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The "Rock of Boston" will be no more .............WBCN 104.1 FM, the long-celebrated Boston radio station credited with leading the progressive rock ‘n roll radio movement from the 1960s to the modern day, will no longer rock the airwaves.
I'm sad, but as one of the comments on the Globe site said, 'BCN's glory days are in the past. The jocks now have zero personality and connection with music, the times, and the city. I listen to WZLX in the car, and Manao radio at home. Good music can still be found!
Charles, the station hasn't been the same since you left. But as a lifelong listener, and as a news intern for Dinah and Katy in the early '80s, and a volunteer phony spot writer for Billy ("American Sex Insurance - don't get laid without it,"), this news sucks pond scum.
Damn, it's been awhile since I've listened to any terrestial radio but have great memories of BCN with Chuckkkkkkk and the Mighty Ken Shelton (still around??).
Stopped listening to BCN when you left, but still a bummer to see it disappear. Meant a lot to me to be a BCN listener as a teenager growing up in Boston.
Stopped listening years ago, too. But will never forget the Mattress Days and...
Mississippi Harold, Hadges,Matty,Parenteau Wolf, JJ, Schechter.& so many more It was so much fun from the start till it jumped the shark.
You have been missed from the Boston airways for many years. And now with the disbanding of WBCN, we have a truly a sad day in Radio. I use to pride myself in saying that Boston had the best radio and DJs. NY radio sucked, LA radio sucked... All I can tell you is that the closest thing to the old Boston radio that I listen to now comes from Manchester NH (ROCK 101 WGIR). Moving to HA, not a bad move at all.
WBCN was THE station for any kid in the Boston area during the 70s and 80s. I was so bummed when you left, and now to hear that the whole station will be gone, well, it's a major drag. Wow.
Sherman: Set the Wayback Machine to 1988, (celebrating 1968):
Part 1
If you liked that, light up a fattie, put on the headphones again and listen to
Part 2
RANGOON!!! BCN was the coolest station in the 70's and 80's. I moved to Philadelphia in the very late 80's and couldn't believe the terrible state of radio there. I would extoll the coolness and relevance of BCN to all my Philly friends and had tapes of the Big Mattress mailed to me so all my buds could hear what they were missing!
No Chuck. That sound is the state of radio today. Certainly not the radio you & your staff made possible & we were fortunate enough to have for so many years. Thanks for those thrilling days of yesteryear....
read the news today, followed some links to get to your blog. I remember running into you and Carter in Laguardia/NYC - probably the Delta Shuttle - you were arguing to keep BCN's 'look and feel' going, Carter was saying it was over. As someone who once managed a band that signed for EPIC - I played dumb and said I agree with you Charles - in the end, perhaps the folks who didn't follow your lead got Phoned in Upton, Mass for lacking vision. Mahalo
it was bad enough when they swept you out to make way for Stern...i still listened to BCN in the afternoon,especially for Parenteau and his comedy spots. (and to see which sponsor he would occaisionally trash...riot!!!) but i tuned in one day only to hear a couple of lightweights trashing Mark, who i later found on classic rock 104(!) in NYC. if you ask me, the two of you could have carried BCN on your own. it's downright pitiful now, and should be put to sleep. it gives me no joy to say that, Charles...i've been listening since BCN only broadcast at night, and at its peak, we all thought it was unsinkable. oh, well..."it was midnite out upon the sea/ the band played "nearer my god, to thee"..."
I will sorely miss WBCN, Charles. As a college student in the late 1970s and early 1980s and then after graduation, WBCN brought rock to the forefront and you were leading the charge. It will be sorely missed.
Haven't listened to BCN since Mark left, but still I feel like I'm losing something big. It's a sad day and almost ten years to the day one of my other favorite stations, WCDQ, signed off forever.
Fave BCN moment: watching Mark go up in a hot air balloon as Tank yelled "It is balloon!" Any other faves out there?
Watch for the green flash, everyone: you're seeing the rock radio sun set into the sea. WBCN was a great station, a great time in radio history; I was privileged to be at that time and place. I'm sure New Englanders will miss the Rock of Boston. It's okay, though, because Boston does rock, so it will be back.. in another way, another form.. but it will be back.
I have not listened to WBCN in years things change thats life. At least Matty is still on. I remember the morning crossovers with you and Matty.
Man im gettin old lol
Peace
Dont believe the hype
Health Care reform now.
I think I heard the American Revolution on the first night it went on air with the rock format – there were only about 4 stations I could pick up on FM then, some classical and Robbie the robot station. I was listening when you first came to BCN Charles and still have the tape of your last show along with many of those early anniversary shows with their rarities. I listen to Mano now thanks to you and not much BCN since you left. Looks like the creek is at flood stage and all the clamshells have been wiped out, goodbye Rangoon, so long Rock of Boston
I've long since moved out of the area, but the "sound" of WBCN from the eighties is still what I think of when I try to mentally identify modern Boston. That was Boston to me. As I understand it, WBCN had long since faded from it's once proud and glorious self. (Or at least, the impression it gave to us listeners. The backroom politics of the radio station may have been a completely different phenomenon.) And the place in the airwaves where my childhood friend once played, has been a venue for corporate sound, and the laughter of a distant clown, who did not represent the home I came from.
