Sure, they had important places out there in the ‘burbs as well, but we’re listing their top 6 Philadelphia places here.

Since their beginning, I played them on the radio and TV! They were featured on my Rock ‘n Roll TV show on Channel 3 performing Man in the Street live from Grendel’s Lair. That location made the list! I also featured the Hooters in several other television shows.

In 1986, I produced a Hooters special for WMMR. They have a really interesting story! And it continues.

This year, they are launching a big US tour with other ‘80s bands, like Rick Springfield. That national tour will bring them to Atlantic City on August 12. Outside of that tour, there will be a few other local shows including August 25 in Quakertown, August 26 + 27 in Cape May, NJ.

The Hooters released a new album on May 12, 2023. It’s called Rocking & Swing. It’s their first new record since 2010! That’s thirteen years between record releases. It’s available on CD, vinyl and digital streaming services. Find it for sure at The Hooters website.

They describe it as going back to their ska and reggae roots. It has new songs plus a bonus track – a live version of the first song that was played on WMMR, Man in the Street. The live recording is from a show at the Keswick Theater in November 2022.

The single on the album is called Why Won’t You Call Me Back. It’s a catchy number that will stay in your head after you hear it.

The opening track is Guava Jive. It’s an instrumental, totally ska! They also do a remake of the Rolling Stones’ song, Connection. The nine songs make up a little over 30 minutes of music.

And now, for the Top 6 Philadelphia Places Essential To The Hooters Career!

1. University of Pennsylvania: Where Rob Hyman And Eric Bazilian Met

Every songwriting partnership has a story of how they met. Elton John put an ad in a music paper and found Bernie Taupin. Mick Jagger grew up practically next door to Keith Richards. Paul McCartney went to see a band play at a church and was transfixed by the guitarist, John Lennon. In the case of the Hooters, Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian met while attending classes at University of Pennsylvania. Specifically, it was a synthesizer class! Another fortuitous meeting there was with Rick Chertoff, a fellow student and musician/bandmate who went on to sign them to their record deal with Columbia Records and produced Nervous Night, One Way Home and Zig Zag.

2. Manayunk: The Ranch (Just Up The Hill From Main Street)

This was their rehearsal space and where they wrote most of the first album for Columbia Records Nervous Night.

 
The Hooters were so kind to award me with this gold and platinum album for my support leading to a million sales of their debut album on Columbia Records, Nervous Night.

3. Grendel’s Lair: 500 South Street

After a bunch of shows in the suburbs at places like Mattie’s and Vernon’s in Levittown, The Hooters came into Philadelphia and did a series at Grendel’s Lair. It was in the heart of South Street at 5th. They played on Monday nights for six months. The first week they had about 50 people in the audience, the next week 60, then 100, then 200. This is where the band really built up their following. Here they are from the TV show at Grendel’s Lair!

4. WMMR 19th And Walnut

Right in center city on Rittenhouse Square, this is where the Hooters were first played on the radio. Sure, it was their hometown, but WMMR wouldn’t have played them if they weren’t really good! In 1986, I produced a two hour Hooters special that aired on WMMR where I was on the air. Here’s a photo of Eric and me in the production room preparing for the special. Look at that old telephone on the right!

5. JFK Stadium: South Philadelphia

In September 1982, their popularity was almost peaking. They opened for The Who at JFK Stadium. As if that wasn’t enough, three years later, in July 1985, The Hooters were chosen by concert promoter Larry Magid to OPEN Live Aid! That was also at JFK stadium. It’s gone now.

6. Avenue of the Arts: Walk of Fame

This is the ultimate place to be honored in Philly if you’re in the entertainment world. Los Angeles has their Hollywood Stars Walk of Fame and we have ours. All along the Avenue of the Arts, aka Broad Street, there are plaques in the sidewalk of names. Rob and Eric are there twice. First, as the singer songwriters that they are, and most recently as The Hooters. Here I am in front of the Hooters plaque today (May 17, 2023). The ceremony happened in 2019 and you can see my video coverage here.

Rob and Eric’s plaques are on the East side of the Avenue between Spruce and Walnut Streets. However, Eric’s plaque is gone. Did someone steal it??? That seems to be the consensus. Hopefully, the Philadelphia Music Alliance will replace it soon!

The post Top 6 Philadelphia Places Essential To The Hooters Career appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The New Play Frontiers Residency & Commission Program at People’s Light (NPF), following the hit plays Project Dawn, Mud Row, and Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland. NPF invites nationally renowned playwrights to immerse themselves in Southeastern Pennsylvania to create new plays that speak to both local communities and national interests.

