It's on! Drummer Superstars concert for Lissa Wales

Organized by Troy Luccketta, drummer for Tesla and a relatively new Valley resident, and powered by Danny Zelisko, who Luccketta says had the Celebrity booked before he even got off the phone with him, an all-star drummer concert to benefit Lissa Wales is on for next Saturday, Septermber 10, at the Celebrity Theater. Tickets are $20 and $30.
This promises to be quite a jam, featuring everyone from Danny Seraphine (of the original Chicago), Denny Seiwell (original member of Paul McCartney’s Wings) and Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart) to Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and N’SYNC’s secret weapon, Billy Ashbaugh. Long-time Phoenix favorite Jerry Riopelle will do an acoustic set, and plenty of other notables will be on hand, too.
More info will be in the Sept. 8 New Times. In the meantime, go here: http://www.azmusichalloffame.org/lissa.html

KATRINA REFUGEES

This is an ideal spot to connect with someone who really NEEDS you right now. If you have room to offer, please describe it with your email address so that others can reply to you. AFTER YOU ARE BOOKED, let me know and I will remove your posts and responses. There are at least A MILLION refugees that need to escape the cesspools of New Orleans and the devastation inland.

http://katrinarefugees.blogspot.com/

 

Jess Nicks...One Man Behind the Memories

It's an amazing thing that for three decades, Bill Compton's contributions to music and musicians is a subject of much interest and inspiration. Some of the reasons for the continuation of Bill Compton's legacy are not so publicly known.

Of course, Bill Compton's contributions were officially recognized by the AZ Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame when he was inducted into AMEHOF in April 2005. The emotional response to the tribute came as no surprise.

We have other tributes to Compton: Radio Free Phoenix, which, thanks to the vision and dedication of its creators, is celebrating its first anniversary August 18th. The success of Radio Free Phoenix indicates the strong longing for the renewal of the kind of radio experience Bill Compton created. And Jimmy Magahern's KCAC LIVES BLOG is an ongoing tribute to Compton and to those who were part of KCAC and KDKB's genesis.

People who were not here during the groundbreaking time of KCAC and the original KDKB cannot truly realize the extent of what Arizona lost with the death of Bill Compton and his radio vision. And in the aftermath of Compton's death, one person who had the resources and the desire to help build a tribute to Compton's memory was Jess Nicks. He built the now defunct concert venue Compton Terrace. Sadly, on August 10th, just days after Stevie Nick's benefit appearance here for the AZ Heart Association, Jess Nicks died of a long illness.

Compton Terrace was situated on land adjacent to the old Legend City and was the premier rock concert venue for many years. Fleetwood Mac put on an unforgettable show at Compton Terrace. Compton Terrace was the only venue Fleetwood Mac would play when in the Valley.

Many remember driving to Compton Terrace, past Compton's name in great big letters...the lump in our throats when the venue first opened...and the excitement of so many people who wanted something tangible to represent their love and appreciation for Bill Compton's contributions. Compton Terrace gave us all a wonderful way to celebrate Bill Compton's spirit and love of music. Compton Terrace allowed us to experience still, at least for awhile, what we never imagined could so abruptly cease.

To Jess Nicks we give our heartfelt thanks.

Mariah Fleming
Az Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

RFP forums: radio-active!

If this blog just ain't active enough for frequent visitors, I encourage y'all to head on over to the Radio Free Phoenix forums. What started out small has already grown into a very active community. Check it out, and join in a discussion!

Music Industry Pitches in for Lissa Wales-is Bill watching?

KCAC blog friends;
Anyone who loved KCAC, Bill Compton, and his legacy in Phoenix radio, knows that Bill had extraordinary compassion. He helped people and touched countless lives (witness this web site, and his April Induction into AMEHOF.) We recently passed the anniversary of his death as noted in the beautiful tribute written here by Ron Wortham. Bill's spirit lives on in many ways. As Emerson wrote: "The only worthwhile soul is the active soul." If you would like to honor Bill's memory in a special way, you can help transform the life of his very dear friend Lissa Wales.

