VH1 Classic Cancels “That Metal Show”

While doing the morning breezing by the Facebook Timeline I caught this news that might make a whole lot of you Metal fans sad as it seems as though VH1 Classic has ended production on the “That Metal Show” series which starred radio and media personality Eddie Trunk along with comedians Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine. The trios mutual statement is below the show logo and then I’ll return with additional thoughts.

Logo - That Metal Show

A message to the loyal fans of That Metal Show from Eddie, Jim & Don:

“We are sorry to report that VH1 Classic will not continue to make any new episodes of That Metal Show. It has been an incredible run of eight years, roughly 125 episodes and some really cool specials. The global response to TMS has been simply amazing, and we will be eternally grateful for the support from the rock and metal fans that have showed us so much love. We truly would have never made it as long as we did without you! A huge thanks also to the great crews we had over the years both in NYC and Los Angeles, to our producer Jeff Baumgardner, and to all the executives at VH1. And finally, thanks to the hundreds of artists that joined us on our set, had fun with us, shared their stories and many, many laughs. From the biggest names in rock history, to the up-and-comers: we thank you all for being a part of it. Of course we very much want to keep That Metal Show alive, and with the blessing of VH1 Classic, we’ve got the keys to the show and are currently searching for a new home. We’re not sure where we’ll land, but we hope to be back in our studio and your living rooms as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep an eye out for us on the road and come say, “Hello.” Thank you for watching all these years, and we’ll keep you posted as soon as we have news to share.”

Photo - That Metal Show Cast

PiercingMetal Thoughts: Over the course of their eight years on the small screen they had fourteen seasons and as Don has already noted this amounted to something like 125 episodes plus specials. That is not a bad run when you consider how some networks are cancelling quality shows just when they were getting good or before even giving them a proper chance (I’m ranting about NBC cancelling “Constantine” and “Hannibal” here). Granted “That Metal Show” was a different animal from these programs and while it was about music we very rarely saw much music on it outside of the featured guitarist or drummer and that one appearance by Anvil. This was mostly discussion and audience interaction. I programmed the show regularly in order to be aware of what was happening on it in the event that some new information was going to be unveiled by the guests and the hosts but that was not often the case since I am fortunate enough to have my own ear to the ground across numerous music resources in order to bring you articles each and every day. I enjoyed the candor between the hosts but since it focused so much on the Classic Metal side of the fence and didn’t speak to many of the bands that I am following and discussing over here felt that it divided fans of the genre at times. What I mean here is the fans of the more European side of Metal (like Nightwish, Sabaton and Stratovarius) never found their bands even mentioned on a show that would always remind us how Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest were bands to be listening to. A lot of the guests were on earlier shows across the season and we would see folks like Lita Ford, Mike Portnoy and Zakk Wylde on numerous episodes. We never did see Ozzy, KISS and many more that were hoped for. That being said I knew people that loved “That Metal Show” to death and knew those who were hoping for news of its cancellation. Truth be told, I never expected much of the bands that I listen to on a regular basis because I knew they were amazing and would speak about them as often as possible. I did like that there was an outlet to enjoy on the television when some late night channel surfing was being done. Perhaps the hosts will be able to pitch this to another network and I wish them the best of luck with that. If another network sees a chance to make some bucks with the program perhaps this is only a bump in the road and they will be back on the air soon. Only time will tell. If it does come back in some fashion I hope that it expands upon the genre and pays a little more mind to the stuff I am seeing happening every day in Metal. There is just too much vital stuff out there that is keeping the Metal strong to avoid it.

What did you readers think of “That Metal Show” and did you ever attend a taping either in NYC or California? If you didn’t like the show what were your reasons for this? Let me know in the comments section as I’d love to hear from you on it.

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatmetalshow/

2 thoughts on “VH1 Classic Cancels “That Metal Show””

  1. I’m in agreement that newer bands didn’t get much airtime or reporting but I did like the updates on the bands I grew up with.

    I wasn’t a fan of the show, but it did have some good moments. Outside of the show Don Jamieson does try to help local bands. He attends shows at smaller venues like The Saint, Brighton Bar, and Dingbatz in NJ. For that I have much respect for him.

    I would love to see a Piercing Metal show, and if it ever happens, please don’t have corny shit like “Miss Box Of Junk”.

  2. That’s f’nnnn bull sh*t TMS had some truly loyal fans and I’m one of them. VH1 Classics can kiss my a$$ thanks pr**ks

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