Coordinates	64°32′″N40°32′″N
Name	WNCX
City	Cleveland, Ohio
Area	Greater ClevelandNortheast Ohio
Branding	98.5 WNCX
Slogan	Cleveland's Classic Rock
Airdate	October 22, 1986(as WNCX)
Frequency	98.5 (MHz)
Format	Analog/HD1: Classic rockHD2: Spanish CHR
Erp	16,000 watts
Haat	293 meters
Class	B
Coordinates
Facility id	41390
Callsign meaning	W-"North-Coast-eXpress"(intended, but never official)
Former callsigns	1972-1986: WGCL1948-1972: WERE-FM
Owner	CBS Radio
Licensee	CBS Radio Holdings, Inc.
Sister stations	WDOK, WKRK-FM, WQAL
Webcast	Listen Live
Website	WNCX.com

WNCX (98.5 FM) — branded 98.5 WNCX — is commercial radio station in Cleveland, Ohio, broadcasting a classic rock format. The station's studios are currently located in Cleveland's historic Halle Building, in the Playhouse Square District. The WNCX transmitter is located in nearby North Royalton, Ohio.

The station is currently owned and operated by CBS Radio, a division of CBS Corporation. It was among the first stations in Cleveland broadcasting a digital signal using HD Radio.

Early years

WERE-FM

The station first went on the air in 1948 as WERE-FM and was the FM outlet for WERE (AM), where it primarily simulcast the programming of its more popular AM sister station over the next 24 years. WERE-FM actually signed on one year prior to its AM counterpart.

WGCL

The stations were purchased by General Cinema Corporation in 1972, which would go on to change the call letters of the FM station to WGCL on August 15, 1972, while it flipped the station from its fully automated format to Top 40 as G-98. WGCL began as an affiliate of the Drake-Chenault ''Solid Gold'' and ''Hit Parade'' formats, which featured a Top 40/Oldies mix, but eventually went live and local with personalities such as David Mark and Mike Dix (formerly of the legendary WIXY 1260). Famed programmer Lee Abrams helmed the station; George Jay was its news director.

One of G-98's most recognized air personalities was Dancin' Danny Wright, who later had a long stretch in afternoon drive at country WGAR. He later became nationally syndicated with his current show, Jones Radio Network's ''Danny Wright All Night''.

During the next 14 years the station would go on to enjoy moderate success in the face of significant competition from crosstown rock juggernaut, WMMS. Their best year was 1982 when they actually beat WMMS in the ratings, but after WMMS re-tooled and recaptured first place a short time later, WGCL slowly lost ground. The station was sold in 1986.

The call letters WGCL are now in use at the CBS television affiliate in Atlanta.

The North Coast's New FM

With the station being sold to Detroit-based Metropolis Broadcasting, it ushered in a change. For only the second time its 38-year history, the station would change its call letters to WNCX (which was to stand for "North Coast eXpress", but Metropolis failed to service mark the slogan, which WMMS did) and format on October 22, 1986, when it adopted an eclectic rock/top 40 mixed format.

To signal a sign of the changes to come, the station aired Beatles records non-stop for 72-hours after the last day of the old WGCL format, just before the launch of the new WNCX format. This was one of the earliest examples of "stunting" in between formats, a practice which became common some years later.

It was rumored at the time that one reason for the stunt was that disgruntled WGCL employees who would be losing their jobs once Metropolis took over had stolen virtually all of the G-98 music library, forcing station staff to go out and purchase compact discs to play for when the new format launched (and in addition, the arrival of the compact-disc players the station had ordered was delayed for two days). Because of this, the station was one of the first radio stations in Cleveland to have a complete on-air library made up of compact discs, having spent thousands of dollars on what was considered a fairly new and advanced form of media.

While it was considered a new radio station, the staff was anything but new as it featured a well-seasoned lineup of Cleveland radio veterans—eight of whom were stolen directly from its heated rival, WMMS. Headed by the latter's former Program Director, John Gorman (as WNCX Operations Manager) and 15-year WMMS veteran Denny Sanders (as WNCX Program Director), the pair promised "a much different sound than other stations," and that they would "play a wide variety of music, 360 degrees of rock 'n' roll, from old to new to R&B.;" The sizable WNCX's playlist emphasized new music, local records and included a Saturday night dance club music show. The format became a pioneering effort in what, just a short time later, would be a successful approach for many stations throughout the country, the "rock-CHR" format.

Its DJ lineup included former WGAR-AM personality Paul Tapie in the morning, former WHK Program Director and DJ Bernie Kimble in middays, Sanders during the afternoon drive, former WMMS DJ Spaceman Scott evenings and Nancy Alden late nights. Due to an inability by Metropolis Broadcasting to buyout his contract, Danny Wright was moved to the overnight slot for several months as a board-op with no speaking role whatsoever. Recorded station IDs and imaging was created by acclaimed "Word Jazz" artist Ken Nordine.

Yet, three months after the cutting-edge station's high-visibility launch, all of the staff except for Paul Tapie were fired, and the station was put back up for sale. Most of the dismissed personalities enjoyed longevity in the market elsewhere. John Gorman became program director at WMJI in 1991 (and again at WMMS in 1994) and lasted until 1996. Sanders landed at WMJI in 1988, succeeded Gorman as Program Director in 1996. Spaceman Scott became the program director for WRQK in the late 80s, then came back to WMMS in the early 90s. Nancy Alden went to WDOK in April 1987 and has been a fixture at that station ever since; while Bernie Kimble was the program director at smooth jazz WNWV for over fifteen years.

The immediate offering of the station for re-sale, lead most observers to conclude that Metropolis Broadcasting was poorly organized and financed right from the start. Their sole other station (WDTX-FM in Detroit) was put up for sale at this time as well and, within just a few months, Metropolis Broadcasting had gone out of business completely.

Evolution to classic rock

During the time WNCX was offered again for sale, Metropolis Broadcasting employed the use of Cleveland-based radio consultant, Mike McVay, former program director and general manager at another Cleveland station, WMJI. McVay immediately relaunched WNCX as a Classic hits station, featuring an innocuous mix of pop-rock Classic artists like Elton John, Paul McCartney and Cat Stevens, with little promotion and dramatically reduced expenses.