It was a privilege to listen to WBCN, the range of music it played, the atmosphere it generated, the excitement it gave. This was what the early days of Rock were all about. Not hearing the "Hits", Not hearing what was "New". Rock and Roll was supposed to be fun. That's all that mattered. Was the music fun. Did it make you feel good. Even if it depressed the hell out of you, did you feel more complete for having that in your life?
As a listener, WBCN gave me all these things, and it truly saddens me to think, that there will be no fun to pass on to the youth of tomorrow.
The creek has risen, the good lord aint willin, some one is pushing the little red button, and here comes the meltdown. Don't rest in Peace my friend, that would be disrespectful to your memory. Instead, Rest in joyful noise.
Toss up for best memory:
1. You introducing Siegel-Schwall Blues Band at Boston Tea Party (?)I couldn't get tickets for the high profile concerts.
2. St. Patrick's Day 'BCN live remote from Fenway(?Bob Sage?) Hotel with Boston Police Motorcycle Drill Team. Parenteau made a pass at one of the cops. You couldn't make up this stuff.
Well, it's not like it died as a innocent vibrant youth with all it's hopes and promises of a full life ahead of it. Let us count our blessings that we were lucky to have been there. It is fitting on a personal note, that my 60th was yesterday. This is just another bit of proof that my youth is gone.
I have Christene Perfect " Crazy About You Baby" in my headphones now next is Bonnie. Thank you to Charles and Tommy for expanding my musical horizons so many decades ago.
Hi Charles - indeed the end, officially, and a long slide for an out since BCN's wildest days of misspent youth were years ago. You, Mark, Ken, Brad, Albert, ChaChi, Carter were all my brothers, such great times with Tami and Kathryn, and I think about Oedi often too. I was so, so lucky to be there then. Hope you are well and happy. Drop a note if you get a chance - Trax (lisatraxler@yahoo.com)
My favorite BCN memories:
* Meeting/knowing Tank & Carter - what great, stand up guys.
* Carlos taking over the station (classic)
* Duane's clone being killed by poisoned lipstick (but Carter kept a bit in a test tube if I recall)
* Tami, Tank, Carter & Kathryn, who gave me the inspiration to go into radio (in which I had 12 great years behind the scenes).
and they're changing to sports talk? How moronic is sports talk radio? How can it be a better business move to eliminate the ONLY rock station in Boston yet join the MANY sports talks stations? Not a good move.
Mel and his tiny violin always made me cry as it was always the soundtrack of impending doom. Enjoy your blog whenever I visit and have always felt lucky to have been around you back in the day.
Commercial radio marches on....WBCN was so much a part of my personal and professional life for so many years.. listening to Wolf's all night show from the very beginning in my dorm room at BU..to working with him and doing many of his WBCN birthday shows every March..Being one of the "promo guys" and having the great privilege of breaking so many acts due to the courage and love of music of so many program directors,DJ's and music directors through the years...my greatest memory though was returning from a trip to a radio and record convention in LA with Wolf during the WBCN strike..landing in Boston..and rushing over to the Orpheum that Sunday night to meet the rest of the J.Geils Band for the great strike benefit they played at...there will never be a time like that in radio again..WBCN's legacy is to be cherished..I began missing it a long time ago..
First the Tea Party and now this. I remember the staff broadcasting inside the TP and folks getting body paint. Sitting on the floor was never so much fun. BCN was radio at it's best back then.
My wife just told me that Matt Siegel was talking about you recently. When Farrah Fawcett was upstaged by Michael Jackson - he said that he thinks the same thing will happen to him. When he dies, instead of everyone paying attention to him, Charles Laquidara will die the same day and no one will care about Matt.
Ahh, 'BCN in the 70s and early 80s...talk about the ultimate station. CBS Radio has no clue what it's putting to bed. For several months I worked in research for ClearChannel and my job was to call stations across the US & Canada and update their changes. To hear the receptionist on the other end say "Good morning, it's a great day at CBS Radio..." told me that truth n advertising is sorely lacking these days. Does Boston radio really need any more sports talk? Doesn't WEEI have an FM in Providence and at least a dozen other stations in every other New England market except Burlington VT?
WTF?
Hasn't been relevant in years....Toucher & Rich, Opie & Anthony.....what a bunch of crap.....when's the last time anyone tuned into 104.1 other than to listen to the Pat's !
Beck's Bolero, Magic Bus,Kashmir.... Charles, JJ, Sam Kopper, The Master Blaster, Jim Parry, Al Perry, Mississippi Harold Wilson, it was time....if BCN was a horse, it would have been put down years ago.........
Maybe it is only symbolic because for the most part BCN died a while ago, but in a way, Boston once again became less Boston yesterday.
This morning, I turned off morning radio and dusted off my U2 IPod.
