NIKKI SIXX, bassist of legendary rock band MÖTLEY CRÜE, recently expressed his views on MTV’s decision to phase out its music channels. His heartfelt reflection was shared in a statement posted on Instagram, where SIXX reminisced about MTV’s early, groundbreaking years.
SIXX experienced MTV’s rise firsthand, recalling the channel’s powerful influence during its inception. He has been outspoken about the network’s gradual departure from its original music focus. According to SIXX, the turning point came in 1992 — a year he identifies as the moment MTV lost what made it special.
SIXX said:
“Is this a good death date? I was there in the beginning, it was so magical and then I saw dark days coming. They begin the slow painful recoil from music and leaned heavily into programming and sadly all the way to reality.”
His words capture the disappointment many feel about MTV’s transformation. Once celebrated as a revolutionary platform for music lovers of diverse genres, MTV shifted its attention towards reality-based programming, which dominated its lineup in recent decades.
Transcribed by Instagram, SIXX reflected further:
“Good bye old friend. You were once life changing for all types of Music.”
SIXX’s statements highlight not just nostalgia but a critique of how MTV’s identity shifted away from its roots. This transformation marks a poignant end to an era that profoundly shaped how audiences interacted with music and artists worldwide.
The phasing out of MTV’s music channels symbolizes a broader change within the media landscape, emphasizing the shift from music videos to entertainment programming. For many musicians and fans, it’s a moment of reflection on the network’s pivotal role in music history.
While MTV paved the way for a new generation of artists to gain visibility, its recent changes reveal the challenges music television faces in adapting to evolving viewing habits and digital platforms.
NIKKI SIXX’s candid thoughts serve as a tribute to MTV’s legacy and a reminder of how much the channel once meant to music lovers everywhere. His words resonate deeply with fans who grew up watching music videos and exploring new genres through the network.
As MTV moves into this new phase, the rock and music communities continue to celebrate the channel’s impact—while also mourning the loss of its musical soul.
