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10 Questions with ... John Lassman
May 11, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I figured, if a celebrity agreed to an interview and the D.J. was an idiot who didn’t know anything about them, that might make a good character. Everyone from Carrot Top to Shirley MacLaine to Tone Loc have been interviewed by The CHUCKER.
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1. Ok John…let’s start at the beginning…What led you to a career in radio?
The career path to be a magician was too difficult.
2. You’ve had a long and storied career in radio. Can you give us a quick overview of some career highlights before your new gig with WHMH?
After WAPP/New York, I returned to Minneapolis/St. Paul and was lucky enough to land at KQRS, working for Dave Hamilton’s ‘Dream Team’ in the 1980’s and 90’s. We took that station to a 12 share, just an amazing time.
My first PD gig at 93.7 The EDGE/Minneapolis was also very special. At one time, we had a 7 share, making us the highest rated Alternative station in a Top 20 market.
3. Before you joined WHMH for mornings, you were an On-Air Executive Producer for the Tom Barnard Morning Show at KQRS/Minneapolis. What did you learn from that experience?
The five years I spent with Tom were great. He’s a huge talent who’s been at it since I was a kid. I used to listen to him on WDGY in the 1970’s. If I learned anything, it’s how to have patience. Coming from the ‘We want it now’ school of radio, it’s been vital.
4. Congrats on your new gig as morning host of The Johnny Rock Show on WHMH. How are things going so far with this new morning show?
I’m having a blast and I think the staff is as well. WHMH is a well- oiled machine. Owner Gary Hoppe, Consultant Lee Arnold and PD Tim Dehn are all well- oiled machines as well.
5. I know you’re just starting to rock on WHMH on your morning show. Do you do any special programming or music features at this point?
We just did some strong branding with Greta Van Fleet. Morning interviews with Wolfgang Van Halen, The Offspring and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless are just a few of the artists we’ve interviewed on The Johnny Rock Show.
6. You’re also the voice of that legendary radio character “The Chucker.” Has he made any appearances on The Johnny Rock Show?
The CHUCKER is alive and well and lives in the basement of the ‘Red House That Rocks’. He’s on the show as often as I’ll allow it. The CHUCKER also silently consults the morning show at the Top 40 station across the street, but he’s not supposed to discuss that.
7. How did “The Chucker” come into existence and what are some of your favorite “Chucker” moments?
‘The Call of the Day’ was a popular bit back in the day. Then, the FCC put a stop to calling someone, recording them and saying, “Your Wife just went through a plate glass window.” So, I figured, if a celebrity agreed to an interview and the D.J. was an idiot who didn’t know anything about them, that might make a good character. Everyone from Carrot Top to Shirley MacLaine to Tone Loc have been interviewed by The CHUCKER.
8. You’re also the Operations Director for WHMH. What are your duties in this role?
I’ve really been concentrating on the morning show. We’re building something very special here and it takes a lot of effort to keep it rolling at such a frantic pace. Booking guests, writing bits, promos and social media is all part of it. Lee and Tim have the music locked down, so I’m free to prioritize. I can’t wait until pandemic restrictions are lifted, so we can do remotes again and get in front of the audience.
9. You’ve primarily been involved with Rock Radio for the majority of your career. What is the State of Rock Radio for you in 2021?
Rock Radio is in a good place, for the most part. It’s easy to get fooled into thinking that a station is ‘Set it and forget it.’ Classic Rock tends to play the same music day in and day out. One needs to find those issues and events that the community is into, then run with it. Easier said than done. Active and Alternative can fall into the ‘We have 20 slots for current music and only 15 hits.’ Don’t play the stiffs, re-do the clocks. Then, when the hits start rolling again, re-do the clocks again.
10. Finally, I heard the story that back in the day, as Promotion Director and producing an album of unsigned bands for WAPP/New York, you met an unknown New Jersey musician named Jon Bongiovi. Fast forward 35 years and you were thanked on stage by Jon Bon Jovi at the 2018 Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, then reunited backstage. What was that moment like for you?
As much as I enjoyed that evening, it was really about WAPP co-worker and afternoon talent Chip Hobart. I put Jon Bongiovi on the Hometown Album (along with an unknown ‘Twisted Sister’). Chip was the first to play them on the radio, so we both played our part. At the time of the induction ceremony, Chip was battling cancer. I secured tickets and passes and told Chip to meet me in Cleveland. Chip lost his battle a few months ago, I’m glad I was able to help put a smile on his face. As far as Bon Jovi goes, Elvis would have given me a Cadillac.
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