To those of you who have asked about donating to a fund for Lissa, I'm happy to pass on the following information from Andy Doerschuk, Editor of DRUM! MAGAZINE and Morgan Rose, Drummer from Sevendust. They are busy marshalling forces to help Lissa's recovery.
DRUM! MAGAZINE
Hello,
Those who know Lissa have been touched by her humanity. But even those that never met her have been touched by her artistry. Take it from us – we've never known anybody who deserves help more than Lissa does right now. We have created the LISSA WALES FUND so that Lissa can concentrate all of her energy on recovery without worrying about paying bills. We invite you to contribute whatever you can at this pivotal moment. Whether you can spare $20 or $20,000, we ask that you respond as quickly as possible. HOW TO GIVE: Make checks payable to: LISSA WALES FUND and send them to DRUM! Magazine, 395 East Taylor St., Suite 215, San Jose, CA 95112 – Attn: Connie Hood. Or wire transfer funds to Wells Fargo Account #7140221818; account name is "Enter Music Publishing Inc. Lissa Wales Fund," ABA routing number 121-000-248.
Thanks,
Andy Doerschuk, Editor; DRUM! Magazine
Morgan Rose, Drummer; Sevendust

P.S. Lissa still needs your thoughts, prayers and positive thoughts. To those of you who have already left a message for Lissa at her "caringbridge(dot)org" site (enter "lissawales") thank you! Lissa reads them all and they help give her enormous courage and strength. After Lissa's second bone marrow transplant in June, she stunned her doctors by doing so well they cut her 10 week post transplant hospital stay. She now continues her year long recovery process. Thanks. Mariah

By golly, I just KNEW there was sump'n wrong with uncle John.....

A CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF ANTI-GOVERNMENT PHOBIA

Ivor E. Tower, M.D.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Volume 11, series 3, pages 4-5

Abstract

This study conclusively demonstrates that unfounded fear of government is a recognizable mental illness, closely related to paranoid schizophrenia. Anti-Government Phobia (AGP) differs from most mental illnesses, however, in that it is highly infectious and has an acute onset. Symptoms include extreme suspiciousness, conspiracy-mongering, delusional thought patterns, staunch "us against them" mentality, withdrawal from reality, and often religious fanaticism.

Having the patient committed to a qualified mental health institution is the best option for family and loved ones. For this reason, all psychiatrists and family physicians should be provided with educational materials which will help them recognize the various symptoms and warning signs accompanying onset. Since comparatively little is known about Anti-Government Phobia at the present time, a government-funded health commission should be set up to oversee, and help focus, future research.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you".  - Carl Jung:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Where are they now?

Betcha you have an older friend that asks; "Can you use that internet thingy to find old friends with?"
Here are a few neat links that might help:

RADIO DJ'S/personnell

Radio Daily News

440 International

ALMOST ANYONE ELSE IN THE USA:

zabasearch

peoplefinders

criminalcheck

NOTE: the criminalcheck database is a listing of sex offenders, nationwide. Might be fun to sign up to be on that one

Rebirth article re: KNIX

Rebirth Page 1
Rebirth Page 2
Rebirth Page 3

Song of the Week

To accompany John Robertson's post below, the Song of the Week (playbar at left, or download by clicking here) features Hank Cookenboo's closing musical tribute to Compton broadcast Wednesday, June 22, 1977 on KDKB, the day after his death. Hank, we miss you now, too.

Bill Compton's Legacy

I want to thank Ron for his beautiful tribute to Bill Compton. I remember sitting glued to the radio for many hours, on that day in 1977, with tears in my eyes, as each of the jocks paid their musical tribute to him. What has stuck with me over the years is the final tune on Scott Niccolson's show that night (A Day in the Life).

That he deeply touched countless lives is undeniable. It was his influence and inspiration that landed me behind the mic at KDKB in 1977 at the tail end of the glory days of freeform radio.

We were all dreamers and visionaries in those days. While the emphasis for many of us was on the dreaming, Bill was totally committed to and focused on creating his part of the good, the true and the beautiful. He felt that radio should truly represent its listeners, musically, politically, socially and spiritually, and, as evidenced by KCAC/KDKB, worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.

In my eyes Bill stood out because he was willing to walk his talk and speak his truth, regardless of the consequences, qualities each of us must demonstrate if we're to create the world we'd like to see. He exemplified that which he spoke and espoused. I can't help but feel the legacy he left for all of us is a challenge, that each of us, in the words of Mahatma Ghandi, "must become the change we want to see in the world and to live that with passion and conviction".

John Robertson

Phoenix Radio

 

A note on underground radio history in Phoenix:  Does anyone remember KNIX?  I don’t recall (that old hippie memory thing!!) how long it was on the air, but it predated KCAC.  It was already shut down when the “gang from Texas” arrived on the Phoenix scene. 