Yikes! Boston Concert Network! We'll Be C'n You! It really hasn't been the same since you left although occasionally BCN would pleasantly surprise me, especially when they had you on the air; I hang onto to Carter for my connection to the past. All we can do is teach our children to hold onto those golden notes that BCN previewed. I'm now at the Paradise after many long years at the Orpheum and at least for now I try to bridge the generation gap, but i have trepidations about the future as the demise of BCN portends. Stop living in the past everyone. There are some good musicians out there who do respect the past; give them a chance, support them because a lot of them are certainly not getting corporate support. Like everyone else BCN gave me a lot; I will cherish those moments forever. Laughing goose forever!
Ahhhh.....this is what happens after years of focus groups, radio promotion hacks and costly consultants make their mark on what was the rock of Boston - it had nothing to do with the music and everything do to with the revenue stream!
The suits will never get it, as we all know "if you play the good stuff, people will tune in!"
I tuned out years ago, mostly because you left and the numerous commercials/lame music became unbearable.
Hey, isn't great to know that you are STILL missed after all those pranks you pulled on your listeners each morning?!
I posted yesterday and heard from some long-lost friends. Sad to eulogize but I wanted to mention others I worked with from '84 to '90 who helped build the uniquely wonderful Rock Of Boston. Sincere apologies to anyone accidentally missed in this note! Applause for the brilliant Tom Sandman, Billy West, Tank, my pals Shred and Bill Abbate, Katy Abel and Mat Shaffer, the late great Cosmic Muffin, Bob Holmcranz, Jonathon Troen, Josh Wachs, Joanne, Metal Mike, Steven Strick, Peter Choyce, Carmelita, Marsha Masters, Raz, Sherman, Eli Sherer, Michael Coleman, Bob Kranes, Bieber, Adam, Mark, Bill, Danny, Lather, Tony of course, the talented and funny engineers who kept us live in sometimes bizarre conditions, the record reps who were went above and beyond to get us behind the scenes with the scoop. Love to Aerosmith, Wolf, Van Halen, Boston, Ramones (extra love for Delp and JoeyJohnnyDeeDee, sadly missed), and every one of hundreds of great Boston musicians and national bands who were our buddies. Thanks to the local clubs (esp Jeff Marshall) who let us in and recording studios who were always comping us sessions for this and that. I would like to send my personal thanks and love to all the interns and assistants I was lucky to have known - particularly my producers Phil and Brian. Those who "worked" there know that the best of 'BCN was the stuff you didn't hear on the air. xxx Trax
BCN died a little the day Charles left...it died a lot the day they added Sterns....how could this happen???...reminds me of the old Steve Martin joke of "how to turn a million dollars of real estate into 25 cents in change"...sad days
I actually started listening again a couple of months ago after not listening regualarly since Parenteau was fired. I thought they were starting to turn things around a little bit. The music was improving the jock occasionally played stuff not in the preset rotation and even the DJ's seemed a little looser and not cookie cutters. Maybe they just saw the end coming. This sucks. I guess Rock is no longer profitable since there is only one station left in Boston! I can't believe a market this size with on Rock station! This what happens when two companies own all the stations in the country. To top things off the sattelite radio that came with my car died so I can't even listen to decent music anymore. Sadly most of the music I listen to today is picked by a computer at Pandora.com instead of what the record companies are paying to promote on commercial radio. It's funny how everything in life is cylical. BCN was born in the time of cookie cutter corporate radio and now it is dying by the same fate. Hopefully Charles is right and maybe BCN has to die and radio has to become total shit before something can rise from the ashes.
In some ways it seems like many moons ago and in others just yesterday that the kid from LA showed up on the Boston airwaves a real honest to goodness Rock station in Boston. Long John Who? Don't lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock N' Roll. Thanks for the memories BCN but especially to you Chuck for all the music. Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You.RIP BCN
The demise of BCN has reminded Sharon and me how important the early days of the station were to us, especially One-Take Chuckie's shows. Our kids loved it too, and the visits to the studio were great. Who else would let a fourth grader read the traffic report? It was a great time to be young and in Boston. Thanks Charles.
Fortunately, others have echoed my sentiments (well put Yvonne) that the spirit and creativity which guided BCN those first ten years, died the minute the first playlist walked through the door.
Kind of like comparing the old SNL with Belushi et al to the crap they are coming up with now.
BCN was many stations over it's lifespan, but I sure loved that first one.
All that money you supposedly made at BCN and you can't buy the damn place?Hmm where has that happened be4?I wonder wonder wonder.So Sorry fell down rabbit hole again,well if not for BCN and Sam Kinessen sorry if spelling is wrong I never would have met the imortal or imoral I forget which Chuck so I will miss that old place.I wonder what will happen to all the stuff that was collected over the years.
"Wherever you lay the blame for WBCN’s demise, there may yet be a silver lining. Before news of CBS’s plans broke, says Schechter, he’d been invited by former WBCN DJ Sam Kopper to contribute to a new, free-form WBCN substation slated for broadcast on HD2. It’s possible, then, that the new, Internet-and-HD-based WBCN will actually be truer in spirit to the station’s origins than the soon-to-be-defunct FM station was.
Spokespeople for WBCN and CBS Communications didn’t return the Phoenix’s calls by press time, however, so the format of WBCN’s new Internet/HD operation remains unclear."
No FCC and maybe they can get CBS off their ass this maybe the start of something! (Sorry for going over my limit Charles)
so many comments...but i'm still waiting to hear from the one guy who can clear it all up and make some sense out of this...Captn. Squid,where are you?
