One of the greatest shows ever to be on MTV was Headbangers Ball. I mean a 3 hour show dedicated to metal and metal videos?? Yes please. Imagine having to wait for your favorite music videos to show up on tv instead of at the click of a button. The show started in 1987 and in 1989, The Headbangers Ball Tour was announced featuring Anthrax, Exodus, and Helloween. That same year, there was a contestant where the bands would come and trash your house. Let’s take a look…..
So back in 1989, MTV held a contestant where the winner would get a “home redecoration” from the bands on the tour. Obviously that meant the trashing of the house however, not only would they win a redecoration but also $1000 and a new Jeep Wrangler. Of course MTV admitted upfront that the house would most likely be trashed hence the $100 and the winner was Lorie Gutman of Kinnelon, New Jersey. Of course Anthrax and Exodus would be there but why not Helloween?? Well during that time, the power Metal band was dealing with internal friction as well as preparing for an upcoming tour in Japan. Conversely, Exodus was also dealing with drummer Tim Hunting’s health issues which ultimately forced him to leave before the taping and being replaced with drummer tech (and future Cult drummer) John Tempesta who can be seen eating a salad and baked potatoes in the background. Of course when you have two thrash metal bands, things are going to get rowdy and according to Anthrax bassist Franky Bello, he said what was shown on MTV was tame compared to what they actually did. He said they really went for it and some things included making prank phone calls, messing with Lorie’s things, as well as terrorizing the neighborhood. At the end of all of it, as they drive away, Lorie says “Are they gone yet? Thank God I don’t win an MTV contest every day.”
