About This Archive
Our Mission
This archive is dedicated to preserving the complete history of MTV's Headbangers Ball, the iconic heavy metal television program that aired from 1987 to 2012. Our goal is to document every episode, host appearance, and special moment from this legendary show that introduced generations of fans to metal music.
Through meticulous research and cross-referencing of multiple sources, we've created the most comprehensive database of Headbangers Ball episodes available anywhere on the internet.
About Headbangers Ball
Headbangers Ball premiered on MTV on April 18, 1987, and quickly became the premier destination for heavy metal music videos and interviews. The show gave mainstream exposure to bands that traditionally received little airplay, helping to launch and sustain careers in the metal community.
Show Eras
The original run featured legendary hosts including Kevin Seal, Adam Curry, and the iconic Riki Rachtman. This era captured the golden age of metal, from thrash to hair metal to the rise of grunge.
The show returned on MTV2 with hosts like Jamey Jasta, featuring modern metal, metalcore, and nu-metal acts that defined the early 2000s scene.
A brief final revival brought the show back one last time before concluding its remarkable 25-year legacy.
Research & Methodology
Episode data has been compiled from multiple verified sources:
- TheTVDB.com: Comprehensive episode listings and air dates
- Archive.org: Preserved episodes and historical records
- Metal Video Collector Archives: Fan-preserved episode guides
- Collector Archives: Private collections and episode documentation
- Contemporary Publications: MTV guides, magazines, and press materials
Each episode entry is cross-referenced across multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Where exact details are unavailable, we've used historical broadcast patterns and contemporary documentation to estimate missing information.
Archive Statistics
Technology
This archive is built using modern web technologies to ensure fast, accessible, and sustainable preservation of Headbangers Ball history:
- Jekyll Static Site Generator: Fast, secure, and maintainable
- GitHub Pages: Free hosting with version control
- CSV Data Storage: Open, portable, and future-proof
- Responsive Design: Accessible on all devices
Future Enhancements
This archive is actively maintained and growing. Planned features include:
- Video archive integration with preserved episodes
- Interactive timeline and data visualizations
- Advanced search and filtering capabilities
- Band appearance index and cross-references
- Community contributions and corrections
- AI-enhanced video restoration and upscaling
Contributing
Have information about missing episodes or corrections to existing data? This project is open source and welcomes contributions from the metal community.
Legal Notice
This is an independent fan archive created for historical and educational purposes. MTV, Headbangers Ball, and all related trademarks are property of their respective owners. This project is not affiliated with or endorsed by MTV, Paramount Global, or any official entity associated with the Headbangers Ball television program.
All episode data is compiled from publicly available sources. No copyrighted video content is hosted or distributed through this archive.