I agree with many others, BCN went downhill when you left. Stern was the lowest common denominator and pulled in numbers fueled by teens who did not know the difference between crassness and humor. Haven't heard anything to match you, Duane, Billy West and the others. Although playing "Superman" for an entire Saturday morning to prove a point was a bit overboard. If someone could come up with a good business model to syndicate you from Hawaii, many fans would follow.
Comments
Make way for the Rock of...Soccer Moms.
Posted by: Henry | July 14, 2009 3:09 AM
It sucks :(
Posted by: struff | July 14, 2009 6:16 AM
Chuckie - BCN is folding!!!!!!!
Posted by: Paul Jamieson | July 14, 2009 8:00 AM
The "Rock of Boston" will be no more .............WBCN 104.1 FM, the long-celebrated Boston radio station credited with leading the progressive rock ‘n roll radio movement from the 1960s to the modern day, will no longer rock the airwaves.
Posted by: Vin | July 14, 2009 8:10 AM
Read it and weep:
http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2009/07/final_chord_for.html
Posted by: JD | July 14, 2009 8:16 AM
I'm sad, but as one of the comments on the Globe site said, 'BCN's glory days are in the past. The jocks now have zero personality and connection with music, the times, and the city. I listen to WZLX in the car, and Manao radio at home. Good music can still be found!
Posted by: Rick | July 14, 2009 9:28 AM
Charles, the station hasn't been the same since you left. But as a lifelong listener, and as a news intern for Dinah and Katy in the early '80s, and a volunteer phony spot writer for Billy ("American Sex Insurance - don't get laid without it,"), this news sucks pond scum.
Posted by: Doug | July 14, 2009 9:32 AM
Charles - It's Gayle at the Herald - Are you awake? Can you call me for an interview????
617-619-6489
Posted by: Gayle Fee | July 14, 2009 9:43 AM
Damn, it's been awhile since I've listened to any terrestial radio but have great memories of BCN with Chuckkkkkkk and the Mighty Ken Shelton (still around??).
Sad to see it go.
Posted by: Kevin | July 14, 2009 9:53 AM
Stopped listening to BCN when you left, but still a bummer to see it disappear. Meant a lot to me to be a BCN listener as a teenager growing up in Boston.
Posted by: Joe | July 14, 2009 10:10 AM
This news shouldn't bother me a bit; not having listened to FM rock radio in years, no less BCN. So why does it?
Posted by: jasn | July 14, 2009 10:26 AM
and yet the Big Mattress lives on...here!
Posted by: squeak | July 14, 2009 10:27 AM
You know what? It died when you left.
I fondly recall the chats between you and Tommy Hadges each morning.
Posted by: Kevin | July 14, 2009 10:35 AM
Stopped listening years ago, too. But will never forget the Mattress Days and...
Mississippi Harold, Hadges,Matty,Parenteau Wolf, JJ, Schechter.& so many more It was so much fun from the start till it jumped the shark.
Posted by: Chi | July 14, 2009 10:43 AM
You have been missed from the Boston airways for many years. And now with the disbanding of WBCN, we have a truly a sad day in Radio. I use to pride myself in saying that Boston had the best radio and DJs. NY radio sucked, LA radio sucked... All I can tell you is that the closest thing to the old Boston radio that I listen to now comes from Manchester NH (ROCK 101 WGIR). Moving to HA, not a bad move at all.
Posted by: Jeff | July 14, 2009 10:44 AM
WBCN was THE station for any kid in the Boston area during the 70s and 80s. I was so bummed when you left, and now to hear that the whole station will be gone, well, it's a major drag. Wow.
Posted by: Rosie | July 14, 2009 10:46 AM
It looks like the creek done rise.
(Charles, Don't talk to the "user and abuser of people" who is Gayle Fee of the Herald.)
Posted by: Jenny Craig | July 14, 2009 10:48 AM
Sherman: Set the Wayback Machine to 1988, (celebrating 1968):
Part 1
If you liked that, light up a fattie, put on the headphones again and listen to
Part 2
Posted by: Michael J. Andrade | July 14, 2009 10:58 AM
Truly the end of an exceptional era in Boston radio....sad
Mom
Posted by: louise sullivan | July 14, 2009 10:58 AM
Part 1
http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1343
Part 2
http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1345
I'm goning to miss you BCN - Yur Biggest Fan until Chuck Left.
Posted by: Michael J. Andrade | July 14, 2009 11:00 AM
RANGOON!!! BCN was the coolest station in the 70's and 80's. I moved to Philadelphia in the very late 80's and couldn't believe the terrible state of radio there. I would extoll the coolness and relevance of BCN to all my Philly friends and had tapes of the Big Mattress mailed to me so all my buds could hear what they were missing!
Posted by: Boston Rich | July 14, 2009 11:18 AM
Love yah Charles.
Posted by: The Colonnade Hotel Boston | July 14, 2009 11:26 AM
Love yah Charles: http://twitpic.com/actaa
Posted by: The Colonnade Hotel Boston | July 14, 2009 11:27 AM
No Chuck. That sound is the state of radio today. Certainly not the radio you & your staff made possible & we were fortunate enough to have for so many years. Thanks for those thrilling days of yesteryear....