The curiously swift abortion of the current-based eclectic format so soon after launch was a cause for concern in the local radio and musicians' community. However the oldies-based Classic Hits format had a level of success with Cleveland audiences as heavy focus at WMJI on 1950s and early 1960s Oldies (at that time) left a definite gap in the market for a station willing to serve listeners who enjoyed more recent memories. Over the next several rating periods, as WMJI began to compensate, WNCX eventually repositioned itself solidly between WMJI and WMMS, drawing from both stations by completing an evolution to pure Classic rock. Consultant Mike McVay departed about this time. McVay currently serves as president of McVay Media and is the author of the book, ''The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Radio Stations''.

Metroplex: personality radio

Not too long after the evolution to classic rock, WNCX and its AM sister station found themselves being sold once again, but this time to locally based Metroplex Communications. Metroplex was headed by two Cleveland radio architects, Norman Wain and Bob Weiss, the former owners of the legendary Cleveland Top 40 station WIXY (1260 AM) during the 1960s.

Wain and Weiss set out to accomplish once again what they had done in 1965, and that was to build a radio station with personality, particularly Cleveland personality. Over the next few years they did just that.

Cleveland native Bill Louis was brought in to do middays in 1987 — an airshift he continues to man to date and was promoted to Program Director in 1996. Following that promotion, Louis named fellow Cleveland native and WNCX morning show producer Dave Jockers as his assistant program director and music director, positions Jockers held for nearly fourteen years until departing in October 2010. In 1990 Wain and then program director Doug Podell hired local rock musician Michael Stanley to host a one-hour radio program entitled ''In the Heartland''; the show would eventually lead to Stanley taking over the afternoon shift on WNCX — an airshift he still does to date. Cleveland native Mr. Classic (Walt Garrett) has been on WNCX for since June 1987. A weekend highlight of radio is named the ''Saturday Night Live House Party'' five hours of great requests with musically savvy listeners. His knowledge of the world is unparalleled, knowledge he shares with his listeners during his many weekend and substitute air shifts. For a couple of years, Ron Sweed co-hosted his Saturday night all-request show under his Ghoul persona.

Morning troubles

Comedian Paul Tapie, the lone holdover from the original staff, carried on in morning drive until his dismissal in 1989. The station posted several full-page ads adversting their morning-drive job opening as a result. Paul Tapie later went on to helm the morning slot at WKNR with that station's launch as a sports station in 1991, and would also host the Ohio Lottery TV game show, "Cash Explosion" from 1988 until 2004. Hired by then-PD Paul Ingles (at the suggestion of programming guru Andy Bloom) from KMJK in Portland, Oregon, ''Those Guys in the Morning'' consisted of Rick Rydell and Todd Brandt, with sportscaster Mike Trivisonno (a frequent caller to Pete Franklin's ''Sportsline'' on WWWE-AM in the 70s). Although the station's overall ratings climbed during the late 1980s, topping rival WMMS in key rating categories, ''Those Guys'' had only marginal success in Cleveland, and were regularly criticized by the local paper, often speculating on their departure date from WNCX. As it turned out, they lasted less than two years. Ingles himself was relieved of his program director duties and was replaced by Doug Podell from Detroit. WNCX's next attempt in mornings was former Humble Pie drummer Jerry Shirley with sportscaster Mike Trivisonno - the sole holdover from the ''Those Guys'' show - and Paul Ingles. Ingles soon left, and was replaced on the show with Skip Herman. Paul Tapie even returned as a sidekick for the show within a few months of its debut. Podell had convinced Wain and Weiss that it was time to consider a radical option - pick up New York-based Howard Stern.

''The Howard Stern Show''

Program Director Doug Podell had worked with Howard Stern once before in the early 1980s in Podell's hometown of Detroit, Michigan. The two worked at rock station WWWW, prior to its switch to a country format, an event depicted in Stern's autobiographical film ''Private Parts'' (1997). After little persuading from Podell, Wain and Weiss agreed to take a chance on the show, though it took until August 1992 for WNCX and Stern to finally sign a deal. Andy Bloom — the same programming consultant who convinced Paul Ingalls to hire ''Those Guys in the Morning'' — was brought back to consult on the Stern start-up. Bloom had been the program director at the first Stern simulcasts at WYSP in Philadelphia and KLSX in Los Angeles. WNCX in Cleveland was just the 6th station out of more than 50 nationally to carry ''The Howard Stern Show''.

In October 2004, Stern announced that he would be moving his radio program to Sirius Satellite Radio, a subscription radio service where he could avoid the content restrictions being forced on to him by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). His final live broadcast aired on WNCX on December 16, 2005. WNCX was a longtime home for ''The Howard Stern Show'', airing the show locally for more than 13 years. Program Director Bill Louis reflected on the show's run days after Stern's final broadcast: "It's difficult to imagine the mornings without him... what [Stern] brought was a very specialized and special form of entertainment that no one is ever going to duplicate." WNCX was a longtime home for the Howard Stern morning show, having aired the show from August 31, 1992 to December 16, 2005.

Radio D-Day

Among the most notorious Howard Stern programs/broadcasts occurred in Cleveland on June 10, 1994. Having taken his radio show from Arbitron ranked #13 to #1 among all radio listeners in less than two years, Stern promised to have a street party and to broadcast a "funeral" for his competition live from the streets of Cleveland.

During this now infamous broadcast, an engineer from WMMS snipped a broadcast wire that was used to feed the satellite uplink for the program. The engineer was subsequently caught, arrested and prosecuted. Stern continued on with the program over a phone line as engineers quickly patched the broadcast wire back together:

Corporate radio

In 1994, after seven more years of Cleveland radio ownership, Wain and Weiss retired by merging Metroplex Communications into the fast growing, Texas-based Clear Channel Communications. This spelled the exit for those two from Cleveland radio.

Following passage of the Telecom Act of 1996, Clear Channel continued its fast growth and announced a merger with Jacor Communications in 1998, the then-owner of a large group of radio stations in Cleveland. To comply with federal ownership guidelines, Clear Channel was forced to sell off numerous radio stations around the country.

In Cleveland, Clear Channel decided to divest its current properties before the merger. Sold to Radio One were sister stations WENZ and WERE-AM, while WNCX was sold to CBS/Infinity Radio. For the first time in their 50-year history, WNCX and WERE-AM were no longer affiliated.