Playwright Eisa Davis was among the first round of NPF commissioned writers back in 2013

Mushroom is performed in both English and Spanish—the first-ever bilingual production at People’s Light—with dialogue modeled on the way communities in Chester County, PA naturally move between languages. Every performance includes English supertitles for the parts of the play in Spanish, and Spanish supertitles for the parts of the play in English. Audiences are able to read these supertitles from anywhere in the theatre as translations are displayed above the audience seating on all sides of a thrust stage.

Masks are currently required indoors for everyone who visits People’s Light, regardless of vaccination status. Audience members must remain masked at all times in the theatre.

Mushroom opened on September 18, 2022 and runs through October 16, 2022. Single tickets are $47, including fees. To purchase, call 610.644.3500 or visit peopleslight.org. People’s Light is located at 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern, PA.

The post People’s Light presents Mushroom inspired by Kennett Square appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

Since then, Eric’s been busy with recording more albums, touring, and he did a stint with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. In fact, this is the 25^th anniversary of that G3 tour. To celebrate, Eric appeared on the cover of the June 2022 issue of Guitar Player magazine alongside his band mates.

Now Eric is back with two new albums released on July 29, 2022. The Book of Making (and) Yesterday Meets Today. The albums are available anywhere CDs are sold and can be purchased digitally as well. Also at the Blue Elan Records site. 

In this interview, you’ll see how modest and humble Eric Johnson is about his remarkable talent. How he spent his time during the pandemic, and his upcoming tour in 2023. That will include a stop at the Keswick Theater on September 16, 2023.

The post Guitarist Extraordinaire Eric Johnson with Cyndy Drue appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

What’s it like to be an usher at this 1300 seat concert venue? Mark Brock from Dresher, Pa has helped people find their seat at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa since 2009. He has worked over 450 shows. Find out how he ranked each show and see his spreadsheet below. He lists every act he saw, the date and his rating.

Below is the Excel spreadsheet where you can see every concert entry with its rating according to Mark, the longtime usher at the Keswick Theater. Maybe you saw one of these shows. From 2009 until 2022, Mark lists each show including the name of the act, the date and the rating.

Mark Brock spreadsheet

The post Cyndy Drue talks Keswick Theater concerts appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

I spoke to the film’s maker Lisa Hurwitz before the screening of The Automat at the Philadelphia Film Center. It was the last day of the Philadelphia Film Festival on Sunday October 31, 2021.

It is Lisa’s directorial debut. She said making this film was her “film school.” Her motivation in making it was to preserve the history of this company. She met so many people who cared deeply about Horn and Hardart.

The first automat in Philadelphia opened in 1888 in Center City, selling coffee. Soon, more stores and more food were added in both Philly and New York City. The automats operated very successfully for decades. The last Horn and Hardart in New York closed in 1991.

Lisa used a Wikipedia page that listed famous Philadelphians and that’s how she enlisted people to interview about the Automat like former Mayor Wilson Goode.

Goode accompanied Lisa on the red carpet before the screening. He is interviewed in the film because he met regularly at the Horn and Hardart at 15^th and Market. In a Q&A after the screening, Mr Goode said he ate so much meatloaf there, he had to go off of red meat. And he said that the black political movement in Philadelphia began at Horn and Hardart during his meetings there.

Another interesting personality Lisa found for the film is Edwin Daly. He is the son of the President of Horn and Hardart. When the co-founder, Joseph Horn died, Edwin Daly’s father took over. Horn had no descendants.

Other people featured included Elliot Gould, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Colin Powell. But the most prominent guest and the funniest was Mel Brooks. He sings a song at the end as the credits roll by. Lisa was able to contact and engage Brooks through a mutual friend.

The film is only 79 minutes long. It was supposed to premiere at the 2020 Telluride Film Festival. But Lisa didn’t want to have it seen virtually due to the pandemic. By waiting, she was able to be at the Philadelphia Film Festival in person.

The film will be available in June of 2022 via Video On Demand. Starting in September 2022 it will be on cable.

To see my overview about the 30th Philadelphia Film Festival, go here.

The post Horn and Hardart film The Automat review by Cyndy Drue appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The Philadelphia Film Society presented 140 films from all over the world. The Philadelphia Film Center at 1412 Chestnut Street and The PFS Bourse on 4^th Street (and Ranstead) in Olde City were the two theaters. A third venue was at the  Drive-In at the Navy Yard. And if you weren’t ready to go to theaters yet, virtual screenings were available.

