About Halcyon Daze

The progressive rock/hippie days were over. The early eighties were a bigger and harder rockin personification of Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll. A time when the new music was energetic and fresh, cocaine was clean and sweet and unprotected sex was still OK. It was a great time to be a young kid on a rock radio station. (That's me in the photo, Scott "The Kid", in the studios of Milwaukees 93QFM in 1986, in the midst of an interview with Graham Nash about a week after the US Festival Reunion of CSN&Y.)

For years I've told stories of the experience to my kids, friends and co-workers to the point where, whenever I would start in on one, they would say, "Here we go, it's another one of Scott's Stories."

No doubt they are "gently embellished." But now, as they come to mind, I have a place to put them.

Scott

Also check out the Audio Archive and the Photo Archive (Click on the sidebar). Be sure to just send a quick note of encouragement or place a comment so folks will know you appreciate their efforts.

Submit photos, stories, say "Hi" or inquire about sponsorship:

scottbeddome@yahoo.com.

WHOoPLA: The Greatest Rock Radio Stunt Ever.

Read the entire book here.

Much to the consternation of the critics, the death of freeform fm radio heralded the beginning of the biggest rock radio wave ever. The self enveloped, verbose dj’s of the past were finally muzzled and the wimpy and whiney 70’s “pranksters” music was culled out and replaced with only that which kicked ass. It was the early 80’s and the next generation had taken over with a vengeance.

In 1982, set against that backdrop, the Woodstock descended, legendary rock band The Who announced that they were about to embark on what would be called their “Farewell Tour.” As was the case for most mega bands of the period, The Who were going to pass over the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in favor of Chicago and Minneapolis. Milwaukee lacked a large enough venue and had long been considered a sister city to Chicago. Thus, the basic economics and mere proximity relegated the city to second class status.

In what has since come to be considered an urban legend, a true hearted DJ named Tim The Rock N Roll Animal decided he was not going to stand for it anymore. As he stepped out onto the 21st story ledge of his tiny independently owned rock radio station’s downtown penthouse, he vowed to stay out there in the cold Wisconsin fall elements until The Who would promise to add Milwaukee to it’s already planned and started American tour.

WHOoPLA: The Greatest Rock Radio Stunt Ever by V Scott Beddome is the true story of how that now mythical event came to be. It's a true Milwaukee tale about a time and place so abstract in comparison to today it almost seems like fantasy. From the inner workings of rock radio wars to the "cocaine culture" to the burgeoning early 80's new music scene, it all comes together in this FM meets Almost Famous meets Boogie Nights meets Blow non-fiction narrative.

Special thanks to all who helped!

E mail your comments and consider a donation (click right) of an amount you feel is worthy.

Scott Beddome

scottbeddome@yahoo.com

Above cover photo by Hank Grebe. Great work Hank!

93QFM Found Photos

Jim Rodeo, Jim Bullock (who was promoting "Too Close for Comfort"),
Patti Genko, Keith "Abdul" Harmon

(Help me out here). Mike Wolf (second from left), Lee Arnold, Guys from "The Cars"

During the WHOoPLA days (circa 1982). Randy Mc Elrath (rear), Bobbin Beam (Behind Lee Arnold's hat), Lee (w/hat), John Duncan (right of Arnold), others.

Kristi Knight (1982 or so).

Jim Rodeo, Jeff "Mr. Midday" Peterson, Tim The Rock N Roll Animal @ a poorly attended Little Switzerland concert event (notice the empty hill reflection in the window behind).

Wally Cleaver w/ Tim The Animal and Patti Genko

Jim Rodeo and Tim the Animal.

Grey Starr Band w/Tim The Animal and Patti Genko.

Terry Gibson and Downstairs Dan just before a long session of love making.

Unknown former QFM PD, Tim The Animal, fan w/long tongue, Mark "Mangy Man" Krueger

Patti Genko and Suzie Austin.

Kristi Knight: Red Hot Radio Lady

Kristi Knight was a friend. She was eclectic in nearly every way. She was funky, artistic and sensual. We often had long 93QFM night shift talks about nearly every subject you can imagine. Her ditsy, flaky persona hid - for safety sake- her kind and street savvy intuition. Kristi was cool.

An article in the July/August 1989 Single Life local Milwaukee magazine entitled Red Hot Radio Ladies by Lynne Shaner Williams featured Kristi as well as Marilyn Mee and Patti Genko. Read that article here.


When Playboy magazine put out a call for female radio DJ's for a March 1986 "Radio Visions" article- she spent a lot of time considering the idea of giving it away for next best thing to nothing. The small corner of a page topless photo wasn't all that revealing but generated a lot of buzz. While she was no Bo Black, but it was nice for us real men to have a Milwaukee radio girl make the cut.


Kristi is still in radio and is part of a rare husband and wife morning team in San Diego. Click here.

Pictured above: Patti Genko, Marilyn Mee and Kristi Knight from 1989 Single Life mag.

WHOoPLA: Comments

Here's what folks have said so far about WHOoPLA: The Greatest Rock Radio Stunt Ever

Mike Boyle (Rock Editor Billboard/R & R):

Remember the impact that rocker WQFM/Milwaukee had on the national and local rockscape in the `80s? Maybe you were a part of it or know someone that was? If so, check out the new book "WHOoPLA: The Greatest Rock Radio Stunt Ever" by V Scott Beddome...

From Radio's David Martin:

The true story of how one gifted radio program director and his staff, with nothing more than a great idea and their own relentless passion, made national news and history bringing The Who to their town. Sex, drugs, and a generous helping of wireless swagger, that radio surname magic one should properly call only by its given name, rock and roll... Highly recommended..."

Dan Kelley (Classic Rock FM):

You feel the drama, pain and triumph...

Dave Begel:

In all of our worlds there are good memories, bad memories and some that just defy description. This is one of the greatest memories and times in life...what an astounding scene it was to watch and write about.

Tim the Rock N Roll Animal:

It’s a very factual, on-the-money, expose’ that is the real deal. You did an excellent job of putting it together and making it all flow. It was facinating reading all that and actually really emotional…

Brent Alberts:

It’s an exciting chronicle of a Rock and Roll event that captivated an entire city and was talked about from coast to coast. Scotts story telling is very compelling, when I first read it I could not put it down. Anyone who is a Rock fan will enjoy this trip through rock history.

From Jeff Petersen:

It's a great "read" and man, the memories............ Thanks and Best of luck to you Scott!!

From Mark Krueger:

Way to go Scott, this book and your site is a great time capsule of Milwaukee Radio and Music History.

From Keith Harmon:

Congratulations to all my QFM cohorts – especially Tim, Lee, Andy, Duncan (I think I may still owe him money for some sinus medication) - my partner Rodio where ever he is (Palec too and I know where he is) Mr. Midday who cured many a hangover for me and all the folks who set the stage for us from Paul Kelly and Bobby Rivers to Commander Green and Bobbin and of course the godfather Bob Reitman (thanks for letting Mueller come over to TMJ!) and Brent who took me to Bakers Square a time or two...

From Lee Arnold:

Congratulations on your monumental work.

Having lived with your manuscript, now, for the last couple of weeks, I was amazed by your ability to capture both the intricacy and the vibe of this “once in a lifetime” event. It was definitely hard to put down. Your depictions of the main characters and all the supporting characters, as well, was right on the money. I hope this becomes not only a best seller, but a movie as well.

From Susie Austin:

WOW!

Feel free to post your comments here. (Click at bottom).

Scott

scottbeddome@yahoo.com