Naturally, WERE and WENZ moved out of the Halle Building studio complex, while WZJM would move into the Halle less than two years later, one of three stations CBS acquired from AMFM, Inc. as part of a similar divestiture order regarding ''their'' merger with Clear Channel. To this day, WNCX and WZJM's current successor WKRK (which plays WENZ's former format, modern rock) are housed in the Halle Building.

Following Stern's move to Sirius

With Stern's move to subscription radio, WNCX ended up carrying a morning show hosted by musician David Lee Roth, which began on January 3, 2006 and originated from Howard Stern's former flagship, WFNY-FM in New York, the former WXRK "K-Rock." Notably, David Lee Roth had been among the featured performers at Stern's Cleveland funeral 12 years earlier. (Coincidentally, both the WXRK calls and "92.3 K-Rock" nickname landed on the former WXTM in Cleveland, WNCX's sister station that also broadcasts at 92.3-FM.) Given WNCX's history and relative ratings stability, they were one of the few affiliates not re-branded as "Free FM," nor did they change format to a hot-talk format that was associated with the Free FM name. However, due to very low ratings and a critical drubbings in the press, Roth's show was canceled by syndicator CBS Radio on April 21, 2006. Roth's replacement in New York, Opie and Anthony - fired by CBS Radio three years earlier - aired on the morning drive on 92.3 (now WKRK-FM) until December 1, 2008, when Opie and Anthony were fired from WKRK, and the station switched to a format without live DJs.

Shortly thereafter, WNCX aired a locally-produced classic rock morning show with no regular host, and also used the slot for tributes to past Cleveland radio stations and personalities, with many of those personalities filling in during the slot. On July 27, 2006, the station announced that Wynn Richards, aka "Mud" would become the primary host of the new morning show, joined by Kim Mihalik (former sidekick to WTAM's Mike Trivisonno) and newscaster Mike Olszewski. Wynn previously worked at WWWM "M105" and at WGAR-AM back in the early 1980s.

Following the departure of Mud from the morning lineup, radio veteran Scott Miller was brought in to captain the three-person (Miller, Mihalik, and Mike) morning show. Kim Mihalik was dropped from the lineup in 2008, leaving the morning show to the duo of Miller and Mike Olszewski (a Cleveland native and former longtime WMMS jock) In March 2009, Olszewski departed and was replaced by local stand-up comedian Jeff Blanchard, of which the program was retitled "The 'NCX Morning Show."

On October 27, 2010, WNCX (98.5) announced the hiring of radio personality Maxwell (Ben Bornstein) as host of the station's new morning show. ''The Maxwell Show'' began airing on WNCX on November 1; was best known to area listeners as the former afternoon drive program at WNCX rival WMMS. The move replaced former morning co-hosts Scott Miller and comedian Jeff Blanchard, along with show producer Dave Jockers. Regarding their dismissal, Program Director Bill Louis commented, "sadly, this a bottom-line business." ''The Maxwell Show'' was the fourth program in five years to air weekday mornings on WNCX following Howard Stern's move to satellite radio.

WNCX cancelled ''The Maxwell Show'' on August 25, 2011, less than ten months after the show's arrival at the station. Local media speculated that, in addition to "flagging ratings," WNCX cancelled the show to make room for "a new, high-profile, multi-person morning show" at sister station WKRK-FM (92.3 FM) as that station transitions to a new sports format.

Programming

Weekdays

Weekday programming currently includes Bill Louis middays, Michael Stanley afternoons, and Paula Balish nights. Bill Louis also hosts a 1 hour request show, ''The Classic Cafe'', during his midday shift.

Weekends

Saturday programming includes: ''The Beatle Years'' hosted by Bob Malik (via Westwood One); classic rock shifts hosted by local personalities Sue (Sue Csendes) and Chris V.; and ''Saturday Night Live House Party'' hosted by local personality Mr. Classic (Walt Garrett). Sunday programming includes: ''When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again'' hosted by area war veteran John Tidyman; ''Flashback!'' hosted by Bill St. James (via Citadel Media); classic rock shifts hosted by local personalities Sue, Chris V. and Mr. Classic; and ''Little Steven's Underground Garage'' hosted by Steven Van Zandt (via Renegade Nation).

References

External links

Cleveland Broadcast Radio Archives: WNCX timeline

''Little Steven's Underground Garage''

NCX NCX Category:CBS Radio stations Category:HD Radio stations Category:Classic rock radio stations in the United States Category:Radio stations established in 1948

Alex Bevan (born 1950) is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, poet, radio personality and musical producer living in North Madison, Ohio. He is married to Deirdre Bevan, and has a son named William Cody Bevan.

Early life

Bevan began his musical career playing the French horn at Chambers Elementary School. In 1965, while at Shaw High School in East Cleveland, he acquired a six-string classical guitar. He played local night clubs and various coffeehouses in the Cleveland area such as "La Cave" and "Faragher’s Back Room". His first position in a group was as a backup musician with Irish folk singers Gusty & Sean at Fagan's Beacon House in the Flats of Cleveland, Ohio. While a student at Akron University, Bevan was introduced to his first producer, Eric Stevens, who signed him to Big Tree Records. His first album, ''No Truth to Sell'', was released with the single "Linda’s Song", which got some airplay. Between 1971 and 1976, Bevan performed as an opening act for such headliners as the Earl Scruggs Review, Pure Prairie League, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffett, Livingston Taylor, Billy Joel and others.

Musical career

The release of the album ''Springboard'' got him some public recognition due to the local hit song ''Skinny Little Boy''. In 1977 he performed on the air on Cleveland's WMMS Radio with a band called ''Alex Bevan and the Buzzard Band'', featuring DJ Matt the Cat on guitar. He performed in the mid 1970s with an acoustic trio consisting of two guitars and electric bass, and opened for such acts as Seals and Crofts, The Michael Stanley Band, The Doobie Brothers and Hall & Oates. He soon added David Krauss from the band Tiny Alice to the group, supplying percussion and harmonica. They toured either under the name ''Grand River Band'' or ''Alex Bevan and Friends'' from 1979 until 1981, and produced the albums ''The Grand River Lullaby'', ''Alex Bevan and Friends Live'', and ''Simple Things Done Well''. In the early 80's Bevan produced the direct-to-disk digital solo album ''Tales of the Low Tech Troubadour Vol. 1''. He played in the band ''Alex Bevan & Cuttlefish'' from 1984 through 1986. In the late 80s to early 90s, he produced the albums ''Best Kept Secrets'', ''Cuttlefish Live'', and ''Watersongs''.

