Ok, so I am not qualified to do a TIMH any justice, but thought this one might be worth the leap.
April 18, 1987, 30 years ago, Headbangers Ball debuted on MTV and ran until 1995. The program was reintroduced 8 years later on MTV2.
The hosts began with Kevin Seal, then by VJ Adam Curry, before Riki Rachtman became the face behind the program. Rumor has it, good friend Axl Rose was instrumental in getting Riki (who had zero TV experience) the job.
Headbangers Ball soon became one of the most popular music shows ever to air on MTV. For some time in 1988 and '89, the show was increased to 3 hours.
The show wasn't just focused on 'hair' bands either. It helped in the emergence of the 'grunge' band and gave a good amount of time to the more aggressive metal bands.
MTV ended the show in 1995 without any warning or reason. It was believed it was because the program was playing too much grunge and alternative and not enough metal.
Countless number of guests were on the show over the 8 year period. Some of them include multiple appearances by:
Rob Zombie
Bruce Dickenson
Nikki Sixx
Kurt Cobain
Some memorable moments.
Skydiving with Dave Mustaine
G N' R destroying the set
