Vol. 164: A Conversation with MuchMusic OG VJ Rick Campanelli
A Conversation with MuchMusic OG VJ Rick Campanelli
At Strange Grooves, we love celebrating the iconic moments and people that shaped music culture—and when we had the chance to interview Rick Campanelli, one of MuchMusic’s original VJs, we were beyond excited!
We grew up watching Rick, learning from him and finding new music and resonating with artists in ways we could have never imagined. We had the privilege of chatting with Rick about his legendary time at MuchMusic, his journey in the entertainment world, and what he's up to now. Here's a quick look back at his career and why this interview meant so much to us.
Rick Campanelli: A MuchMusic Legend
For anyone who grew up in Canada during the '90s and early 2000s, Rick Campanelli (aka "Rick the Temp") is a household name. Joining MuchMusic in the mid-'90s, Rick became an instant fan favourite. His relaxed style, quick wit, and genuine love for music made him the perfect host for the channel. Over the years, Rick became a fixture on Much on Demand, hosted live events, and interviewed some of the biggest stars in music, from rock icons to emerging pop stars.
His time at MuchMusic wasn’t just about playing music videos anc meeting incredible celebs—it was about connecting with artists and fans in a way that helped define Canadian music culture. Rick wasn’t just a host; he was a true fan of the artists he interviewed, and that authenticity made him unforgettable and still does to this day. You feel his energy on the screen, at events and we are so stoked we got to chat with him.
Meeting Rick at the MuchMusic Documentary Screening
In 2023, we got the chance to meet Rick in person at the MuchMusic: The Documentary: 299 Queen Street West created by Sean Menard, screening in Saint John at the Imperial Theatre. This documentary offers a deep dive into MuchMusic’s history and impact on Canadian culture, and it was amazing to see Rick reflect on the glory days of the channel. After the screening, we had the chance to chat with him, and we were thrilled when he agreed to come on the Strange Grooves podcast.
Our conversation with Rick was everything we hoped for—behind-the-scenes stories from his MuchMusic days, his thoughts on how the music world has changed, and insights into his career after MuchMusic.
Meeting at Imperial!
What’s Rick Campanelli Up to Now?
Although Rick’s time as a MuchMusic VJ is behind him, he’s far from retired. He’s hosted for Entertainment Tonight Canada, worked on live events, and even ventured into sports broadcasting. Throughout it all, Rick has remained passionate about supporting Canadian artists and music.
These days, Rick is focusing on balancing work with spending time with his family. But whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, his love for music and his fans is as strong as ever.
Why This Interview Matters
For us at Strange Grooves, talking to Rick Campanelli was a full-circle moment. MuchMusic shaped so many of us—whether it was discovering new music, watching live events, or seeing artists speak candidly. To sit down with one of the original voices of MuchMusic and talk about the channel’s legacy and the future of music media was a real privilege.
If you haven’t already, we highly recommend watching MuchMusic: The Documentary—it’s a must-see for any music fan.