Posted by: Darth Vader | July 14, 2009 11:28 AM
read the news today, followed some links to get to your blog. I remember running into you and Carter in Laguardia/NYC - probably the Delta Shuttle - you were arguing to keep BCN's 'look and feel' going, Carter was saying it was over. As someone who once managed a band that signed for EPIC - I played dumb and said I agree with you Charles - in the end, perhaps the folks who didn't follow your lead got Phoned in Upton, Mass for lacking vision. Mahalo
Posted by: v | July 14, 2009 11:33 AM
it was bad enough when they swept you out to make way for Stern...i still listened to BCN in the afternoon,especially for Parenteau and his comedy spots. (and to see which sponsor he would occaisionally trash...riot!!!) but i tuned in one day only to hear a couple of lightweights trashing Mark, who i later found on classic rock 104(!) in NYC. if you ask me, the two of you could have carried BCN on your own. it's downright pitiful now, and should be put to sleep. it gives me no joy to say that, Charles...i've been listening since BCN only broadcast at night, and at its peak, we all thought it was unsinkable. oh, well..."it was midnite out upon the sea/ the band played "nearer my god, to thee"..."
Posted by: sonny | July 14, 2009 11:38 AM
I will sorely miss WBCN, Charles. As a college student in the late 1970s and early 1980s and then after graduation, WBCN brought rock to the forefront and you were leading the charge. It will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Lou from CT | July 14, 2009 11:48 AM
So long, Rangoon!
Posted by: Duane Ingalls Glasscock | July 14, 2009 12:25 PM
Haven't listened to BCN since Mark left, but still I feel like I'm losing something big. It's a sad day and almost ten years to the day one of my other favorite stations, WCDQ, signed off forever.
Fave BCN moment: watching Mark go up in a hot air balloon as Tank yelled "It is balloon!" Any other faves out there?
Posted by: Tim | July 14, 2009 12:27 PM
Sad Day, Charles. But the station sucked without you anyway. XOXO!
Posted by: Beth from Vermont | July 14, 2009 12:41 PM
Watch for the green flash, everyone: you're seeing the rock radio sun set into the sea. WBCN was a great station, a great time in radio history; I was privileged to be at that time and place. I'm sure New Englanders will miss the Rock of Boston. It's okay, though, because Boston does rock, so it will be back.. in another way, another form.. but it will be back.
Posted by: Charles Laquidara | July 14, 2009 1:33 PM
I have not listened to WBCN in years things change thats life. At least Matty is still on. I remember the morning crossovers with you and Matty.
Man im gettin old lol
Peace
Dont believe the hype
Health Care reform now.
Posted by: Milford_Guy | July 14, 2009 1:39 PM
I think I heard the American Revolution on the first night it went on air with the rock format – there were only about 4 stations I could pick up on FM then, some classical and Robbie the robot station. I was listening when you first came to BCN Charles and still have the tape of your last show along with many of those early anniversary shows with their rarities. I listen to Mano now thanks to you and not much BCN since you left. Looks like the creek is at flood stage and all the clamshells have been wiped out, goodbye Rangoon, so long Rock of Boston
Posted by: Allen from Charlton | July 14, 2009 3:30 PM
I've long since moved out of the area, but the "sound" of WBCN from the eighties is still what I think of when I try to mentally identify modern Boston. That was Boston to me. As I understand it, WBCN had long since faded from it's once proud and glorious self. (Or at least, the impression it gave to us listeners. The backroom politics of the radio station may have been a completely different phenomenon.) And the place in the airwaves where my childhood friend once played, has been a venue for corporate sound, and the laughter of a distant clown, who did not represent the home I came from.
It was a privilege to listen to WBCN, the range of music it played, the atmosphere it generated, the excitement it gave. This was what the early days of Rock were all about. Not hearing the "Hits", Not hearing what was "New". Rock and Roll was supposed to be fun. That's all that mattered. Was the music fun. Did it make you feel good. Even if it depressed the hell out of you, did you feel more complete for having that in your life?
As a listener, WBCN gave me all these things, and it truly saddens me to think, that there will be no fun to pass on to the youth of tomorrow.
The creek has risen, the good lord aint willin, some one is pushing the little red button, and here comes the meltdown. Don't rest in Peace my friend, that would be disrespectful to your memory. Instead, Rest in joyful noise.
Posted by: Tony Donatelli | July 14, 2009 4:35 PM
Toss up for best memory:
1. You introducing Siegel-Schwall Blues Band at Boston Tea Party (?)I couldn't get tickets for the high profile concerts.
2. St. Patrick's Day 'BCN live remote from Fenway(?Bob Sage?) Hotel with Boston Police Motorcycle Drill Team. Parenteau made a pass at one of the cops. You couldn't make up this stuff.
Posted by: aging cynic | July 14, 2009 5:12 PM
Sad news indeed! I wrote an obituary for WBCN.
http://yechristian.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/r-i-p-wbcn-fm-in-boston/
Posted by: Yvonne Christian | July 14, 2009 5:51 PM
Well, it's not like it died as a innocent vibrant youth with all it's hopes and promises of a full life ahead of it. Let us count our blessings that we were lucky to have been there. It is fitting on a personal note, that my 60th was yesterday. This is just another bit of proof that my youth is gone.
