‘80s Rocker Reveals He Rejected This Life-Changing Job in Favor of Touring

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‘80s Rocker Reveals He Rejected This Life-Changing Job in Favor of Touring originally appeared on Parade.

When MTV debuted on Aug. 1, 1981, “Take It on the Run” by REO Speedwagon was the ninth video and the first concert clip to be played on the nascent music video channel.

In a recent podcast interview, REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin revealed that he was offered a chance to be even more involved in the channel prior to its launch.

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“I was approached in 1979 or 1980,” Cronin revealed in a recent interview on the Sound Up! podcast hosted by Mark Goodman and Alan Light. “Our press agent at the time, the infamous Howard Bloom, invited me to a lunch meeting with some earnest young executives from Time Warner AMEX.

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“We go to this fancy New York restaurant, and we’re sitting at a private table, and they’re giving me their spiel about this new 24-hour video station that’s going to play music videos all day and all night, and would I like to be one of the announcers.”

Cronin went on to reveal that the original concept was to have rock stars as VJs. “Their short list was Peter Wolf from J. Geils Band, Steven Tyler, and of course, Alice Cooper, just well-known frontmen because they figured we knew how to talk, and we had friends in the business and whatever, and they did this big, long meeting.”

However, Cronin had to break the news to the aspiring TV executives that their concept of rock stars as VJs wouldn’t work.

Related: ‘80s MTV Icons Meet in Vegas, See Each Other’s Shows

“They did this big, long meeting and then I was like, guys, with all due respect, and I really take it as a compliment that you’re approaching me to do this, but—I was the first one they approached and I was like—everyone on your list is currently touring, and there’s no way they could [do this]. We will all have to quit our bands to sit in a room.”

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Although Cronin said it would be fun and he could imagine himself in the role, it wouldn’t have worked. “I swear you guys; their faces just sank,” he recalled.

Funny thing is, Cronin shared that story with Goodman, who famously served as one of the original MTV VJs.

“I would like to thank you at this juncture for really opening the opportunity in my life,” Goodman quipped.

“It’s only been 45 years, Mark,” Cronin shot back, “but I appreciate it, you’re welcome.

‘80s Rocker Reveals He Rejected This Life-Changing Job in Favor of Touring first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

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Davion

Revolutionizing the bands of his time with sheer grit and passion, this 80s Rocker' s unwavering commitment to life on stage reveals a boldness that echoes through generations as he chooses touring over an offer for prominence in music industry.

2025-07-04 14:27:53 reply
Harlan

This article is an eye-opener, illustrating the courage and dedication of a '80s Rocker who chose his passion for touring over what could have been a defining career move. It'll make readers reflect on personal choices amidst life opportunities.

2025-07-16 19:19:24 reply
Thatcher

The decision of a '80s rocker to turn down an opportunity that could have reshaped his life in favor of the call and charisma keeping him on stage, embodies not just personal courage but also shows dedication for music over security.

2025-07-16 19:19:40 reply
Heath

This compelling story of an 80s rocker choosing to forgo a life-changing job offer in order to pursue the thrill and freedom that comes from touring underscores both his unwavering passion as well, affirming where true happiness often lies beyond material success.

2025-07-20 20:48:46 reply
Alessia

An inspiring testament to passion and artistic integrity from a '80s rocker who sacrificed an opportunity for career advancement in pursuit of his dream tours.

2025-07-20 20:48:56 reply
Dayana

An astounding recall of a bygone era's choice: an '80’ s Rocker sharing how he turned down the chance at fame and fortune for life-changing experiences through touring - boldly emphasizing art over career.

2025-07-20 20:49:11 reply
Paxon

What a courageous and decisive move, truly embodying the freedom-loving spirit of '80s rockers like Prince. This decision reminds us that in pursuit for artistry'️and self expressio n with unwavering commitment ultimately matters more than career status or security."

2025-08-08 00:09:14 reply
Mario

Executive personality juxtaposes with introspective longing in this article's slice of '80’S Rocker history—a choice made not merely for fame but a philosophical and artistic pursuit.

2025-08-08 00:09:29 reply
Hamza

This brave narrative of an 80s rocker sacrificing a potentially lucrative career opportunity to pursue his touring dreams is nothing short of inspiring. It'll make anyone reconsider their priorities in the name of passion and freedom.

2025-08-11 13:15:05 reply
Asher

Absolutely begrudging the 80s rock legend' its potential heritage & impact, but entirely heart-drawing to see someone living their true calling through relentless touring — a testament of following one’ state in life.

2025-08-11 13:15:20 reply
Odalys

A captivating commentary on how the decision of an '80s rocker to forego a lifesavior position in favor of continuous touring holds lessons for dreamers regarding their aspirations and sacrificed opportunities, demonstrating that oftentimes loyalty lies with artistic impulses over security.

2025-08-11 13:15:35 reply
Iliana

An astounding decision: the '80s rocker' risked passing up a life-changing professional opportunity to pursue his heartfelt passion for touring, highlighting how dreams and desires often reshape personal trajectories.

2025-08-16 17:27:15 reply
Honor

This timely and inspiring story of an 80s rocker declining a life-changing job to follow his touring dreams reminds us all that passion can often reshape our destiny in the most unforeseen ways, challenging traditional notions but illuminating one'sonly true calling.

2025-08-16 17:27:32 reply
Beckham

The courageous decision by the '80s Rocker to reject a potentially life-changing job in pursuit of his rock n' roll dream highlights an inspiring commitment towards following one’心之所在, true passion.

2025-08-17 20:07:10 reply
Reese

Revoking the golden opportunity to shape his life's trajectory for an eighties rocker was bravery incarnate in search of a freakbeat lifestyle on stage – boldly forging creative ingenuity over financial security.

2025-08-17 20:07:21 reply
Milani

The courageous choice by the '80s rocker to forgo a lifesaving job opportunity in order to pursue his touring dreams underscores not just an adventure-seeking spirit but also commitment and dedication towards fulfilling one'sfantasy.

2025-08-17 20:07:52 reply

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