How Kids in the 1980s Watched Music Videos
Kids of the 70s and 80s played outside a lot more, coming home only for dinner and returning to outdoor activities until the sun went down. This generation is characterized by less screen time compared to today's youth, with video games not even being a thing back then. Music television was more of a 'live' experience, with shows like American Bandstand, Solid Gold, and Soul Train. These were performances by actual artists, albeit often lip-syncing, and occasional music videos. However, it was rare, as most people only got to see them through channels like MTV, which required paying for cable.
MTV: The Pioneer of Music Television
In the early 1980s, before sites like YouTube or streaming services existed, people watched music videos on specialized television channels. MTV, inaugurated in 1981, was the world's first fully music video-based television channel, broadcasting 24/7. If you wanted to catch new videos from artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, or Prince, you had to tune into MTV. MTV became the pinnacle of youth culture, a favorite among teenagers and young adults. People eagerly awaited the premiere of new music videos from their favorite bands. By 1983, MTV was broadcast across the nation, making it accessible to everyone, wherever they were from. My friends and I would spend hours watching the videos, learning all the lyrics and choreography. This was a social experience, as people either watched events in groups or discussed them the following day at school. MTV was central to the music and culture of the 1980s.
The Role of Free Music Video TV Shows
While MTV was the go-to channel for music videos, there were also other free music video shows on broadcast TV. One such show was Video Rock, and another was Friday Night Videos. These shows aired on free-to-air television, making music videos accessible to a broader audience without the need for cable. In 1982, Video Rock and Friday Night Videos released their first shows, providing yet another avenue for people to enjoy music videos.
The Impact of Music Videos on Pop Culture
Music videos were more than just videos; they influenced fashion, dance, and language. Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince created music videos that became cultural phenomena. The music videos from this era are now iconic, with their visual aesthetics and choreography still influencing pop culture today. For example, Michael Jackson's Thriller not only revolutionized music videos but also the visual arts. People still watch and study these videos, learning from the choreography and the storytelling techniques used. The music videos from the 1980s not only entertained but also served as a platform for artists to express themselves and reach a broader audience.
Conclusion
The 1980s were a time of change in the way people consumed music. From live performances to music television, the evolution of music videos transformed the way we engaged with music. MTV and free-to-air music video shows played a significant role in making music videos accessible to a wider audience. These videos became more than just entertainment; they were cultural touchstones. The music videos of the 1980s continue to captivate and inspire new generations, ensuring their enduring legacy in pop culture.