His latest releases include ''South Shore Serenade'', ''Rules of the Road'', ''Fall & Angels'' and ''Live at the Kent Stage''. An avid producer of folk music, he has produced five recordings for the popular Put-in-Bay/Key West performer Pat Dailey, and written over one hundred radio and TV commercials. He still plays many venues, including the Hessler Street and Coventry Street Fairs in Greater Cleveland, Ohio, the Starwood Festival, Put-In Bay, the Burning River Festival, Cain Park, and Kelleys Island.

Bevan organized a benefit for fellow Cleveland area singer/songwriter John Bassette on May 19, 2002 at the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in Cleveland, OH, featuring Jim Ballard, Charlie Wiener, Michael Stanley, Jim Schafer, and many others. In 2007 a tribute CD for Bassette, ''Been Through So Much Together: The Songs of John Bassette'', was released by Skyline Productions, which featured Bevan and others. Around the same time, Bevan released a posthumous collection of previously-unreleased songs by John Bassette called ''Rainbow Colored Clouds''. He also plays for the Roots of American Music Annual Benefit for Education.

Radio

Bevan appeared on the premiere broadcast of Cleveland's WNCR Radio station's Sunday night live concerts from Agency Recording in 1971. He was a frequent guest artist on WMMS' Coffeebreak Concerts, and co-hosted a show with David Spero called ''A Folk Special for a Sunday Afternoon''. He also hosted a Saturday morning radio show on WMMS Cleveland for a short time.

In 1988 Bevan did a series of musical radio advertisements for the Cleveland Browns. A new song each week of the season recapped the game from the week before and setup the upcoming game. Each week's song was in a different musical style.

Children's programs

Bevan collaborated with David Young on his first children's album, a musical fairytale with an environmental message titled ''Who Killed the Dragon?''. This was followed by two award-winning critically acclaimed works: ''Magic Moments from the Children’s Nature Schoolhouse'' (produced for the Lake Metroparks) and ''All the Rivers Run'' (Produced for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center).

Skinny Pickles

Bevan and his wife run a company producing a line of home-grown gourmet pickles called "Skinny Pickles".

Awards

Bevan won an Emmy award for his postscore of ''The Rustbelt Blues'' (1987), the final segment of NBC’s ''American Promise'' documentary series.

Discography

''No Truth to Sell'' (1971) Big Tree Records

''Springboard'' (1976) Fiddler's Wynde (CD reissued by Little Fish Records)

''The Grand River Lullaby'' (1978) Fiddler's Wynde (CD reissued by Little Fish Records)

''Alex Bevan and Friends Live: Come for to See You...Come for to Sing!'' (1980)

''Simple Things Done Well'' (1981) Fiddler's Wynde

''Tales of the Low Tech Troubadour Vol. 1''

''Best Kept Secrets'' (1985)

''Cuttlefish Live''

''Watersongs'' (1998) Fiddler's Wynde

''Homework'' (CD - October 31, 2000) Fiddler's Wynde

''Sweetwater Pete'' (January 23, 2006) Fiddler's Wynde

''Invitation'' (February 26, 2008) Fiddler's Wynde

''Who Killed the Dragon?'' (with David Young)

''Magic Moments from the Children’s Nature Schoolhouse'' - Lake Metroparks

''D.A.T.'s The Way It's Done!'' (1992) Fiddler's Wynde Music - Cassette

''All the Rivers Run'' - Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center

''South Shore Serenade'' (March 26, 1998) Fiddler's Wynde

''Rules of the Road'' (March 26, 1998) Fiddler's Wynde

''Live at the Kent Stage: Dancing With the Muse'' (November 18, 2008) Little Fish Records

''Connected to the Web'' (February 24, 2004) Fiddler's Wynde

''Fall & Angels'' (2008) Little Fish Records

''A Tribute to the Great Lakes'' (with Pat Dailey & Murdock) (2006) Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence

Also appears on

''The Pride of Cleveland: WMMS FM 101'' - Various (1980) (CD release 2002 Esquire Records)

''Raw Bars'' - Pat Dailey (with Macaw) (1994) Olympia Records Inc.

''Shorelines'' - Pat Dailey - Olympia Records

''Pat Dailey Live 'N' Kickin'' (2000) Olympia Records Inc.

''Woodchoppers Ball'' - Various (2007) Divine Wind Records

''Been Through So Much Together: The Songs of John Bassette'' - Various (2007) Skyline Productions / Little Fish Records

''...In Blue'' - Mike Calzone (2007) Little Fish Records

Filmography

Bevan performs in the TV special ''The Return of the Cuyahoga'' (2008) - Florentine Films/Hott Productions Inc., America’s River Communities, Inc., and WVIZ/PBS ideastream

Media appearances

WNCX Morning Show: April 6, 2007

Cain Park 1991

Notes

References

''Alex Bevan Worth a Revisit'' by Jay Minkin July 30th, 2008

''Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars'' by Mike Olszewski (2003) Kent State University Press ISBN 0-87338-773-2, ISBN 978-0-87338-773-6

''Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection'' by Deanna R. Adams (2002) Kent State University Press ISBN 0-87338-691-4, ISBN 978-0-87338-691-3

External links

Official Alex Bevan Website

Artist Direct Alex Bevan Page

Skinny Pickles Website

Category:American singer-songwriters Category:American guitarists Category:People from Cleveland, Ohio Category:Musicians from Cleveland, Ohio Category:Radio personalities from Cleveland, Ohio Category:1950 births Category:Living people

Coordinates	64°32′″N40°32′″N
name	Michael Stanley
background	solo_singer
birth name	Michael Stanley Gee
born	March 25, 1948
origin	Cleveland, Ohio
instrument	Guitar, vocals
genre	Rock, folk rock, heartland rock
occupation	Singer-songwriter, disc jockey
associated acts	SilkMichael Stanley BandThe Ghost PoetsMichael Stanley & The Resonators }}

Michael Stanley (born March 25, 1948 as Michael Stanley Gee in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and disc jockey. Both as a solo artist and with the Michael Stanley Band, his brand of heartland rock was popular in Cleveland and around the American Midwest in the 1970s and 1980s.

Biography

Michael Stanley Gee graduated from Rocky River High School in 1966. After a brief stint in the band Silk, Stanley graduated with a bachelor's degree from Hiram College in 1970. At Hiram he was a disc jockey for WHRM, the school's radio station, and was elected to the Student Senate.

