Watch That Metal Show

That Metal Show has been a staple of VH1 Classic since November 15, 2008. The show is hosted by metal afficianado Eddie Trunk, and is co-hosted by Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine. The talk-show format revolves around current and classic heavy metal, though sometimes verges into hard and arena rock territory. It is not uncommon for the show to address modern acts like Lamb of God or Periphery alongside classic bands such as Queen or Black Sabbath. This wide scope plays a large part in the appeal of the show to both young and old fans of the genre.

Typical segments of the show include debates between the hosts over the merits of various bands, vocalists, and instrumentalists. Top-5 debates between hosts and guests, and trivia quizes are also a mainstay of each episode.

Arguably the most important and valued segment features interviews with heavy metal musicians. Though this part of the show frequently features modern acts, much of the audience is familiar with guest artists from the seventies and eighties. These interviews are the crux of the show and have featured members of Rush, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Guns 'N Roses, Motley Crue, Van Halen and many other luminaries in the world of heavy metal.

Each eposide also features a guest guitarist who plays during commercial intros and outros. While possibly unknown to music fans outside of the metal universe, fans immediately recognize such guests as Joe Satriani, Ritchie Kotzen, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and many others. This creates a unique commercial break for each episode.

The appeal of the show to the average heavy metal fan lies in the fact that many mainstream media outlets no longer give air time to many of these artists, though their careers and creative output may be at an all time high. Fans have the opportunity to hear the artists take on current projects and events.

Perhaps most appealing is the show's ability to capture the thoughts of artists during or immediately after significant events in the music world. Several episodes have featured the very last interviews with stars like Jani Lane or Ronnie James Dio shortly before their untimely deaths. Truck and company are also able to offer articulate and informed opinions on band break-ups, reunions, stylistic changes, and the state of the music industry as a whole, related to the metal genre.

That Metal Show is a series that is currently running and has 14 seasons (130 episodes). The series first aired on November 15, 2008.