Dear Viacom,
Once upon a time, long before the technological revolution, members of Generation X (like me) were as mesmerized by MTV as today’s generation is by smartphones. It was the summer of 1981, just before the start of the school year. The weather was perfect; the kind of day where I would normally be out of the house until dark. But there I sat, in the family room, watching MTV for hours on end. I can still hear my mother’s voice telling me that she was going to cancel cable if I didn’t go outside and play. Thankfully, she never made good on that threat.
I was a proud member of the “MTV Generation.” You gave us shows like Headbanger’s Ball and made the hair band movement something to behold. And then, seemingly overnight, you changed the meaning of the “M” in MTV from “music” to “miscellaneous.” I thought that it was the end of our relationship, but then you pulled me (and other members of my generation) back in with VH-1 Classic, most notably, with the greatest show that your company ever produced – That Metal Show.
From 2008-2015, our relationship enjoyed a rekindled spark that burned as brightly as it did in the early ‘80s (our “honeymoon period” if you will). When the cancellation of That Metal Show (beloved by so many hard rock and metal fans around the world) was announced on January 19th – amidst an unprecedented wave of rock star deaths – you effectively ended our relationship.
It’s cliché to say “it’s not you, it’s me” when a relationship ends. So as to not be cliché, I say that “it’s not me, it’s YOU!” We had some good times, and made some memories that will last a lifetime (none more than my visit to That Metal Show), and for that, I thank you.
You may be the popular rich girl that most would want to take to the metaphorical prom, but my heart and loyalty lies with the cool chick whose beauty is only apparent to a select group of intuitive people filled with a passion that eludes you.
You had a hidden gem, but you made her prove her worth over and over again, never wanting to make a long-term commitment. If there is any justice, your loss will be your competitor’s gain, and That Metal Show will find a home where there is a true appreciation for what Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine bring to the table. After all, they are much more than just hosts of a niche cable TV show. They are the hub that connects a loyal, tight-knit community of likeminded people from all over the world.
In the immortal words of Cinderella, you “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone).”
Thanks for the memories, Viacom. The time has come to say goodbye forever!
Sincerely,
Adam Waldman
Publisher/Editor of Hard Rock Daddy
Loyal follower of That Metal Show
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