Here are some of the highlights for me.

Belfast – The opening film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh. There’s already talk of Oscars for this one. The best part for me was all the music by Van Morrison! One brand new song was written to open the film. The rest of the songs you’ll recognize by Van the Man. The film opens in theaters November 12, 2021.

I enjoyed each of the 7 films in the Live Action Shorts category. My favorites were The Right Words, The Affected, The Criminals and the big winner for me was a unique take on the Phil Collins song In the Air Tonight. The 11-minute short explores the legend surrounding his hit song. This is actually available now on Youtube for free.

The Filmadelphia category is always a must see because each film in that category was either made in Philly or directed by someone from here.

Our American Family was part of that category and is reviewed in more depth here.
I had a chance to speak with its Philadelphia co-director, Hallee Adelman about her film debut.

Becoming Cousteau was really fascinating. A documentary about Jacques Cousteau that was part of the Green Screen category of films. The Philadelphia Film Society has taken over the Environmental Film Festival that happens in April. They added this category to the PFF to help introduce their involvement. The most amazing thing I learned here was that Cousteau debuted a film he made at the Cannes Film Festival and Picasso was there!

Drunken Birds won the cinematography award for good reason. The beautiful scenery of Quebec cornfields in the rain and Montreal streets at twilight transported me to another place.

All About Sisters also won an award as a favorite in the Filmadelphia category. The director is a grad assistant at Temple University. This work of art explored the pain of China’s devastating one-child policy.

I always like to see the “shorts” – films that are anywhere from three to thirty minutes long. The one I liked the most was Joe Buffalo about a skateboard legend who is a Native American descendent.

A real highlight of the festival was a live in-person conversation between M Night Shyamalan and Guillermo Del Toro (he was on screen via zoom). Guillermo directed Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, among others. Shyamalan is Philadelphia’s resident film director best known for The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable and most recently, Servant, the series that streams on Apple + TV. (Third season starts in January 2022).

The Automat was another film in the Filmadelphia category. I had a chance to speak with the director before the screening. That review is here.

Listening to Kenny G was a quirky look at the “world’s best-selling instrumentalist of all time.” In the beginning of the film, Director Penny Lane explains why she made the film. It was to find out why Kenny G made people angry.

I didn’t get a chance to see the Closing Film – The Same Storm. Director Peter Hedges (Ben is Back from PFF 27) wrote and directed this pandemic saga. It will most likely show up soon in theaters or smart TVs for all to see.

The last film I saw was Spencer, referring to Princess Diana’s maiden name. The best part of that film for me was watching Kristen Stewart on screen. She never disappoints.

The films I missed that I wish I had seen: King Richard starring Will Smith as the father of Venus and Serena Williams. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, an artist who “elevated the status of cats in Victorian England with his whimsical drawings” according to the write-up in the PFF program guide. Hit The Road, an Iranian film. Storm Lake about a small town newspaper struggling to survive. The First Wave, a documentary made in a New York hospital during the worst point of Covid-19. And Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine about the Canadian rock band Triumph. There were many more I didn’t get to see.

All in all, it was another fun, interesting, exciting film festival. It was well attended, presented and organized. Thanks to the Philadelphia Film Society and all the volunteers that made it happen.

The post Cyndy Drue reviews 30th Philadelphia Film Festival (2021) appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

Production began three and half years ago in Ardmore, a suburb of Philadelphia. It was part of the 30^th Philadelphia Film Festival from October 20th through the 31st, 2021.

Hallee Adelman directed Our American Family along with Sean King O’Grady.  I talked to Hallee after I saw the film. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, mostly in Huntington Valley. It is her first film.

Addiction touches so many families around the world. Halley believed this was an important story to tell.

There is no narration giving facts and figures as typical documentaries do. This is more like a reality show, with the dialogue between the family members telling the story. In the beginning of the film, there is a little bit of narration by the mother, Linda, to introduce the story.

One of the things that impressed me was how the director was able to capture the essence of each family member. Each person seemed relaxed in their conversation despite the cameras and lights in the room.

The director attributed that to her co-director Sean King O’Grady, the cinematographer Seamus Tierney and the rest of the team. They showed up with a lot of care and respect for the family. “I think the family knew they weren’t being judged when we were all working together. They were fiercely determined to show what this looks like for families. They were so exhausted from the stigma that society puts on them and other families that they just wanted something real,” Hallee said.

