MTV Killed The Rock/Metal VMA Category. Here’s What It Really Means!
In episode 285 of Heavy Metal Philosophy, Jon Barbas analyzes what it means for rock and heavy metal that MTV has officially removed the Best Rock and Metal categories from the VMAs for the first time in 37 years. See why this decision matters for the future of rock music. We examine why excluding rock and metal is a significant cultural moment for music fans.
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#MTV #vmas #metal
@KåToffee_VHS
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
MTV still exists?? i miss headbanger's ball like everyone else but that was 30 years ago. the disinclusion of rock / metal just means they're less relevant.
@jamiemay8546
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Remember something. If rock isn't alive….THEN ITS NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD FROM HERE ON OUT BABY! OUT YOUR GRAVE AND LETS RAGE ON MATES. CHEERS!
@richardpunzalan4347
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I’m stop watching MTV since 2009
@PhilterA1
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Hey, Cool Content 🤘
Dropped you a Sub.
Please kindly consider joining our growing community of Heavy Metal/Movie enthusiasts by hitting subscribe to The Philbo Show.
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@CorwinRussell
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
vma's are garbage
@rongijzen3638
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Headbangersball was the holy grail back then, i was watching it everytime with my friends. Saw Slayer and Anthrax for the first time and want to buy their records on vinyl…..good times
@christlevania5933
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I fondly remember watching Headbangers Ball on weekends. I was introduced to countess bands in that era. I weep for the future that won't have that beautiful experience. 😢
@bathorybill9423
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I partly disagree…
@CorpseD.Licioso72
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
1986 I was completely over the "corporate " rock image and hard left turned to punk. And MTV surely wasnt showing pre crossover DRI, Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks.
Some early crossover made it to 120min. like right b4 the rug got pulled . It was a total non starter after that.
@kfcnyancat
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
this did more to further convince me that MTV is irrelevant than it did to convince me that rock has gotten any less relevant than it was 10 years ago (honestly i think the situation is slightly better now; we didn't have a Dexter and the Moonrocks or a Sleep Token in 2016)
@nuclear.musicaddict
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I hate awards shows with a passion at this point. Also, I never had mtv growing up (that cable package was for the cool kids), still ended up exposed to metal, but there were other ways that also no longer exist 🙁
@LexisCrustyWorld
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Mtv's website could have been the pioneers of streaming music Videos like YouTube. Imagine that. Mtv could have been what YouTube became, but never did because they lacked technological foresight & business planning.
@alexisveleta1278
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Hows it going i hope you're doing good and well.
@bismarkmontalvan6850
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
People say rock is dead, to me, MTV is dead not rock, all new music is on streaming services.
@markrogers5149
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Heavy Metal is for independent thinkers, MTV was never liked by us,so they never started anything let alone kill Metal, what a joke.
@RoarTheRapper
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
You’re the only commentator I trust discussing all this stuff
@LarrySutton-e7e
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I thought MTV was no more! I thought it was removed from cable! Lol! It was just reruns of ridiculousness! Lol!
@TheLecherling-hu1vu
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Well buddy, just cause Heavy Metal might be dead doesn't mean that Rock and Roll is (which maybe it is or isn't). HM is just a subgenre.
@Seahawks-kq7ni
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Honestly can’t remember the last time I paid attention to the VMAs. MTV Classic airs “Metal Mayhem” Friday & Saturday night. No new music, but still fun to watch.
@briankessler3501
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
MTV seems like an afterthought to me now.
Thanks Jon.
@remetalizer
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Bugs Bunny, "of course you realize this means war.
@mgsfan12345f
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Who needs MTV. We got arte.
@CHEMICmusic
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I thought MTV shut down.
@SirLance69
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
I'm almost glad since mtv has fallen off this hard. Good riddance.
@Lullalies
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Hope is a dangerous thing, but it is needed. Rock and metal won't die – just become dormant.
@caseywilson9524
August 28, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Nobody cares about MTV anymore. When it stop playing music videos and play reality shows that nobody wants to watch. People quit watching MTV. MTV VMA keeps best alternative and it is for alternative rock music videos.