On August 1, 1981, MTV made its debut with a bold and symbolic choice. The first video it ever aired was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. Though released in 1979, the song found its true cultural moment at the dawn of the 80s, becoming a defining symbol of the video music era.
This quirky, synth-driven anthem captured the transition from traditional radio to visual-driven music promotion. The music video featured surreal imagery, early special effects, and futuristic themes that reflected the changing times—and it launched not just a network, but an entire cultural movement.
Watch the video here:
Fun fact: The line “Video killed the radio star” was sung by session singer Linda Jardim, who never became a star herself. The irony wasn't lost on fans.