 

A couple of names from the air staff that come to mind are Christopher and Rickets.  Stories have it that Rickets had a penchant for dismantling the studio broadcast equipment, particularly in the wee hours of the morning… the stories never did say why??!!!   I got to know Christopher post-KNIX when he was my roommate for a short time.  In addition to bringing to my house a certain fondness for things psychedelic, he also developed a certain fondness for my girlfriend of the day.  Unfortunately, when Christopher moved out, so did my lover… with him!  But… I’m getting off track here.  Back to radio… 

 

KNIX’s undoing began with its co-sponsorship of a concert featuring, among others, The Fraternity of Man, although, all things behind the scenes considered, I suspect it had begun unraveling some time before the show. Christopher was the MC.  The band (…Fraternity…) asked him if they could do a song called F--- Her.  Christopher’s state at that moment did not include the word “no” in its vocabulary. The song was sung, to the delight of the audience, but not so to the owner of the station at that time, a person known to lean rather heavily in the direction of conservatism.  A line had been crossed, and the station owner held the winning cards.   Sadly, that was the beginning of the end of KNIX, as we had come to know and love it.   Shortly thereafter they went off the air, leaving a creative void that was eventually filled by KCAC and later, KDKB.  To the best of my knowledge (not always something to be trusted), KNIX was Phoenix’s first underground station, and sort of prepared the ground for the good things that were to come. 

 

John Robertson

 

 

KCAC July 4th podcast

Just in time (well, two days late) for the 4th of July holiday, here's a repeat podcast of Bill Compton's Fourth of July program from 1970. Peace!

A quick apology, mon ami'

I have deleted the two previous politically-oriented items that I posted. No one complained or asked me to do this but it has occurred to me that I am hogginng the blog and perhaps chasing others off with such distasteful stuff. It is SO tempting to post such things here but - that is what other blogs are for.
Please excuse me. No disrespect intended. I too, shall fade away now, so that others may have a chance to add some goodies here.
Regards, Ron

Chester Leo Helms
August 2,1942
June 25,2005click here for more info

OBITUARY for Bill Compton

Hi all. This is a simple cut/paste from my book, in memory of Bill Compton who died on this day - the Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year, 1977.

Tomorrow belongs to his sister Carole-Compton-Glenn who interestingly, is a Gemini. It's her birthday. I'll use the nickname Bill gave her. Happy Birthday, "Toot".

Ron

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Across town and for reasons that will never be clear to me, KDKB fired Bill Compton, right after the time I started at KBBC. I felt as though KBBC and Bill might be negotiating. I found out later that they were, indeed. Myself and another former KDKB announcer and mutual friend there Dennis McBroom, would have stepped aside to make room for him, if needed. That was not to be. William Edward Compton III, probably the most influential friend in my adult life, died on the day of the Summer Solstice, June 21st, 1977. "Little Willie Sunshine" was killed in a car wreck, on the longest day of the year.

I couldn't help but think about the time at the Scottsdale house when he had told me that if he had a choice, he would go in a fast car. He and his lady Kathy Radina had tried to dodge a bicyclist in their BMW and wound up head first at the bottom of a 30-foot drop in a dry irrigation canal. Kathy was badly banged up and unconscious for a considerable time.

Dennis and I both played commemorative music for our friend and breaking format, spoke openly of our friendships with Bill on the air. Flatly, the wind was taken out of the sails of our work on KBBC. I knew I would have to leave. I would never sound the same there again. The boss verified my feelings a week later. I interrupted his prepared and awkward "We're going to have to let you go" comments with a wave of my hand. I was unenthusiastic and blunt. `I know', I said.

I was simply stunned. I stayed that way for a couple of weeks. The event had been so unexpected that it removed itself from the concept of being inevitable. My own death is inevitable. So is yours. Bill was a great friend and truly, an icon. Icons are not supposed to die unexpectedly. Without dwelling morosely on Bill's and my own mutual interest in occult sciences, I will mention that I meditated at length at the dining table in my house on South Central. In one session on a flat sheet of paper in a script that was not my own - but from a pen that was held in my right hand, were written the words; "Greater Love". I folded the paper and sent it to The Lady, Jean Compton, Bill's mother.

