Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Bob Rivers, Seattle Radio Icon

Friends and fans show their appreciation

Bob Rivers sits in on keyboards; Dudley Taft on lead; Terry James Young on bass


Spike says a few words of thanks


When the news started leaking out that Bob Rivers’ contract was not being renewed by CBS, it turned Seattle radio upside down. For more than a decade Bob Rivers' morning show on KZOK 102.5FM has been as much a part of our mornings as my double espresso hazelnut latte. He's practically an institution, and has been an important supporter of our local musicians' careers. Blatherwatch says, "This is big. He's big. The word Iconic comes to mind...this starts all manner of speculation: will he go to KIRO?"

Cory Dietz’ Radio Blog notes how Bob began to gain notoriety with song parodies he called "Twisted Tunes" for WAAF in Boston. They were so clever, ABC Radio offered to syndicate them in 1987. And he's been rocking entire cities ever since.

For me and the rest of his fan base, it’s been a few weeks of parties and farewells and celebrations of new beginnings. Spike and the Impalers, Magic Bus, Dudley Taft, Terry James Young from Rail, Roger Fisher from Heart, and many other local musicians have been paying tribute with appearances around town, including gigs at Snoqualmie Casino and other cool venues. One of my favorites was the bash at King Cat Theater last Thursday, a groovy '60s former movie theater, with swank lobby and interesting angles, and a big raked movie theater-cum dance floor.

Another event, the Bob Rivers Listeners Appreciation Night, happens 7pm Thursday Nov. 4 at Tulalip Casino, with Magic Bus featuring Lynn Sorenson on bass, Lloyd DeBar on lead guitar, and special guests.

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