The film is successful in portraying how it is for a middle-class family living on the Main Line to grapple with this disease. Some dismal scenes of the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia where homeless drug addicts lay on the sidewalk were hard to see. And seeing the scenes between the family, sitting at the dinner table talking about their problems was not easy either. In our culture, one way to deal with addiction is denial. Don’t look at it or talk about it. This film takes that leap, and it is successful in its honesty.

This family has made themselves completely vulnerable by displaying their story to the world. They are looking at addiction in the face. They are talking about it, and they are trying to keep it from bringing them down. By honestly showing their predicament in life, they will surely help many others who may be experiencing the same.

After one of the screenings at the PFF, four of the family members fielded comments and questions from the audience. Quite a few in the audience said “Thank you” to the family for stepping forward, for being brave, and further, one said, “I needed this.”

The film already showed at the Woodstock Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. What’s next? The film is sponsoring The Real Recovery Film Festival in November. They are also working with Penn Medicine with their research about addiction, and they hope to appear in other film festivals in 2022.

Stay tuned to how you might be able to see Our American Family either in theaters or streaming.

For my overview of the 30th Philadelphia Film Festival, go here.

The post Our American Family film reviewed by Cyndy Drue appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

GalleryRoom is adorned with original, award winning oil and pastel artworks from the area’s best craftsmen (and women!) of fine art

An ultra cool piano bar/sound lounge – one of several historic live event spaces at SoundPlex

Various instruments in every room! This is an antique butterfly piano.

A Led Zeppelin poster is among many pieces of art throughout the facility

Lovers of music can experience the thrill of live music in a completely brand new social way

original 1890s wide birch flooring with exposed wooden ceiling joists creates a more rustic vibe

Another cool piece of art that hangs in the Wood Room for live shows, parties and events

The Stage in the Wood Room, A unique space with a vibe that’s unmatched

The recording studio where MGK’s houseband Stranger Than Normal will record as part of their prize for winning the competition

Bar upstairs features original hardwood wood flooring and vibe lighting gives the space an ultra cool 1920s speakeasy feel

More of the artistic decor that makes the Soundplex studios so beautiful and unique

Part of the Sound Lounge where you can sit and relax with a refreshing beverage from the bar (it’s a BYOB venue)

Historic office of Dick Clark next to the Sound Lounge upstairs

The logo of RCA Victor in the converted historic former offices of Victor Talking Machine Company.

I’m so Rock and Roll even my posters are pure metal.

The SoundPlex® offers a unique event space for community gatherings, weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more

The post SoundPlex World-Class Facility for Musicians and Music Fans appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

You need a vaccination card plus your ID to get in, and to wear a mask throughout the film. Each theater will only seat at 50% capacity. There will be a seat between each person, even someone you are with.

Despite the year of covid, there is no shortage of independent films to show. There will be 140 films spanning 50 countries screening between Wednesday, October 20 through the 31^st.

Opening night is always an important, special film. This year it’s Belfast from acclaimed actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh. A semi autobiographical – coming of age story about him growing up in Belfast, Ireland. It’s set to open November 12 in theaters but you can see it Opening night at the Philadelphia Film Center, Wednesday, October 20 for two screenings 6pm and 8:30 pm. There will be overflow screenings at the Bourse.

Closing Night will feature The Same Storm – an interwoven heartfelt tale of the year 2020. Starring Mary-Louise Parker, Judith Light, Elaine May and Sandra Oh.  Director Peter Hedges  will make an appearance for a Q&A afterwards.

The festival is also bringing in Kevin Smith for Clerk The Kevin Smith documentary by Malcolm Ingram – Oct 23 PFC – Kevin is always engaging – he will be there for extended Q&As. Two screenings. This is a documentary about Kevin’s successful film “Clerks”

Academy Award nominated Mike Mills wrote and directed  C’mon C’mon that is a Centerpiece film in the festival.

Another Centerpiece film stars Will Smith as the tennis coach and doting father of Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard. Showtimes October 28 8:30pm at the PFS Bourse and Philadelphia Film Center.

The final tense days of Princess Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles are brought to life by the revelatory Kristen Stewart in this searing psychological drama directed by Pablo Larrain. Spencer is showing Oct 23 and Oct 31 at the Philadelphia Film Center.

The Filmadelphia section of films about Philadelphia are free. Visit filmadelphia.org/festival for the full list of free films. Includes the tale of The Automat – A Philly landmark (Horn and Hardart).