William Edward Compton III

Song for Lissa

The new Song of the Week is but a spry 19 years old, and technically isn't old enough to have been played on KCAC or the early KDKB. Nevertheless, Mariah Fleming says it's one of Lissa Wales' favorites, and it seems especially appropriate now as we all send out our prayers and good wishes to her.

Lissa Wales ("DrumLissa") Web Page

Dear KCAC/KDKB Friends,
Many of you probably know Lissa Wales (pictured above), well known for her gig as a leading photographer for the percussion industry. She is well loved in the music world. Lissa's musical path crossed with Bill Compton's. They were dear friends and she told me that Bill's effect on her life was profound. He had an unselfish and helping heart. And I'm sure Bill would want us to know that Lissa is battling for her life.
Lissa was diagnosed with Leukemia in early 2004 and has undergone extensive chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant. From September 2004 through March 2005 she was cancer free, busy, involved with her photo career nationally and internationally, looking and feeling great!! But routine tests in March '05 showed her cancer had returned and invaded 30% of her bone marrow.
Lissa had already offered to donate her services to shoot the April 17th AZ Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Induction Awards. Positive 'superwoman' that she is, she went ahead and photographed the event even though her blood count was very seriously abnormal. Medically there was no way she should have even been able to walk. But she did it (and did a beautiful job.)
Hospitalization and a more radical form of chemo began days after the April 17th event. Then a June 7th bone marrow biopsy revealed the cancer had now invaded 60% of her bone marrow. Currently Lissa's having more chemo. On June 30th she'll undergo another bone marrow transplant and be hospitalized for ten weeks. After the transplant her doctor said she will not be allowed to work for up to a year. Lissa is counting on our positive, healing thoughts and prayers to help her do so well with the transplant she'll be able to get back to her work (and the friends she misses) much more quickly and leave cancer behind for good!
I told Lissa about a website called Caring Bridge where I wanted to create a web page for her. She said 'go for it!' Lissa's Caring Bridge site is available anytime so you can stay in touch and informed; it's free and easy to use. Lissa's web site is here. There you can read updates about her treatment progress and send your wishes, healing thoughts and prayers.
Lissa wears a brave face and has a great sense of humor but she needs us. Lissa often says she doesn't want to "be a burden to anyone." The Caring Bridge site was created so we can let her know that we're thinking of her, we care and are here for her...so she doesn't have to ask. (o: Her Caring Bridge page will provide a place for the many people here and abroad who love her to learn what's going on in her treatment, to communicate with her and her family, and most of all, to tell her we love her and know she WILL make it through this struggle.
Mariah Fleming
Radio Free Phoenix (mariah@radiofreephoenix.com)

Déja Vu, anyone?

My brother just rented the movie "Woodstock," and we're watching it again (for the umpteenth time). I'm reminded again what an incredible experience the whole '60s thing was, and the love and hope that motivated us. Max Yazgur's comment from the stage to the half a million people who attended the concert, that they had shown the whole world something new, was right on the mark. I highly recommend re-renting the movie, if you haven't watched it lately... it might bring tears to your eyes, as it did to mine.

:~)aniel

KDIL, anyone?

Anyone remember this station? In a comment posted elsewhere on this blog, Azmtbear writes, "KDIL was a freeform, smart, and very wacky Phoenix pirate in the 1970's, with a rich history. A couple broadcast legends were involved, one of whom is apparently behind the www.kdil.com website. Good thing the statute of limitations expired. 8o)."
It's a seriously wacky web site, to say the least, and makes me wonder how much of the "rich history" mentioned on the pages is made up. Does anyone out there remember this station from the 70's?

Cowboys on Mars? UFO's / lights in Cave Creek?

----- Original Message -----
From: Carole
To: Ron Wortham
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 8:03 AM
Subject: Re: Recommended
Cool! I haven't heard anything about this - so news media is not covering it as they did the previous "lights". Thank you for sending!
Carole
----- Original Message ----- I think you might find this of interest! http://www.rense.com/general65/vcave.htm
Since 1999 especially I have been appalled at the deception of the population and the dumbing-down of the people. INCREDIBLE manged news/programmed ignorance. In my opinion, the lights may be connected either to a sort of spiritual/dimensional entity. BUT they may be a totally geological manifestation of huge stresses within the earth - "St. Elmo's Fire". This has been observed prior to earthquakes, usually within weeks.

_-=Plant Your Seeds=-_ (autobiography) is now online!
http://plantyourseeds.blogspot.com/