Because today, all these years later, I'm lucky enough to receive an e-mail like this one. Steve, thank you  so much for taking the time to send this memory to me. It's an honor to be part of one of your life's definitive moments! My very best wishes. xoxoxo,  Martha 

Subject: Re: You started the 80's for me. 

Martha,
 


I tell this story over and over again, whenever anybody brings up the 80’s.  San Diego stadium (before It was Jack Murphy), three acts.  The first was virtually unknown guy known as John Cougar.  He was the warm-up act. The second was a group that I thought would have stuck around longer, Loverboy. Of course, the headline was my favorite group of the time, The Who.  Between Loverboy and The Who you came on and said, “Hello, My name is Martha Quinn, and this is MTV.”



This was a clear and definitive moment in my life, like watching the Berlin Wall come down and 9/11.    Lasers shot off and John Cougar’s ‘Hurt So Good” was on the overhead monitor. I know it was probably part of a very long publicity tour for you to help kick off the new channel, and I know it may sound shallow of me to say this, but it really was one of those moments that left a lasting impression on me.  I don’t care if it was a corporate promotion, to me that was the official kick-off to an era.


I  just listened to the  “Stuck in the 80’s” interview you were on, and I have to say it was one of the best interviews I’ve ever heard.   I loved how you broke down if you’re east coast you’re Bon Jovi and Areosmith. West Coast it’s Oingo Boingo and Depeche Mode. And you mentioned KROQ. Yeah, I totally got you! I actually had a chance to meet Richard Blade back in the 80’s, he was the nicest guy you could imagine.



I  liked how you summed up the 80’s but I can add one more thing if I could.  To me the music of the 80s were definitive different sounds, and a lot of untested ideas. Today, the music pretty much sounds the same because they work on ideas that have worked in the past. We are part of an innovative generation, that time and time again has proven to have changed the world.


-Steve



BTW, true to form I have to say this, I have never stopped having a crush on you, and when you are 105 and all your hair has fallen out, I will still have the biggest crush on you!  Thank you Martha!