I was actually "in the room" in a hotel in Chicago on August 1st, 1981 when a bunch of music and media executives unveiled the live launch of MTV. I was programing an FM rocker on the southside of the city and cringed a bit when the first video played was "Video Killed the Radio Star." But, everyone in the room knew it was prescient.
I drove back home to find my cable company (like so many in the country) hadn't yet signed onto the fledgling network. The next day, I learned that management there had no intention of offering the channel. So, my Team at the station hustled up a plan to take our morning show and simulcast it, offering viewers news, interviews with locals and at least a smattering of videos to at least tip our hat to what was to come.
Cable management rejected our notion out of hand saying, "nobody wants to watch that trash." C'est la vie. It was a cool idea.
So...on this Music Friday, we offer up a great trivia question. Who was the first guitarist featured on the launch of MTV?
Most will say it was the Buggles, as they were the first video played. But, the Buggles were a synth band with a bass player.
No...the first guitarist featured was Spider Giraldo (in which he takes great pride) with Pat Benatar on the second video.
Here's the original video...and here they are, tearing it down live.
They're back on tour this summer...and it's a great show. Go.
Absolutely luv watching Giraldo play live! The man never stops moving...ever. It's as much fun as listening to him. Awesome choice!
Posted by: Lee T | August 09, 2021 at 08:38