Watch this exclusive Mr. Media interview with Bobby Friss by clicking on the video player above! I last interviewed rock guitarist Bobby Friss in 1988. Something his father told him and he shared with me that day about being a professional has always stated with me: “On time, in tune, and with clean... Continue Reading →
Don McLean: “I’m OK … You’re So-So” 3 INTERVIEWS
(NOTE: The first interview below was done in advance of Don McLean's 1983 appearance at the old London Victory Club in downtown Tampa; the next two were written from a second, single phone interview in 1986. My enduring memory of the Tampa show was taking a date to see the show and being invited... Continue Reading →
MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer kicks out the mofos! VIDEO INTERVIEW
Watch this exclusive Mr. Media interview with Wayne Kramer by clicking on the video player above! Everybody knows at least one MC5 song – and that would be “Kick Out the Jams,” mofo. Know more? Points to you, my friend. In 1969, the year when “Kick Out the Jams” was released, there was... Continue Reading →
Michael Franks almost froze those popsicle toes! INTERVIEW
By Bob Andelman (Originally published October 4,1986) Michael Franks was in Columbus, Ohio when he heard that Ringo Starr had just recorded one of his tunes, “Monkey See – Monkey Do.” “I was on the road when the record came out,” the singer-songwriter recalls. “Somebody said, ‘One of your songs is on this Ringo... Continue Reading →
Still Mad About You, Belinda Carlisle (The Go-Go’s, too)! INTERVIEW
By Bob Andelman (Originally published August 22, 1986) This year’s Belinda Carlisle model looks like a model. Men are ga-ga over the slimmed down, radiant ex-Go-Go. Women want to know who does her hair. And fans are mad about her debut single as a solo act, “Mad About You.” It’s No. 3 in the... Continue Reading →
Composer Marvin Hamlisch had winning reputation! INTERVIEW
Today's Guest: Marvin Hamlisch, film composer, The Way We Were, The Sting, Bananas, Take the Money and Run, Ice Castles By Bob Andelman July 18, 1986 Can you name a movie or play for which Marvin Hamlisch composed the music - that flopped? It’s difficult because there is no answer. The closest contender was a... Continue Reading →
Baby, Hold On To Eddie Money! INTERVIEW
Today's Guest: Eddie Money, rock singer, "Baby Hold On To Me," Two Tickets to Paradise, "Gimme Some Water," "Shakin'" (NOTE--This Eddie Money interview (and concert review) was originally published on June 4, 1984.) When it comes to rocker Eddie Money, St. Petersburg fans “ain’t got no control.” On less than a week’s notice Money... Continue Reading →
INXS singer Michael Hutchence: A taste of Aussie pub rock! INTERVIEW
Today's Guest: Michael Hutchence, lead singer, INXS By Bob Andelman (Originally published on December 6, 1985; Michael Hutchence died November 22, 1997.) There are some pretty strange stories circulating about INXS. One suggests that the band, or at least some members, listen to "dirty. sleazy. pornographic music" before going on stage. True. ("I do,... Continue Reading →
Change in sound, look, opened doors for 38 Special! INTERVIEW
(NOTE - The following interview I conducted with 38 Special lead singer Don Barnes was originally published on August 16, 1986. -- Bob Andelman) Southern rock is dead, extinct. That’s not exactly big news, but it really hit home when word got out that 38 Special’s Donnie Van Zant had donated his familiar cowboy... Continue Reading →
This post is Jammin’ with Bob Marley and the Wailers biographer! VIDEO INTERVIEW
Watch this exclusive Mr. Media interview with Richie Unterberger by clicking on the video player above! Mr. Media is recorded live before a studio audience of Kingston, Jamaica townies ready to pounce at the first slip of a Rastafarian accent from an overly enthusiastic white boy … in the NEW new media capital... Continue Reading →