I have Christene Perfect " Crazy About You Baby" in my headphones now next is Bonnie. Thank you to Charles and Tommy for expanding my musical horizons so many decades ago.
Posted by: Bill Archibald | July 14, 2009 6:32 PM
Oh, and additional thanks to Norm, J.J., Sam, Wolfer, Jim, and Maxanne. Without the beginnings, there could be no end
Posted by: Bill Archibald | July 14, 2009 6:38 PM
Hi Charles - indeed the end, officially, and a long slide for an out since BCN's wildest days of misspent youth were years ago. You, Mark, Ken, Brad, Albert, ChaChi, Carter were all my brothers, such great times with Tami and Kathryn, and I think about Oedi often too. I was so, so lucky to be there then. Hope you are well and happy. Drop a note if you get a chance - Trax (lisatraxler@yahoo.com)
Posted by: Lisa Traxler | July 14, 2009 6:45 PM
My favorite BCN memories:
* Meeting/knowing Tank & Carter - what great, stand up guys.
* Carlos taking over the station (classic)
* Duane's clone being killed by poisoned lipstick (but Carter kept a bit in a test tube if I recall)
* Tami, Tank, Carter & Kathryn, who gave me the inspiration to go into radio (in which I had 12 great years behind the scenes).
Posted by: Mrs. C | July 14, 2009 7:03 PM
Does this mean my 1960's WBCN bumper sticker is worth more as a collectible now?
Posted by: ellen | July 14, 2009 7:23 PM
and they're changing to sports talk? How moronic is sports talk radio? How can it be a better business move to eliminate the ONLY rock station in Boston yet join the MANY sports talks stations? Not a good move.
Posted by: doc | July 14, 2009 7:26 PM
I remember the 60's at bcn-yes-not many sponsors on the over night! selling the phoenix for a quarter, sundays at harvard square. Jeff
Posted by: jeff | July 14, 2009 7:41 PM
Mel and his tiny violin always made me cry as it was always the soundtrack of impending doom. Enjoy your blog whenever I visit and have always felt lucky to have been around you back in the day.
http://www.cherrybombed.com/2009/07/wbcn-goes-off-the-air-in-boston-after-41-years/
Cheers!
Judy
Posted by: Cherrybombed | July 14, 2009 7:54 PM
Commercial radio marches on....WBCN was so much a part of my personal and professional life for so many years.. listening to Wolf's all night show from the very beginning in my dorm room at BU..to working with him and doing many of his WBCN birthday shows every March..Being one of the "promo guys" and having the great privilege of breaking so many acts due to the courage and love of music of so many program directors,DJ's and music directors through the years...my greatest memory though was returning from a trip to a radio and record convention in LA with Wolf during the WBCN strike..landing in Boston..and rushing over to the Orpheum that Sunday night to meet the rest of the J.Geils Band for the great strike benefit they played at...there will never be a time like that in radio again..WBCN's legacy is to be cherished..I began missing it a long time ago..
Posted by: Peter | July 14, 2009 11:34 PM
First the Tea Party and now this. I remember the staff broadcasting inside the TP and folks getting body paint. Sitting on the floor was never so much fun. BCN was radio at it's best back then.
Posted by: modteepee | July 15, 2009 12:21 AM
My wife just told me that Matt Siegel was talking about you recently. When Farrah Fawcett was upstaged by Michael Jackson - he said that he thinks the same thing will happen to him. When he dies, instead of everyone paying attention to him, Charles Laquidara will die the same day and no one will care about Matt.
Posted by: A.S. from Newton | July 15, 2009 12:39 AM
Ahh, 'BCN in the 70s and early 80s...talk about the ultimate station. CBS Radio has no clue what it's putting to bed. For several months I worked in research for ClearChannel and my job was to call stations across the US & Canada and update their changes. To hear the receptionist on the other end say "Good morning, it's a great day at CBS Radio..." told me that truth n advertising is sorely lacking these days. Does Boston radio really need any more sports talk? Doesn't WEEI have an FM in Providence and at least a dozen other stations in every other New England market except Burlington VT?
WTF?
Posted by: AP | July 15, 2009 1:26 AM
The crick done rise, the good Lord is not willing and we are having the nuclear meltdown.
Posted by: joe | July 15, 2009 1:35 AM
Hasn't been relevant in years....Toucher & Rich, Opie & Anthony.....what a bunch of crap.....when's the last time anyone tuned into 104.1 other than to listen to the Pat's !
Beck's Bolero, Magic Bus,Kashmir.... Charles, JJ, Sam Kopper, The Master Blaster, Jim Parry, Al Perry, Mississippi Harold Wilson, it was time....if BCN was a horse, it would have been put down years ago.........
Posted by: Ed | July 15, 2009 1:37 AM
Charles,
This news makes the short time spent working with you as an intern all the more special. Thank you...really.
