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10 Questions with ... Sparky
August 4, 2020
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I’m a total music junkie. I know more about music than anything else in life. Since I suck at playing a musical instrument, this was the next best thing.
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1. What was your first job in radio and early influences?
My first radio gig was at the now defunct KFMQ in Lincoln Nebraska. After bugging the shit out of the PD,Jon ‘ The Animal’ Terry who is now the PD of KIBZ, he let me do Sunday nights 7-12m. He was definitely my early influence. I use to listen to him all of the time in amazement.
2. What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize “this is it”?
I’m a total music junkie. I know more about music than anything else in life. Since I suck at playing a musical instrument, this was the next best thing. I don’t think I realized that I could make a career out of this until I actually started my first air shift. I knew that the DJ on the air at that time didn’t know near what I did about the bands he was playing and that gave me the confidence to step up and say “I can do that, and I can do it better” even though I knew nothing about being a Radio DJ at the time.
3. What are some of your best highlights and memories of your radio career up to now?
Going from PT weekends to full time AMD host was the biggest highlight! The second was probably when I met Motley Crue for the first time. Those two events stand out as the biggest highlights of the last 28 years. Theres obviously a few more events and experiences that I could add, but they don’t compare to those 2 events. Plus they were going to pay me $17k to do mornings! I’M RICH BITCHES!
4. How long have you been rocking at KIBZ and what makes this station unique and special?
I’ve been at KIBZ for 27 of the 28 years. I think what makes us unique is our ability to know and understand our listeners. What they like and what they don’t like. We have very special relationships with the Blaze listeners.
5. You also do afternoons on 104.1 The Blaze. Give us the scoop on your show…do you do any special music features in the afternoon?
I treat my show like I’m talking to just one listener. I’m telling that one person about bands I like, cool things they could win and stupid human stories. My afternoon feature is called “Gettin your ass home” The song runs around 5:30. I play a lot of new music and sometimes throw in something that we use to play and haven’t played in a long time. I call that a ‘Revisit.” It’s something that can turn your crap-tastic day into a good drive home.
6. Now let’s talk about the music on 104.1 The Blaze. On a scale from 1-10…10 being VERY current- based, what number would you give KIBZ and why?
We’re definitely a 10. I think it’s important to continue to reseed with new bands on a regular basis. It helps keep everything fresh.
7. Let’s talk about the Active Rock format overall. In your opinion, what’s the state of the format and what can it do to be better?
I like where we are right now. There are a lot of really great young bands out there doing some amazing things. Bands like I Prevail, Bring Me The Horizon, Beartooth are helping keep it young. I love all the bands we’re playing from 10-20 years ago but fresh faces and new sounds make me happy. Rock is nowhere near dead! IF we all keep on task and stand tall together nothing can ruin the format.
8. I know you’re a huge music junkie….what are three of your favorite Rock artists or songs of 2020 and why?
I’m really into Badflower, Theory, Black Moods, BMTH, I Prevail, From Ashes to New and the new The Violent. Which is freak’n amazing!!!. These bands take the old vibe and make it a new vibe.
9. With Covid-19 putting a halt to concerts this year, what are you doing to cope with no “Live” Rock events?
Fortunately some really great bands are doing live shows online. If we can’t go to the show, we're going to bring the show to the Blaze listener. Having bands like Metallica doing Metallica Monday has helped keep the traffic coming in our kibz.com It’s the best we’re going to do for now. We’re currently promoting upcoming shows with Clutch, STP and recently wrapped up a cool gig from Dirty Honey. The one advantage to seeing shows at home is you’re not going to get beer spilled on you by “that guy.” No one is taller than you and you don’t have to smell other people's sweaty armpits.
10. Finally, what do you like to do for fun and any hobbies when you’re not in radio “work” mode?
First and foremost I love riding. I have an ‘07 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. This year I repainted it gloss black and powder coated all of the chrome black. I HATE CHROME. If music can’t fix my problems, getting in the wind will. I also have an extensive Motley Crue collection and continue to add to my Misfits and Cult collections. Ebay is the best, and worst thing ever!
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