[BC] Last Stands

[FrankGott@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/6/2006 11:04:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
WFIFeng at aol.com writes:

<<  I'm talking about a situation where someone did 
 something like this, and refused to leave- literally barricading themsef 
into 
 the CR and "taking over" the station. >>
That would be disruption of business.  Tantamount to theft of services.  
Ample reasons for the police to be involved.

Willie, you also asked for a definition of an underground station.  These 
were legal stations running a music format.  The illegal bootleg stations you're 
thinking of didn't exist in those days.  Most FMs played classical or a 
variation of classical.  Top 40 ruled the AM band.  Those mop top boys from England 
heralded a simmering British invasion.

Underground could be defined as under the surface.  Underground radio played 
music below the radar of top 40 radio.  Album cuts and music hippies were 
beginning to discover on their own became a format.  Foment over Vietnam and other 
events of 1968 gave it a political tinge.  It was free form (an alternate 
name for the format) controlled by a person.  Jack & Bob's computer wasn't 
invented yet.

PD Ken Reeth at WAMO-AM-FM in Pittsburgh decided to begin an Underground 
program in the evening.  Yours truly, the overnight board op, was renamed Frank 
the Freak.  Zappa, the Stones, Beatles and Who were aired.  Other groups we 
played included the Doors, Cream, Creedence, Spirit, Holy Modal Rounders, Arlo 
Guthrie, Laurie Anderson, Tiny Tim, Grateful Dead, and carefully selected cuts 
from the Fugs.  Also, can't forget the Iron Butterfly.

The format quickly gained a following and helped sell more than a few FM 
radios.  Underground gradually evolved into the AOR format, which is now classic 
rock.

Rich, anything you'd care to add?

Frank Gottlieb