On This Day in Metal April 18th 1987, the first episode of Headbangers Ball aired on MTV.
The episode was co-hosted by Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister and Phil "Philthy Animal"Taylor, who were in fine, humorous form as they introduced and announced videos from and , as well as an interview with a then-new Tesla.
Over the years Headbangers Ball was hosted by Kevin Seal (1987–1988), Adam Curry (1988–1990), Riki Ractman (1990–1995, 2021), Jamey Jasta (2003–2007) and Jose Mangin.
Rikki Rachtman reflects back on his time on the show.
Rachtman says.
Having Axl Rose as his wingman on the audition for Headbangers Ball helped him secure the gig, and Rachtman soon found himself taking part in now legendary television moments with a variety of musicians. Whether it was skydiving with Megadeth, hanging out in a German castle with Danzig or goofing off with Alice in Chains at the notorious – and deadly – Action Park waterpark in New Jersey, Rachtman made weekends appointment viewing for metalheads.
The show ran until 1995 — but by then the kind of hard rock that crossed over into the alternative realm (e.g. Soundgarden, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots) had infiltrated the playlist.
WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE:
VIDEOS THAT AIRED
Cinderella - Somebody Save Me
Dokken - Dream Warriors Aerosmith - Let the Music Do the Talking Motorhead - Mean Machine AC/DC - Who Made Who Shy - Break Down the Walls Poison - Talk Dirty to Me Ratt - Slip of the Lip Judas Priest - Another Thing Comin' Accept - Balls to the Wall Motley Crue - Smokin' in the Boys Room Twisted Sister - You Can't Stop Rock N' Roll Whitesnake - Still of the Night W.A.S.P. - I Don't Need No Doctor Ozzy Osbourne - The Ultimate Sin Krokus - Ballroom Blitz Def Leppard - Rock of Ages Warlock - Fight For Rock Yngwie J. Malmsteen Rising Force - You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget Kiss - Tears Are Falling Quiet Riot - Cum On Feel the Noize Autograph - Loud And Clear Motorhead - Ace of Spades
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