Stanley released his first solo album, ''Michael Stanley'', in 1973. The album, and its follow-up ''Friends & Legends'' were produced by Bill Szymczyk and featured contributions from Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren and David Sanborn. In 1974 Stanley formed the Michael Stanley Band and released eleven albums through the mid 1980s.

His highest charting singles with the Michael Stanley Band were "He Can't Love You" (#33) in 1980 and "My Town" in 1983 (#39), which both got decent nationwide airplay. In fact, "He Can't Love You" was the 45th video ever played on MTV. The Michael Stanley Band was such a huge sensation in its home area that it still holds attendance records at Cuyahoga Falls' Blossom Music Center. Additionally, The Ohio State University Marching Band uses "My Town" as one of their premier stand tunes.

Stanley's song "Let's Get the Show on the Road" was covered on the 2000 album ''Live in the Classic City'' by Widespread Panic. "My Town" was covered by Little Texas on their album ''Big Time''. "Rosewood Bitters" was covered by Joe Walsh on his 1985 album ''The Confessor''.

Stanley was the co-host of ''PM Magazine'' on WJW Channel 8 from 1987 to 1990 and its follow-up ''Cleveland Tonight'' until 1991. He also appeared on ''The Drew Carey Show,'' playing himself. Since 1990, Stanley has been the afternoon drive disc jockey for classic rock radio station WNCX in Cleveland.

Stanley is a Democrat, and in late 2006 performed with Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther at a fundraiser for Democratic candidates in Ohio.

His father Stan Gee died in late 2010.

Michael Stanley Band

The Michael Stanley Band was formed by Stanley in 1974 with singer-songwriter–lead guitarist Jonah Koslen, former Glass Harp bassist Daniel Pecchio and drummer Tommy Dobeck. There were several personnel changes over the years and by 1982 the group had evolved into a seven-piece band.

Nicknamed MSB by their fans, the band set several attendance records at Cleveland area venues including a record 20,320 at the Coliseum at Richfield on July 20, 1979 and a record 40,529 for two Coliseum concerts on December 31, 1981 and January 1, 1982. The band's greatest achievement was a total attendance of 74,404 during a four-night stand at Blossom Music Center on August 25, 26, 30 and 31, 1982.

The group reached the peak of their popularity nationally in 1981 when the single "He Can't Love You" from the album ''Heartland'' (written and sung by keboardist Kevin Raleigh) made the Top 40 (#33 ''Billboard'', #27 ''Cash Box'') and "In the Heartland" from the album ''North Coast'' went to #6 on Billboard's Top Tracks chart.

The band called it quits in 1986 with a series of twelve farewell shows at the Front Row Theatre during the 1986–87 holiday season. Since then, Stanley has performed regularly throughout Northeast Ohio with former members of MSB and with his latest band, The Resonators.

Personnel

Michael Stanley – guitar, vocals

Jonah Koslen – lead guitar, vocals (1974–1977)

Daniel Pecchio – bass, vocals (1974–1979)

Tommy Dobeck – drums

Bob Pelander – keyboards (1976–1987)

Gary Markasky – lead guitar (1978–1983)

Kevin Raleigh – keyboards, vocals (1978–1987)

Michael Gismondi – bass (1979–1987)

Rick Bell – saxophone (1982–1984)

Danny Powers – lead guitar (1983–1987)

Discography

Albums

Silk

Year	Title	Label	Billboard 200>Billboard200
1969	''Smooth As Raw Silk''	ABC S-694

Solo

Year	Title	Label	Billboard 200>Billboard200
1973	''Michael Stanley''	Tumbleweed TWS 106
1973	''Friends and Legends''	MCA 372

Michael Stanley Band

Year	Title	Label	Billboard 200>Billboard200
1975	''You Break It...You Bought It!''	Epic PE 33492
1976	''Ladies' Choice''	Epic PE 33917
1977	''Stagepass''	Epic PEG 34661
1978	''Cabin Fever''	Arista AL 4182
1979	''Greatest Hints''	Arista AL 4236
1980	''Heartland''	EMI America SW–17040
1981	''North Coast''	EMI America SW–17056
1982		EMI America ST–17071
1983	''You Can't Fight Fashion''	EMI America ST–17100
1984	''Fourth and Ten...''	MSB 101
1986	''Inside Moves''	MSB 201
1992	''Right Back at Ya (1971–1983)''	Razor & Tie RE 1991
1997	''Misery Loves Company: More of the Best 1975–1983''	Razor & Tie RE 2125

The Ghost Poets

Year	Title	Label	Billboard 200>Billboard200
1993	''The Ghost Poets''	Razor & Tie RT 2812

Post-MSB solo

Year	Title	Label	Billboard 200>Billboard200
1996	''Coming up for Air''	Intersound 9174
1998	''Live in Tangiers: The Acoustic Shows''	Razor & Tie 82836
2000	''Eighteen Down''	Razor & Tie 82851
2003	''The Ground''	Line Level 201
2005	''American Road''	Line Level 202
2006	''The Farrago Sessions''	Line Level 203
2007	''The Soft Addictions''	Line Level 204
2008	''Just Another Night''	Line Level 205
2009	''Shadowland''	Line Level 206

Singles

! Year	! A-Side	! B-Side	! Label	Billboard Hot 100>US Pop	! Album
	"Rock and Roll Man"	"Denver Rain"	Tumbleweed 1010
"Rosewood Bitters"	"Goodtime Charlie"	Tumbleweed 1014
1974	"Yours For a Song"	"Roll On"	MCA 40177		''Friends and Legends''
	"I'm Gonna Love You"	"Step the Way"	Epic 50116
"Face the Music"	"Song for My Children"	Epic 50151
1976	"Ladies' Choice"	"Sweet Refrain"	Epic 50242		''Ladies' Choice''
1977	"Nothing's Gonna Change My Mind"	"Love Hasn't Been Here"	Epic 50416		''Stagepass''
	"Why Should Love Be This Way"	"Late Show"	Arista 0348
"Baby If You Wanna Dance"	"Fool's Parade"	Arista 0368
1979	"Last Night"	"Down to the Wire"	Arista 0436		''Greatest Hints''
1980	"He Can't Love You"	"Carolyn"	EMI America 8063
	"Lover"	"Save a Little Piece for Me"	EMI America 8064
"Falling in Love Again"	"Does It Hurt"	EMI America 8090
"When Your Heart Says It's Right"	"Victim of Circumstance"	EMI America 8097
	"When I'm Holding You Tight"	"In Between the Lines"	EMI America 8130
"Take the Time"	"Just a Little Bit Longer"	EMI America 8146
	"My Town"	"Just How Good"	EMI America 8178
"Someone Like You"	"Highlife"	EMI America 8189
1985	"Show Me Something"	"Somebody Else's Woman"	MSB 701
	"When All Is Said and Done"	"Here Come the Kids"	MSB 801
"Poor Side of Town"	"Headlights"	MSB 901

