait wait waaaiiiiit. There was a time when MTV played music videos?

[Tenacious_Peaches]

I know, TimLizzy. It's hard to imagine such a novel concept. Times were different back then, son.

[TheLizard]

But what about the reality shows? Don't tell me there weren't reality shows! How could you have survived without watching b-level celebrities and attention starved college dropouts scream at each other?

[Tenacious_Peaches]

I was watching "You Better You Bet" by the Who at 2:17. It is now 5:32 and I am watching it again. Perhaps my day of excitement is now officially over, yet I can't seem to turn this off. But I swear if I see another REO Speedwagon video/Kevin Cronin crotch shot, I'm going to kill someone. Since this is a certain inevitability, it's been nice knowing you fine people. Please write to me in prison.

[The Seeker]

You Better You Bet!

[Tenacious_Peaches]

Yay, it's now "Cruel to be Kind" by Nick Lowe! I love this song! All is well with the world! Crisis averted