MTV Spring Break

MTV Spring Break refers to the channel's defunct annual spring break coverage, featuring numerous live performances from artists and bands on location. The annual tradition continued into the 2000s, when it became de-emphasized and handed off to mtvU, the spin-off channel of MTV targeted at college campuses.

MTV began its annual Spring break coverage in 1986, setting up temporary operations in Daytona Beach, Florida, for a week in March, broadcasting live eight hours per day. "Spring break is a youth culture event", MTV's vice president Doug Herzog said at the time. "We wanted to be part of it for that reason. It makes good sense for us to come down and go live from the center of it, because obviously the people there are the kinds of people who watch MTV."

After Fort Lauderdale started discouraging college students from vacationing there for Spring break in the mid-1980s, Daytona Beach, Florida mayor Larry Kelly appeared on national television to encourage college vacationers to come to Daytona Beach for Spring break instead. Soon after, beer and cigarette brands started advertising in Daytona Beach for Spring break. He later called that decision a mistake as locals experienced many problems during Spring break every year. Kelly's efforts to rein in the revelry included promoting athletic competitions called "Spring Games" to channel youthful energy in a wholesome direction, and proposing that hotels be billed for the cost of sending police to respond to calls during Spring break. Soon after he lost his election bid in 1993, Daytona cut ties with MTV.

Birthday parties included a My Super Sweet 21, which was broadcast during MTV's Spring break party. Meanwhile, Ron Norsworthy served as a visual artist and designer for MTV Spring Break 2004 and MTV Spring Break 2005.

MTV Spring Break used to hold concerts at the Bandshell in Daytona. Mr. Mister performed at the first MTV Spring Break show in 1986 as did Craig Chaquico and Starship. In 1987, Crowded House played there for Spring break.

Shock G and the rest of Digital Underground's TV appearances include MTV Spring Break 1990 in Daytona Beach. Also in 1990, Chad Smith and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers were arrested after filming an MTV Spring Break performance. They sexually harassed a 20-year-old woman during their show, after Flea walked into the crowd and carried her away.

In 1992, Primus performed hit singles "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver" and "Tommy the Cat"

In 1993, Joey Lawrence was invited to perform "Nothin' My Love Can't Fix" on MTV Spring Break. Also in 1993, DJ Rectangle won the US DMC Championship and the International DJ Search, sponsored by The Box Television, to become the official DJ for Def Jam recording artist Warren G. He then toured with Warren G on his Regulate tour, and continued to appear on various television shows including MTV Spring Break. Meanwhile, DJ Head's television appearances include MTV Spring Break with Eminem, Xzibit, and Dr. Dre. Another DJ for MTV Spring Break was Dave Mays.