References

Further reading

Wolff, Carlo (2006). ''Cleveland Rock and Roll Memories''. Cleveland, OH: Gray & Company, Publishers. ISBN 978-1-886228-99-3

External links

Official Michael Stanley Website

[ Michael Stanley Biography]

Greatest Hints: How Michael Stanley Almost Made Cleveland Famous (2007 Pop Conference)

Official Michael Stanley and the Resonators Website

Michael Stanley Music

Category:1948 births Category:Living people Category:Hiram College alumni Category:People from Cleveland, Ohio Category:Radio personalities from Cleveland, Ohio Category:Musicians from Cleveland, Ohio Category:Musicians from Ohio Category:American singer-songwriters

Coordinates	64°32′″N40°32′″N
background	solo_singer
birthname	David Lee Roth
alias	Diamond Dave
born	October 10, 1953 Bloomington, Indiana, United States
genre	Hard rock, heavy metal
occupation	Musician, songwriter, paramedic, producer, author
years active	1969–present
label	Warner Bros., Magna Carta, CMH
associated acts	The David Lee Roth Band, Van Halen
website	}}

David Lee Roth (born October 10, 1953) is an American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality. Roth was ranked nineteenth by ''Hit Parader'' on their list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Singers of All Time.

Roth's date of birth is confusing. Some sources have him listed as being born in 1955 or 1954. In reality, he was born in 1953. The reason for this discrepancy is, when Van Halen was first launched, the band members lied about their age, to give the group a more youthful image.

Roth is best known as the original and current lead singer of the southern California-based hard rock outfit Van Halen. After departing Van Halen in 1985 Roth first enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist, which originated while still a member of that band and yielded several RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum records. After more than two decades apart, Roth rejoined Van Halen in 2007 for a North American tour that became the most successful in the band's history and one of the highest grossing of that year. Roth has remained the lead singer of Van Halen since his 2007 return and has recently completed recording new material with the band for their first album since 1998.

Early life

Roth was born October 10, 1953 in Bloomington, Indiana. He is the son of Nathan Roth, an ophthalmologist, and Sibyl Roth. He is the brother of Allison and Lisa Roth. David's paternal and maternal grandparents emigrated from Azores Islands, Portugal and Russia to Indiana. David's family is Jewish. Many members of his family were surgeons: Roth has an uncle, Dave, who is a neurosurgeon; an uncle, Marty, who is an orthopedic surgeon; and a grandfather who was a surgeon. Roth's uncle, Manny Roth, is an influential New York City nightclub owner and entertainment entrepreneur who built and owned the New York establishment Cafe Wha? in the early 1960s, where the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix were performing and hanging out. Seven-year-old David Lee got his first taste of, and desire for, show business from the inside by hanging out at Cafe Wha?, as mentioned in his book "Crazy from the Heat" numerous times. His uncle would be one of David's first guests on his short-lived radio show on New York's 92.3 Free-FM.

After living in Bloomington and in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Roth moved to Pasadena, California in his teens. Roth stated he bounced around to too many schools and spent three years going to a psychiatrist. He eventually attended a ranch for troubled teens where he cared for a horse to build a sense of responsibility. He was educated at The Webb Schools in Claremont, California and John Muir High School in Pasadena. He later attended Pasadena City College where he met the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex, although he did not graduate. During this period, Roth worked as a hospital orderly.

With Van Halen

By the time Roth was in his late teens, he was singing solo as well as with a group called the Red Ball Jets. Another Los Angeles area group, Mammoth (featuring Alex Van Halen on drums and Edward Van Halen singing and playing lead guitar), occasionally rented the Red Ball Jets' PA system. Roth would eventually be invited to join Mammoth as lead singer, an invitation he quickly accepted. In 1974, the band was informed that another act was already using the name Mammoth, and, at Roth's urging, they opted to rename themselves Van Halen.

Performing both original songs and established tunes, Van Halen eventually gained local success, becoming a regular feature at the Starwood Club, the West Coast's portal to fame. It was during their four-month stint there that they were first discovered. In 1976, Gene Simmons took note of the band (in particular Eddie Van Halen, who Simmons secretly hoped to recruit for his own band, KISS) and assisted them in producing their first demo tape. Although featuring many of the songs that would be included on their future debut album, the tape did little to garner them any major label attention at the time. In early 1977, Warner Brothers' Ted Templeman came to the Starwood, heard the group, and immediately signed them to a contract with his label. During this period Roth's stage persona was heavily influenced by that of Black Oak Arkansas vocalist Jim "Dandy" Mangrum.

Released in 1978, the band's first album, ''Van Halen'', earned the band significant national attention. The album was a smashing success, with more than two million copies sold, and the original Van Halen went on to release five more successful albums over the next seven years. Roth is often credited with promoting Van Halen's image as the quintessential rock band, one devoted to a lifestyle described by David Fricke in Rolling Stone as "a nonstop booze-and-babes party train." Despite this wild image, Roth earned applause for his abilities as a lyricist and singer. The generally simple lyrics worked in harmony with the musical scores composed by Edward Van Halen to create the band's trademark tunes, tunes that helped transform Van Halen, in Fricke's words, into "the monster rock action squad that ruled the charts and the airwaves for seven years."

In early 1985, while still a member of Van Halen, Roth released "Crazy From the Heat", a popular solo EP of off-beat standards. Singles for "California Girls" and "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" succeeded largely due to their innovative music videos (produced by Jerry Kramer and co-produced by Glenn Goodwin), which featured ridiculous characters created by Roth's manager and Creative Chief Director, Pete Angelus (who directed Van Halen's Roth-era videos, before directing the videos from Roth's early solo career) along with some assistance by Roth.

