James , I cite that example because it's everything WXRT is not , today. It's not just a Rockpile show , it is THEE Rockpile show , energy levels set at "RAMONES". It's too rockin' , too raw , and too fast for that dull as burnt toast station , today. Does'nt mean they'll NEVER play it again , but , I'm not betting the farm on it......
I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THEY'LL EVER PLAY THE JAM'S CONCERT AT PARK WEST AGAIN , EITHER. I've had to hear their concert series , against my will , many times , and it's amazed me how few of the bands get past a Hootie and The Blowfish intensity , but , we've both been to XRT - sponsored shows , and seen their latter - day audience , so , I should'nt be amazed at all.
ok , They DO have Little Steven's show , now , but , otherwise , when I hear that station , I think , most of their listeners are probably only 10 years older than me. How could they give up the rock , so easily ?
James Porter said:
John Battles: I admit, I haven't read the article in a long time, but I could have sworn that Cary mentioned Kramer and Thunders in that piece. It was some artist who, as of summer '79, was too hip for the album rock stations, and my friend couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sky Daniels was the DJ's name, and he was also the program director. I just found an online interview with Daniels, and he basically backs up what I was saying. He claims that "in the beginning," he actually snuck the likes of Ian Dury and Lene Lovich onto the Loop airwaves, but the higher-ups insisted that he stick with bad arena rock. The suits won that battle, obviously.
As far as WXRT, Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds were quintessential XRT artists, and I wouldn't be surprised if their Park West gig were dusted off for rebroadcast some sweet day. When Rockpile's one and only album came out, XRT is the only station I remember playing it.