Posted by: Ann Dean | July 15, 2009 2:03 AM
Nothing lasts forever, although we wish it could, Charles, you are the best and we miss you and will miss BCN...It's true "The creek has risen" :(
Posted by: Bob | July 15, 2009 2:19 AM
Maybe it is only symbolic because for the most part BCN died a while ago, but in a way, Boston once again became less Boston yesterday.
This morning, I turned off morning radio and dusted off my U2 IPod.
Posted by: nd | July 15, 2009 3:42 AM
Yikes! Boston Concert Network! We'll Be C'n You! It really hasn't been the same since you left although occasionally BCN would pleasantly surprise me, especially when they had you on the air; I hang onto to Carter for my connection to the past. All we can do is teach our children to hold onto those golden notes that BCN previewed. I'm now at the Paradise after many long years at the Orpheum and at least for now I try to bridge the generation gap, but i have trepidations about the future as the demise of BCN portends. Stop living in the past everyone. There are some good musicians out there who do respect the past; give them a chance, support them because a lot of them are certainly not getting corporate support. Like everyone else BCN gave me a lot; I will cherish those moments forever. Laughing goose forever!
Posted by: Lee Z | July 15, 2009 4:09 AM
Listened to the big mattress every morning at work in the 80's. Rock your bottom in the autumn!
Posted by: Jaimie | July 15, 2009 4:11 AM
Bye, bye, American pie...
Posted by: David K | July 15, 2009 4:33 AM
A sad day in Boston, I fully expect a funeral service led by Duane!
Posted by: Steve | July 15, 2009 5:04 AM
Ahhhh.....this is what happens after years of focus groups, radio promotion hacks and costly consultants make their mark on what was the rock of Boston - it had nothing to do with the music and everything do to with the revenue stream!
The suits will never get it, as we all know "if you play the good stuff, people will tune in!"
I tuned out years ago, mostly because you left and the numerous commercials/lame music became unbearable.
Hey, isn't great to know that you are STILL missed after all those pranks you pulled on your listeners each morning?!
Posted by: kate | July 15, 2009 5:12 AM
I posted yesterday and heard from some long-lost friends. Sad to eulogize but I wanted to mention others I worked with from '84 to '90 who helped build the uniquely wonderful Rock Of Boston. Sincere apologies to anyone accidentally missed in this note! Applause for the brilliant Tom Sandman, Billy West, Tank, my pals Shred and Bill Abbate, Katy Abel and Mat Shaffer, the late great Cosmic Muffin, Bob Holmcranz, Jonathon Troen, Josh Wachs, Joanne, Metal Mike, Steven Strick, Peter Choyce, Carmelita, Marsha Masters, Raz, Sherman, Eli Sherer, Michael Coleman, Bob Kranes, Bieber, Adam, Mark, Bill, Danny, Lather, Tony of course, the talented and funny engineers who kept us live in sometimes bizarre conditions, the record reps who were went above and beyond to get us behind the scenes with the scoop. Love to Aerosmith, Wolf, Van Halen, Boston, Ramones (extra love for Delp and JoeyJohnnyDeeDee, sadly missed), and every one of hundreds of great Boston musicians and national bands who were our buddies. Thanks to the local clubs (esp Jeff Marshall) who let us in and recording studios who were always comping us sessions for this and that. I would like to send my personal thanks and love to all the interns and assistants I was lucky to have known - particularly my producers Phil and Brian. Those who "worked" there know that the best of 'BCN was the stuff you didn't hear on the air. xxx Trax
Posted by: Lisa Traxler | July 15, 2009 5:43 AM
A little piece of me died yesterday...
While it hasn't been the same place I worked at during it's heyday of the 80s, the loss still stings.
R.I.P. WBCN
Posted by: John Wallask | July 15, 2009 6:02 AM
The last time I was allowed to "free form" was 15 years ago and at the opposite end of I-90... But the memories of where I learned how linger.
Does anybody really need any more proof letting fewer owners have it all (since 1996) was F'd up?
Posted by: mono | July 15, 2009 6:26 AM
BCN died a little the day Charles left...it died a lot the day they added Sterns....how could this happen???...reminds me of the old Steve Martin joke of "how to turn a million dollars of real estate into 25 cents in change"...sad days
Posted by: KSD | July 15, 2009 6:34 AM
I actually started listening again a couple of months ago after not listening regualarly since Parenteau was fired. I thought they were starting to turn things around a little bit. The music was improving the jock occasionally played stuff not in the preset rotation and even the DJ's seemed a little looser and not cookie cutters. Maybe they just saw the end coming. This sucks. I guess Rock is no longer profitable since there is only one station left in Boston! I can't believe a market this size with on Rock station! This what happens when two companies own all the stations in the country. To top things off the sattelite radio that came with my car died so I can't even listen to decent music anymore. Sadly most of the music I listen to today is picked by a computer at Pandora.com instead of what the record companies are paying to promote on commercial radio. It's funny how everything in life is cylical. BCN was born in the time of cookie cutter corporate radio and now it is dying by the same fate. Hopefully Charles is right and maybe BCN has to die and radio has to become total shit before something can rise from the ashes.
