10 TV Events That Everyone Recorded on VHS
Here's a list of 10 historic TV events that people rushed to record on VHS, from concerts and finales to global tragedies and triumphs.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
From the moon landing to Princess Diana’s funeral, VHS tapes captured the defining television moments of the 20th century. These recordings were more than just keepsakes; they were personal archives of cultural and historical significance. The habit of hitting “record” preserved both joy and tragedy for generations to revisit.
1. The Moon Landing (1969)
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Although the broadcast was in black-and-white, millions rushed to record Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. Families who had VHS recorders later transferred this historic footage onto tape to preserve it for future viewing. It became one of the most replayed and treasured moments in television history.
2. Elvis Presley’s “Aloha from Hawaii” Concert (1973)
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Elvis’ concert was the first to be broadcast live via satellite, and fans eagerly taped it to rewatch the King at his peak. Owning a copy on VHS was a prized possession among music lovers. The mix of charisma and groundbreaking broadcast technology made it an instant collectible.
3. The “Who Shot J.R.?” Reveal on Dallas (1980)
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When Dallas revealed the answer to the cliffhanger that captivated the world, viewers who owned VCRs taped the episode for proof and endless rewatching. It was one of the first television events to demonstrate the power of serialized storytelling. The mystery and resolution became a global phenomenon.
4. Live Aid Concert (1985)
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The massive charity concert, featuring Queen’s legendary performance, was recorded by countless households. It was the kind of event that demanded to be rewatched, with hours of iconic music compressed into personal highlight reels. VHS tapes of Live Aid became cherished keepsakes for music fans.
5. The Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster (1986)
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The tragic explosion of the Challenger was broadcast live to classrooms and homes across America. Many taped the coverage as history unfolded before their eyes, only to watch it later with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. The VHS recordings remain haunting reminders of the event.
6. The Series Finale of MASH (1983)
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The finale of MASH*, watched by over 100 million viewers, became one of the most recorded events in American television history. Fans wanted to preserve the bittersweet goodbye of their favorite characters. VHS copies were treasured for years, often replayed in family living rooms.
7. The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
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As East and West Berliners came together, many families recorded the news footage for its sheer historic significance. The images of people crossing checkpoints and celebrating freedom captured a moment of global triumph. VHS preserved the raw emotion of unity and change.
8. Michael Jackson’s Thriller Music Video (1983)
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MTV’s premiere of Thriller was a game-changer for music videos, and fans quickly hit “record” to keep it forever. The 14-minute spectacle blurred the line between music and cinema. For years, VHS copies circulated like gold among fans.
9. The O.J. Simpson Bronco Chase (1994)
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The slow-speed police chase was broadcast live across America and became must-tape television. People recorded hours of coverage, unable to believe what they were witnessing. It became a bizarre cultural moment that defined live TV drama in the 1990s.
10. Princess Diana’s Funeral (1997)
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Billions tuned in to mourn Diana, and many recorded the event to hold onto a piece of history. The images of William and Harry walking behind her coffin became iconic and heartbreaking. VHS tapes preserved the moment the world grieved together.