When I first got into the radio business, I was working for a country station in Cincinnati, Ohio.  As Cincy isn't too far from Nashville, and country CDs (remember those?) and cassettes (how 'bout those?) sold pretty well there, we were a popular stop for bands and artists.

One of those bands was Rascal Flatts.

"Alright, the next S.O.B. who throws a cup at us is getting a butt-whuppin'!"

Their big, and only, song at the time was this little number:

"Thanks for reminding me how much thinner I was when that song came out, Terry."

They were 3 young and hungry boys working to make their mark in the world of country music.  My boss had them in the studio for an live on-air interview.  I got to hang out during the show as I was an assistant at the time.

The young Rascals were joking around with my boss and somewhere along the line, one of them said something to the effect of, "Aw we're just a buncha drug addicts."

Chuckles ensued.  My boss said, "Hey guys we're a family station." and a commercial break followed after another moment of banter.

Once the microphones were off, my boss gave the boys a little talking to.  I believe the words were, "You guys can't say stuff like that on this station.  Got it?"  Sheepish apologies followed.  The boys played a free show for us later that night to a massive crowd of listeners and life went on.

I love seeing bands when they're on their way up.  They're not totally jaded by the music industry yet.  They play every show like it might be their last because it really might be their last.

Seeing established bands has its own benefits.  The musicians are more polished.  The set peices, lighting and special effects on the stage are usually pretty interesting, visually-speaking.  The whole production is very well crafted.

Still, there's something to be said for the raw energy and hunger of an artist who's going for broke on what may be the last stage he or she ever plays.

The next time I saw Rascal Flatts, they were promoting their second album and playing the old grandstand at Wisconsin Valley Fair.  Gary was a little heavier...

"You know what else is heavy?  My fist when it hits your stupid face, Stevens"

...the band was a little tighter, the energy was still there and they stone cold rocked the party.

Today, they're playing massive stadiums and pretty much every song they come out with is a hit, but I'll always remember when they were 3 fresh-faced youths being scolded by my boss in Cincinnati, Ohio.

And now, for something completely different...

"Hi, we're something completely different."

The Dirt Drifters, a hot new band that was just signed by Warner Brothers Records, will be playing R.J.'s Bullshooter's Saloon this Friday and Saturday night.  They'll actually be in our studios on Friday to play an Arby's Acoustic Lunch for some lucky WDEZ Club Members.  (BTW, Arby's can totally hook up your Super Bowl Party.  Give them a call and ask about catering.  Mmmmm, roast beef.  [DROOL])

Keep listening and collecting those WDEZ Club Points to win tickets!

Your Blog Keyword for today is "GaryhitsTerry".  It's good for 250 WDEZ Club Points until 1700 on 2/4/10.

Your TTPK Hint for yesterday is:  "2 halves"

There's also a new Terry's Bonus Point Poll for another 400 WDEZ Club Points here.

Be Cool,

TS