The Philadelphia Film Festival is taking over the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival. From animal welfare to the effects of climate change, these thought-provoking films address urgent environmental issues.

It will pave the way for what you see in the coming spring. The PFS will produce the Environmental festival in April over a weekend at their venues.

As part of the Sight and Sound category, there is a documentary about the rock band Triumph.

The film schedule, all other events, and guests set to appear are listed at filmadelphia.org

The post Philadelphia Film Festival returns in person October 20-31, 2021 appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The post Recap: Get the Led Out at Ocean City Music Pier appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

It’s a Doors weekend on MGK (Feb 6-7, 2021) celebrating the release of Morrison Hotel. While you’re listening to all their great songs, check out this short video report I produced in 2007.

Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger talk about the early days of the Doors.  Plus you’ll see some of the live performance of their show at the Keswick Theater in Glenside with singer Brett Scallions (of Fuel). They legally had to call themselves Riders on the Storm for that tour.

What an interesting band, and they have quite the catalog of great songs. Tune me in Saturday 11am-4pm!

The post Cyndy Drue Remembers The Doors’ 40th Anniversary Celebration appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The post Mick Jagger stars in film The Burnt Orange Heresy appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The concert was staged at the O2 Arena in London in 2007. It raised money for Atlantic Records’ chief Ahmet Ertegun‘s Education Fund. It was the third time the three remaining members of Led Zeppelin played live since the death of John Bonham in 1980. John Bonham’s son Jason played drums at this gig.  Later, in 2012, the concert was released as a film / DVD.

The other Led Zeppelin reunion shows were Live Aid in 1985 and at Atlantic Record’s 40th Anniversary in 1988.

I attended the Press Conference in 2012 to announce the concert film’s release.

In this segment, Robert Plant talks about coming back together as a band to play live that day in 2007.

The post FLASHBACK: Cyndy Drue Attends Celebration Day Press Conference appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

Those acknowledged for their musical contributions were: The Hooters, Pierre Robert, The O’Jays, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Jody Gerson, Evelyn Champagne King and Dorrance Do Do Hamilton.

Their names are now on plaques in the sidewalk along the Avenue of the Arts in Center City Philadelphia. The Hooters were inducted by Todd Rundgren who is featured in the video. Mark Goodman, former of WMMR and MTV, was the host. For live coverage of the events go to Cyndy Drue, DJ facebook page and join the community there!

The post Philadelphia’s Music Walk of Fame Ceremony and Gala appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The post Walk of Fame with the Hooters and more appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

He brought his family with him, his wife, the supermodel Paulina Porizkova and their two sons. The couple had been married for 28 years but announced their separation shortly after the induction ceremony.

I met Ric when the Cars came to the Spectrum in 1979 after their second album Candy O came out. He’s got a wry sense of humor as you can see in this clip.

This was backstage before they went on. I noticed how casual he was with the camera and the lights, he was chewing gum and smoking a cigarette during our short convo.

See the whole TV report about the Cars complete with my ‘80s hairdo (a perm) – here – as it aired on KYW-TV when I was the Rock Reporter for Eyewitness News early in my career.

Ric’s wife Paulina Porizkova had this to say on his Facebook page. The family statement is also available here.

Thank you, Ric Ocasek for your music that contributed to the soundtrack of our lives. Rest in peace.

The post Ric Ocasek in remembrance appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

WMGK’s Cyndy Drue talked to a few of the 650 fans who packed the store to get their book signed by Geddy Lee!

The post Rush’s Geddy Lee book signing appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

The post Cyndy Drue with Jon Anderson appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

Check out the video here:

The post Cyndy Drue Interviews Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

by Cyndy Drue

Film festivals are a lot of fun if you’re lucky enough to spend the whole day and evening in the theater seeing films, many of which are being shown for the first time. You can get to know other film buffs since everyone is usually friendly and you have something in common to talk about – the film you just saw or the one you’re about to see. And there’s the Q+As afterwards with the film director and stars that always adds an element of exclusivity. This year look for Paul Dano, Joel Edgerton, Jason Reitman among many more.

The Opening Night film is Ben Is Back, starring Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges (Academy Award nominated for his role in Manchester by the Sea in 2016). His father Peter Hedges is the writer / director and is scheduled to appear after the film.  For a review, see this from Variety.

The Opening Film will take place Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 pm at the Philadelphia Film Center, formerly the Prince Theater at 1412 Chestnut Street.

