Classic Music Videos from MTV’s First Days: August 1981

MTV revolutionized the music industry and the way we consume music videos. On the night of August 1, 1981, this pioneering channel launched, specializing in video programming, and forever changed the landscape of music entertainment. Let's dive into the iconic music videos from those historic first days of MTV.

MTV's Grand Debut

The very first music video to air on MTV was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the band The Buggles. This groundbreaking moment marked the beginning of a new era, where visual storytelling in music took center stage. The band performed an animated version of the song, with animated props and characters, which encapsulated the revolutionary spirit of MTV's concept. This video was replayed multiple times throughout the first day, showcasing MTV's unique approach to programming, where popular and engaging clips would be looped.

First Day Broadcast

On the launch night, August 1, 1981, MTV broadcasted its first day for the very first time. This historical event was rebroadcast on VH1 Classic in 2006 and 2011, celebrating the channel's significant milestones. The rebroadcast in 2016, called MTV Hour One, was part of VH1 Classic's relaunch as MTV Classic. To capture the essence of this moment, the Facebook page of MTV was also streamed live, allowing viewers to connect through social media.

The First Music Videos

The lineup of the first music videos consisted of:

The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star The Who - You Better Run Pat Benatar - She Wont Dance With Me Rod Stewart - You Better You Bet The Who - You Better Run (repeated) April Wine - Just Between You and Me Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight REO Speedwagon - Time Heals (first concert video) Straight Talk (Rockin the Paradise) - Styx - interrupted due to technical issues

Additionally, Rod Stewart had the highest frequency of appearances, with 16 videos played, making him the most prominent artist of that inaugural day. The rotation system ensured that popular and engaging videos were repeatedly aired, creating a lively and dynamic viewing experience for the audience.

Noteable Events and Technical Snags

One of the most memorable moments was when REO Speedwagon's "Time Heals" concert video was interrupted after 12 seconds due to technical difficulties. The video displayed a blank black screen with a 200hz tone for a few seconds before returning to MTV's studio. These technical snags, although frustrating for viewers, underscored the experimental nature of the channel in its early days.

Full List of First Day Music Videos

The complete list of the first music videos broadcast on MTV on August 1, 1981, included:

The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star The Who - You Better Run Pat Benatar - She Wont Dance With Me Rod Stewart - You Better You Bet The Who - You Better Run (repeated) April Wine - Just Between You and Me Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight REO Speedwagon - Time Heals (first concert video - interrupted due to technical issues) Styx - Rockin the Paradise (Interrupted after 12 seconds due to technical issues) Ph.D. - We Dont Talk Anymore Cliff Richard - Brass in Pocket The Pretenders - Time Heals (also appears in REO Speedwagon's slot) Todd Rundgren - Take It on the Run REO Speedwagon - Time Heals (repeated - first concert video) Michael Johnson - Message of Love The Pretenders - Mr. Briefcase Lee Ritenour - Double Life The Cars - In the Air Tonight Phil Collins - Looking for Clues Robert Palmer - Shoes Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Stop Draggin My Heart Around

These music videos not only marked the beginning of a new era in music but also set the standard for future music videos on MTV and other channels. Back then, these videos were more than just entertainment; they were a visual representation of the artists and the era in which they lived.

Conclusion

The launch of MTV on August 1, 1981, was a revolutionary moment in music history. The first day's music videos, with iconic performances and memorable interruptions, captured the essence of MTV's pioneering spirit. While technical challenges added to the excitement, it was the combination of groundbreaking music and ambitious visual storytelling that defined the channel's early days.