[5][6] The channel first aired on Sunday 14 March 2004 when Foxtel launched its digital product and then on Austar and Optus shortly after.

Part of the channel's launch included a music event which took the place of the annual MTV Australia Awards which was held in Melbourne at the Palace Theatre.

[1][11][12] The event consisted of a line-up of local and international artists including former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.

[19] On 28 February 2016, Fetch TV (the last carrier of MTV Classic) announced via their Facebook page that the channel would close on 1 April 2016.

[20] On 27 February 2017, MTV Classic was revived on the Fetch TV platform as a result of "popular demand".

[6] When the Channel first launched (as VH1) it employed 2 on-air talent but they later began running on mainly voice overs and guest presenters, the 2 hosts were: Zoe Sheridan: the glamorous and sexy side of the project who assisted in the production to Inside Track and David Campbell: the son of Australian rock sensation Jimmy Barnes.

David also had some chart success with his hit single "Hope" which sold well in Australia, the US and the UK, he also was one of the faces of Inside Track until its cancellation.

MTV Classic have the rights to The ARIA Hall of Fame Awards show (aired since 20 August 2006).

Traditionally taking place during the ARIA Awards ceremony, a diverse range of artists have been inducted into the Hall of Fame including AC/DC, Dame Joan Sutherland, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny O'Keefe, Paul Kelly, John Farnham, INXS, Slim Dusty, Jimmy Little and many more.

So far the previous hosts have chatted with Jet, Darren Hayes, PJ Harvey, Lionel Richie, Olivia Newton-John and Chris Isaak.

After the official revival in 2020, the schedule was refreshed to include programming blocks at set times throughout a large part of the day (aside from the countdowns).