Closing night film is Teddy Pendergrass: If you don’t know me, a documentary about Philadelphia’s own Teddy Pendergrass, singer of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes with hits like Don’t Leave me this way, If you don’t know me by now, and many others. You’ll see interviews with Teddy’s family and friends along with The Sound of Philadelphia founders, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. There will be a live concert following the screening.

The film will be shown at 7 pm, Friday, October 26 at the Philadelphia Film Center and at 7:20 pm at the Ritz East Theater, 125 S 2^nd Street.

Tickets go on sale Friday October 5 to Philadelphia Film Society members, and to the public on Monday, October 8^th and can be purchased through the Festival website, Filmadelphia.org/festival, in-person at the main box office at the Philadelphia Film Center  or over the phone at 215-422-4970.

There are three Festival Badge levels: Weekend, All Access and VIP. The VIP badge gives you reserved seating at every screening, a ticket to M. Night Shyamalan’s Halloweeen party, and more.

The full Festival schedule and digital Festival Program Guide is available now at Filmadelphia.org/festival

To make it easier for you to navigate the schedule, the festival offers the return of PFF27 Pregame: Inside the Guide. The PFS programming team will give the inside scoop on this year’s festival at these locations:

Monday, October
Martha (2113 E. York St in Kensington)
6 PM – 8 PM

Wednesday, October 10^th
Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen (126 Chestnut St, Olde City)
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

The post The 27th annual Philadelphia Film Festival appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

Photo May 19, 1 15 44 PM

Photo May 19, 12 37 34 PM

Photo May 19, 3 13 06 PM

Photo May 19, 4 58 02 PM

Photo May 19, 3 13 22 PM

Photo May 19, 12 22 20 PM

Photo May 20, 12 53 26 PM

Photo May 19, 12 11 44 PM

Photo May 19, 11 16 46 AM

Photo May 19, 11 35 38 AM

Photo May 20, 11 02 35 AM

Photo May 20, 1 32 19 PM

Photo May 20, 9 55 34 AM

Photo May 20, 10 05 23 AM

Photo May 20, 12 17 48 PM

Photo May 20, 10 31 41 AM

The post Italian Market Festival with Cyndy Drue May 19 and 20, 2018 appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.

As we get ready to see U2 in concert this Sunday night, I wanted to reflect on the highlights I’ve had with them over the years in Philadelphia.

1.) March 4, 1981, Interviewed a soft spoken singer named Bono from a new, unknown Irish band for my TV show, then drove him from the TV station at 5^th & Market to the Bijou Café at 16^th & Lombard where he introduced me to the band.  I named them “New Artist Pick of the Month” on “The Rock ‘n Roll Show” that aired on KYW-TV. It was their first television appearance in America. Short snippet here.

2.) November 18, 1981, U2 played The Ripley Music Hall on South Street where I stood at the foot of the stage right in front of The Edge and was completely blown away by how good they were. We said hello backstage but this was the last time they were accessible. Their rise happened very quickly.

3.May 16, 2004, Re-united with Bono during an interview he had with WMMR’s Pierre Robert at Independence Mall after Bono’s announcement of the ONE campaign. It was 23 years after meeting him, and he remembered our time together, saying “I can’t tell you what I had for breakfast this morning but I remember, to this day, the people who supported us in the beginning.”

4.) June 11, 2001, First Union Center – Elevation Tour. Before the show there was a Meet and Greet that I was lucky enough to attend. The Edge and Adam came out to say hello to a small group of radio professionals. I told Adam all about my first time meeting them back in 1981. “What was the name of the club?” he asked. I told him, the Bijou Café. Well, Adam must have told Bono because during the show that night, Bono said to the crowd, “When we first came to Philadelphia, we played a little club called The Bijou Café. I want to thank you for sticking with us all these years.” Then they went into “In My Life” by the Beatles and I felt like Bono was singing it to me!

5.) October 17, 2005, Vertigo Tour at Wachovia Center. I covered it live on WMGK, and found out that Bruce Springsteen was there planning to go up on stage at the end. I was able to announce it to our listeners before anyone in the venue knew. These are the kinds of “scoops” us DJs/Journalists live for! Sure enough, Bruce and his wife Patti sang “People Get Ready” during the encore much to the surprise and joy of the audience.Thank you, U2, for the happiness and joy you’ve brought the fans and me over the years here in Philly!

U2 with Lumineers
The Joshua Tree 2017 Tour
Sunday, June 18, 2017
&:00 P.M.
Lincoln Financial Field
1020 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 570-4000
Sold Out

The post My Top 5 Moments with U2 appeared first on 102.9 WMGK.