Posted by: Bob the optomist | July 15, 2009 7:41 AM
Since there is nothing left to listen to in Boston, any chance of doing an occasional show on Manao? Hint Hint
Posted by: Bob | July 15, 2009 7:48 AM
In some ways it seems like many moons ago and in others just yesterday that the kid from LA showed up on the Boston airwaves a real honest to goodness Rock station in Boston. Long John Who? Don't lay no Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock N' Roll. Thanks for the memories BCN but especially to you Chuck for all the music. Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You.RIP BCN
Posted by: Dan | July 15, 2009 7:55 AM
Strike!
Posted by: BruceK | July 15, 2009 8:38 AM
Good accurate column from the Boston Phoenix...
http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/86483-Corporate-parent-kills-WBCN
Plus have a nice trip down memory lane...includes a rarely seen photo of Charles Laquidara and Duane Glasscock together.
http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/86520-Photos-WBCN-through-the-years/?page=1#TOPCONTENT
Posted by: Stevie Ray | July 15, 2009 9:48 AM
Yeah, thanks for the SOTWs... except for Saloom Sinclair. "Marie La Peau" is still bullshit!
Posted by: mono | July 15, 2009 11:51 AM
Did Mousie ever get out of Walpole?
Posted by: Little Walter | July 15, 2009 12:08 PM
The demise of BCN has reminded Sharon and me how important the early days of the station were to us, especially One-Take Chuckie's shows. Our kids loved it too, and the visits to the studio were great. Who else would let a fourth grader read the traffic report? It was a great time to be young and in Boston. Thanks Charles.
Posted by: Fred | July 15, 2009 12:26 PM
Fortunately, others have echoed my sentiments (well put Yvonne) that the spirit and creativity which guided BCN those first ten years, died the minute the first playlist walked through the door.
Kind of like comparing the old SNL with Belushi et al to the crap they are coming up with now.
BCN was many stations over it's lifespan, but I sure loved that first one.
Posted by: zircon john | July 15, 2009 12:41 PM
Charles,
I'll never forget the first words you said to me when I met you & brought food from my restaurant for the Big Mattress....
"I hope you washed your hands after taking a piss"
So many stories, most of which can probably not be told without legal repurcussions. Hope you are well and gladto see that you went out ON TOP!!
Posted by: Mark ZIldjian | July 15, 2009 1:14 PM
Hey Charles, don't let this go to your head but you've got the lead in the Herald's favorite BCN jock poll!
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1184934
Posted by: BruceK | July 15, 2009 2:39 PM
All that money you supposedly made at BCN and you can't buy the damn place?Hmm where has that happened be4?I wonder wonder wonder.So Sorry fell down rabbit hole again,well if not for BCN and Sam Kinessen sorry if spelling is wrong I never would have met the imortal or imoral I forget which Chuck so I will miss that old place.I wonder what will happen to all the stuff that was collected over the years.
Posted by: Bill Conway | July 15, 2009 3:15 PM
"Wherever you lay the blame for WBCN’s demise, there may yet be a silver lining. Before news of CBS’s plans broke, says Schechter, he’d been invited by former WBCN DJ Sam Kopper to contribute to a new, free-form WBCN substation slated for broadcast on HD2. It’s possible, then, that the new, Internet-and-HD-based WBCN will actually be truer in spirit to the station’s origins than the soon-to-be-defunct FM station was.
Spokespeople for WBCN and CBS Communications didn’t return the Phoenix’s calls by press time, however, so the format of WBCN’s new Internet/HD operation remains unclear."
No FCC and maybe they can get CBS off their ass this maybe the start of something! (Sorry for going over my limit Charles)
Posted by: Bob | July 16, 2009 3:32 AM
so many comments...but i'm still waiting to hear from the one guy who can clear it all up and make some sense out of this...Captn. Squid,where are you?
Posted by: sonny | July 16, 2009 4:29 AM
We all know the first song played was Cream's "I Feel Free", but what should be played for the "Last" song?
I'm thinking:
"Eulogy" by Tool
http://tinyurl.com/mebxga
Posted by: Sauce | July 16, 2009 5:15 AM
Ther's a bunch of possible last songs, maybe that should be its own thread.
How about "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" by the Animals.
Posted by: BruceK | July 16, 2009 5:52 AM
As you said on the Poco record "let's hear it for the bad guys"
Posted by: Thomas | July 16, 2009 10:10 AM
charles, my mother really had fun doing her auntie bobo jokes for you at 7:00 in the morning!
Posted by: ellen | July 16, 2009 8:44 PM
Did the Stools-Boston's 12th best garage band-actually kill WBCN? It's a theory.
Posted by: tbone | July 17, 2009 4:14 AM
Hey Charles, where's Duane Glasscock? -now that we need him the most!!
Posted by: nazi cousin | July 17, 2009 6:51 AM
I agree with many others, BCN went downhill when you left. Stern was the lowest common denominator and pulled in numbers fueled by teens who did not know the difference between crassness and humor. Haven't heard anything to match you, Duane, Billy West and the others. Although playing "Superman" for an entire Saturday morning to prove a point was a bit overboard. If someone could come up with a good business model to syndicate you from Hawaii, many fans would follow.
Posted by: Paul | July 20, 2009 4:40 AM