On April 1, 1985, Roth and Van Halen parted ways. In his 1998 autobiography, ''Crazy From The Heat'', Roth characterized Van Halen's music just before his 1985 departure as "morose". Roth wished to record an album quickly, tour, and then shoot a movie (the latter never coming to fruition).

Solo career

In late 1985, Roth assembled a backing band, consisting of guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. With veteran Van Halen producer Ted Templeman handling the production, Roth released his debut full-length solo album, ''Eat 'Em and Smile'' in July 1986. The album saw Roth return to hard rock music, and met with huge commercial and critical success, charting at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 for 1986.

In January 1988, Roth released ''Skyscraper'', a more commercial recording featuring the hit single "Just Like Paradise." ''Skyscraper'' was co-produced by Roth and Steve Vai and was certified Platinum (1 million in sales). At the time of its release, ''Skyscraper'' peaked at #6 on the Billboard album chart. Soon after ''Skyscraper'''s release, Billy Sheehan left Roth's band due to musical differences. He was replaced in time for the album's support tour with bassist Matt Bissonette. The tour was a major production featuring, at various points, Roth surfing above the audience on a surfboard suspended on wires, and in a boxing ring. Both parts of the stage show were featured in the "Just Like Paradise" music video. The show also featured the band in a calypso segment playing Caribbean steel drums and in an unplugged segment where the band performed acoustic covers of some rock and roll classics.

Following the tour for ''Skyscraper'', Steve Vai left the band to pursue a solo career and record and tour with Whitesnake. Roth replaced him with then-unknown guitar virtuoso Jason Becker to record his third solo LP, ''A Little Ain't Enough''. A more mainstream hard rock album produced by Bob Rock, ''A Little Ain't Enough'' achieved RIAA gold status. Shortly before the support tour for the album, Becker was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, which rendered him unable to perform. Roth replaced Becker with guitarist Joe Holmes for the tour. The emergence of grunge had altered musical tastes at the time and the tour did not do as well financially as its predecessors, marking the last solo arena tour for Roth.

In April 1993, Roth was arrested in New York City's Washington Square Park for buying what he described as "$10 worth of Jamaican bunk reefer" from an undercover police officer. The arrest made headlines and became a late-night television punch-line. When asked by Howard Stern whether the bust was a publicity stunt, Roth said, "Howard, in New York City this small of a bust is a $35 traffic citation. It literally says 'Buick, Chevy, Other'. Your dog poops on the sidewalk, it's $50. If I was looking for publicity, I would have pooped on the sidewalk."

In March 1994, Roth released ''Your Filthy Little Mouth'', a more musically-eclectic album produced by Nile Rodgers. The album failed to achieve positive critical or commercial success, proving to be Roth's first solo effort not to reach Gold or Platinum status. The support tour found Roth playing considerably smaller venues than where he had played previously. Although out of print for over ten years prior, ''Your Filthy Little Mouth'' saw a remastered re-release in 2007.

In 1995, Roth returned with an adult lounge act, performing largely in Las Vegas casinos, with a brass band that featured Nile Rodgers, Edgar Winter, and members of the Miami Sound Machine. It also featured several exotic dancers, who in Roth's words were "so sweet, I bet they shit sugar!"

By the late 1990s, Roth trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and worked as one for some time. He occasionally told stories about his experiences as an EMT on his radio show.

Career explorations

In June 1996, Roth reunited with Van Halen for a brief time and to great public fanfare. He recorded two new songs for Van Halen's ''Best of Vol. 1'' album, "Can't Get This Stuff No More" and "Me Wise Magic." After an infamous appearance on September 5, 1996, at the MTV Video Music Awards during which Roth and Eddie Van Halen reportedly threatened each other, Roth was passed over for Van Halen's new lead vocalist job in favor of Gary Cherone. (Cherone's previous band, Extreme, had opened for Roth in 1991).

In 1997, Roth wrote a well-received memoir, entitled ''Crazy From the Heat''. The 359-page book was whittled down from over 1,200 pages of monologues, which were recorded and transcribed by a Princeton University graduate who followed Roth around for almost a year. The book received mostly positive critical reaction and spent time on the New York Times Bestseller list.

In 2001, rumors swirled that Roth and the members of Van Halen had recorded several new songs together and were in the process of attempting yet another reunion. Roth later confirmed this, but nothing became of the music. A box set was also rumored, but never materialized. Instead, Warner Bros. re-released remastered versions of all six early Van Halen studio albums.

In 2002, Roth's Heavyweights of Rock and Roll Tour with Sammy Hagar revived his career somewhat. Despite this, Roth's future with Van Halen seemed uncertain.

"Yankee Rose" appeared in the 2002 videogame ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', playing on rock station V-Rock.

In 2003, Roth released ''Diamond Dave'', an album of (mostly) classic rock cover songs ("If 6 Was 9", "Soul Kitchen," and a solo/big band version of "Ice Cream Man").

In 2003, On December 31, Roth played a one night sold out New Year's Eve show at the House of Blues in Hollywood, CA consisting of Van Halen era songs as well as Roth era songs, and some drunken midgets roaming about the stage.

In 2004, he appeared on ''The Sopranos'' as a poker-playing guest of Tony Soprano, to which Roth was quoted on his website as saying, "Mom says I'm going to look like Lee Marvin in 10 years whether I'm in movies or not, so I might as well get after it!"

On July 4 2004, Roth performed with the Boston Pops at Boston's annual ''Pops Goes the Fourth'' celebration.

Roth's website has stated that he is also working on the book ''The Tao of Dave: Rock 'n' Roll Philosophy with David Lee Roth'', a follow-up to his autobiography.

On May 25, 2006 in an interview with Billboard magazine, Roth predicted a classic Van Halen reunion. "There's contact between the two camps..." says Roth, and "To me, it's not rocket surgery. It's very simple to put together. And as far as hurt feelings and water under the dam, like what's-her-name says to what's-her-name at the end of the movie". Strummin' With The Devil: The Southern Side of Van Halen'' - A Tribute was released on CMH Records. This album consists of tributes to Van Halen performed by David Lee Roth, The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, Blue Highway, Mountain Heart, The John Cowan Band, Iron Horse, David Grisman and Sons.

Radio show

On January 3, 2006, Roth began a career as a radio personality, hosting ''The David Lee Roth Show'' which replaced satellite radio-bound Howard Stern in the morning drive slot on CBS Radio stations in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and West Palm Beach. Roth stated in an October 2005 interview with Stern that his show would be political, but at the same time, not overly serious.

