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MTV kicked off on August 1st, 1981, with the words, “Ladies and gentlemen: rock and roll.” MTV’s most memorable slogan, “I want my MTV,” wasn’t their first. The original slogan was “You’ll never look at music the same way again.” They were right. The youth lucky enough to have cable was exposed to music that would not have been seen or heard without MTV. These MTV shirt throwbacks to our ‘80s cable friend opened our ears and eyes to a new world of music. Scroll down to check out my picks or read on for a conversation on this huge part of ‘80s culture.
What Was The First MTV Video You Saw?
Those of us that were teens in the ‘80s remember the first video we saw on MTV. Mine was The Clash, “Rock the Casbah,” but the very first MTV video was the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Some think the song was written specifically for MTV. Believe it or not, the song was released in 1979, two years before MTV. It was a hit in the UK, but not in the U.S.A. (until MTV launched).
MTV exposed me to music that my local radio stations would not have played. MTV was extremely crucial in the rise of the new wave music genre. Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn, Mark Goodman, J.J. Jackson, and Nina Blackwood were our original VJs. And yes, kids, MTV played VIDEOS and ran much like a traditional radio station.
MTV became more than just videos. “The Real World” and “Pimp My Ride” (Crib) were huge shows, but for me, the video days of MTV were my favorite. I seriously could talk MTV for hours, but after a while, you made need sleep and a fresh MTV shirt. Hey! Speaking of…
1) Nickelodeon Young Men's Standard Want Logo T-Shirt
No idea why it says “young men’s” when sizes are S-5XL… maybe because this shirt will take you back to your youth? Worth a shot! Seven colors to choose from too! 100% cotton.
2) MTV Men's Shirt with Fingerprint
Get your fingerprints all over this vintage logo MTV shirt. Available in grey and black 93% cotton and 7% polyester – Sizes S-XXL.
3) MTV Men's Shirt with Checkerboard
This shirt pairs nicely with a pair of checkerboard Vans and a Talking Heads video. Three color options: grey shirt is 93% cotton and 7% polyester / Black and white shirts are 100% cotton – Sizes S-XXL.
4) MTV Men's Tie Dye Shirt
Summer: Mai Tai, tie-dye, and MTV. A throwback to the MTV Spring Break and Beach House, these shirts are pure ‘80s. Available in three designs with sizes S-XXL. 100% cotton.
5) Tee Luv Men's MTV Astronaut T-Shirt
I have several Tee Luv t-shirts and they are all super soft. I’m probably looking at another addition with this shirt. The iconic moon man logo! Sizes S-3XL 100% cotton.
6) Mademark x MTV - MTV Rock n Roll Music Hard Heavy Metal Skull Guitar Vintage T-Shirt
Head Bangers Ball, it’s on like Donkey Kong! Too much? I love the vintage hard rock feel of this MTV shirt! Available in ten colors, I recommend one of the heathers… they’re cotton/polyester blends. Plus a ridiculous amount of sizes including big and tall.
7) MTV Logo Red Boombox Graphic T-Shirt
Ah… the sweet, glorious days of the boombox. This shirt makes me want to make a mixed tape. Five color options and tons of sizes.
8) MTV Classic Fit Black T-Shirt
How many of us remember the days of television ending their broadcast days and going to static or color bars? Forget those days. MTV played videos around the clock… when it first launched.
9) Mademark x MTV - Cryptid MTV Logo Featuring Bigfoot, UFO, Aliens & Nessie T-Shirt
The only thing better than MTV is MTV and Bigfoot and The Loch Ness monster AND aliens. Have them all in one sweet shirt. Eight color options and sizes S – 3XL.
10) Bonus item: POP Pop! Ad Icons: MTV - Rainbow Moon Person Multicolor
The MTV moon man as a Funko! I love this! I want this Funko AND my MTV… the old MTV. The one that played videos and introduced me to music I had never heard before.
