Before the dawn of the Hot Topic era, “120 Minutes” was one of the very few lifelines for the weird kids — hair metal haters, goth poets and smart, Sassy-reading kids lost amidst the prescribed vacuous teen rituals. These kids were often too young to sneak into cool clubs or easily travel to the nearest independent record store (that left shoplifting at K-Mart). Aging hipsters, you’re picking up what we’re putting down. With “120 Minutes” these young fans could put visuals to all the innovative, original acts they weren’t hearing on mainstream radio. Sometimes bands would perform in the MTV studios or host with fellow alt-rock bands. (Watch the classic Thurston Moore-Beck-Mike D pow wow below). For misfit teens or burgeoning indie rock fans of any age, it was a joy to behold. Thanks, Dave Kendall, Kevin Seal, JJ Jackson, Matt Pinfield and company!

Intro (80s version)

Intro (early 90s version)

Thurston Moore interviewing an alternately sarcastic, goofy and shy Beck just as “Loser” was breaking (1993). Appearance by Mike D of the Beastie Boys discussing his then-upcoming release Ill Communication.

Oasis performing “Supersonic” & “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star”

Dead Milkmen hosting an episode and singing ironically about “120 Minutes”. How meta.

Dave Kendall interviewing Lemmy of Motorhead and Joey Ramone

Videos:

Beck – Loser

Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl
Philly pride!

Sonic Youth – Kool Thing

Morrissey – Last of the Famous International Playboys

Nine Inch Nails – Head Like a Hole

They Might Be Giants – Ang Ng

Siouxsie & the Banshees – Peek-a-Boo

Jane’s Addiction – Been Caught Stealing

The Cure - Lullaby

Camper Van Beethoven - Take the Skinheads Bowling

New Order – True Faith

Replacements – Bastards of Young