Roth's show developed into a mix of music reviews, interviews with porn stars and strippers, political discussions, and guests from many walks of life. Roth's show featured an in-studio guitarist, Brian Young, referred to on air as B. Young.

On February 27, 2006, the Dallas, Boston, and Philadelphia affiliates started airing local programming in Roth's morning time slot, rather than repeat airings of "Best of Roth" while Roth was on vacation. When ratings were released on February 28, 2006, certain entertainment bloggers suggested Roth's hiatus would become permanent. However, on March 6, 2006, Roth returned as scheduled, and he continued to broadcast on weekday mornings. On March 8 and 9, Roth blasted his management on the air, explaining to his audience that they had asked him to stop catering towards ethnic groups and women, and instead focus on 35-year-old white males. On his March 10 show, he announced that things between him and the management had been settled "for the time being." During the week of March 27, Roth Radio took its show on the road for the first time, broadcasting from Miami, Florida.

On March 29, 2006, Roth was taken off the air by CBS; affiliates were told to find other programming to air. That day, Karen Mateo of CBS Radio released a statement saying that David Lee Roth would return to the airwaves from New York on March 31. Upon Roth's return on March 31, the format of his show had changed drastically. Many of the show's callers expressed dislike of the new format, saying they felt that the show had "lost its edge." One caller aired his opinion that Roth's tendency to laugh at one-liners was annoying. Starting April 10, 2006, the Dallas affiliate (now KRLD-FM) moved Roth up one hour from 6-10 central to 5-9 by running the show live instead of on an hour delay. The extra hour was given to the newly acquired ''Jagger Show'', hosted by Chris Jagger.

On April 10, 2006, the ''New York Post'' reported that CBS Radio would replace Roth with the team of Opie and Anthony "within weeks." On the morning of April 21, 2006, about halfway through the show, Roth began complaining that his show was not able to take calls or emails. He then went on to read the news stories, only getting halfway through a story before commenting that he did not care about it and going on to the next one. Following a commercial break, Roth chose to play only songs because of his frustration with CBS radio. At 8 AM, Roth returned to the air to interview car salesman Chop, and then at 9 AM he interviewed actor Jeff Bridges. Roth made an agreement with CBS to address the situation with 15 minutes left in the show; however, when that time came, CBS pulled the plug on him, and did not allow him to say good-bye to his fans.

As of April 22, 2006, David Lee Roth was rumored to be in talks with Sirius Satellite Radio to do an afternoon show. This was later denied by Howard Stern and Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin, who stated, "Mr. Roth is still under contract and unable to go to another radio medium while still being paid by CBS Radio." Roth is also expected to pursue his full one year payout of approximately $4 million. Stern has come to Roth's defense, claiming that he should have been allowed time to grow an audience.

On April 24, 2006, the rumor about ''The David Lee Roth Show'' being replaced by Opie and Anthony was confirmed. The duo filled Roth's former timeslot on April 26, 2006. Two days later, an article appeared in the ''Boston Herald'', which stated that CBS, supposedly, never intended for Roth to replace Stern permanently. Reportedly, the company wanted Opie and Anthony to replace Stern all along; however, because of a public feud between Stern and the duo, they selected Roth to 'go first,' so as bear the brunt of fan outrage, and thus ensure Opie and Anthony's success.

During a brief war with Howard Stern in 1988, Stern was expecting Roth to show up at his K-Rock WXRK (in New York) station ''The Howard Stern Show'', but when Roth failed to appear, Stern declared war on Roth and told his listeners to call him David "Weave" Roth. When Stern and Roth reconciled, Roth appeared on Stern's show to prove that he was not wearing a weave by having Stern pull on Roth's hair to confirm the claim.

Relationship with the Howard 100 News

During the course of Roth's radio show, he maintained a relationship with Howard Stern News Department reporter Steve Langford. Roth and Langford met frequently after shows, with Langford bringing tape back to Howard of Roth's complaints towards WXRK's management. Issues included Roth's firing, the missing podcast, and his show being cut off early. Langford and Roth met last on Roth's final day, April 21, 2006, Roth performed the Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" for Howard and discussed an impending lawsuit against CBS.

Recent events

On December 28, 2006, David Lee Roth warned that a reunion with Van Halen could result in a "NASCAR-style wreck."

On January 24, 2007, after much anticipation, Billboard.com reported that David Lee Roth would rejoin Van Halen for a 40-date amphitheater tour in Summer 2007. This report, among many others, was confirmed with an official press release posted on the official Van Halen website on Feb. 2, 2007.

On Feb. 2, 2007 The Official Van Halen Web Site released information that David Lee Roth had rejoined the band along with current members Alex, Eddie, along with Eddie and Valerie Bertinelli's teenage son, Wolfgang Van Halen. Michael Anthony, Van Halen's original and only bass player up to now (excluding Eddie, who played bass himself on some of Van Halen III and on all the new songs on the Best of Both Worlds compilation), was fired by Eddie before the summer 2004 tour with Sammy Hagar and played that tour under a 'hired gun' contract. Michael Anthony's website confirms his firing. David Lee Roth's website has a fan poll asking if Michael's absence will detract from a "reunion" tour. On March 8 the official Van Halen website posted a letter from Eddie Van Halen stating that Ed was entering rehab and that the tour with Roth had been indefinitely postponed.

In March 2007 five members of Van Halen, the four original members and Sammy Hagar were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Van Halen brothers did not attend due to Eddie's condition. Roth was to perform with the band Velvet Revolver; however, conflict with the band caused his part to be canceled. Roth subsequently did not attend the induction, leaving only Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar to represent Van Halen. Both Anthony and Hagar thanked Roth publicly for his contribution to the band during the awards acceptance.

The conflict was rumored to be based on song selection. Roth wanted to perform "Jump", the band's highest charting song, but Velvet Revolver would only agree to play "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" or "You Really Got Me". When it was finally agreed upon that Paul Shaffer would perform "Jump", Roth claimed that there was no longer enough time to rehearse and opted not to attend the ceremony.

On G4's show Code Monkeys, Dave is shown giving an inspirational speech to keep the others from taking up jobs at Bellecovision and asks "Would David Lee Roth leave Van Halen?" The show takes place in the 1980s.

On August 13, 2007, 6 months after the initial reunion tour was postponed, it was finally confirmed by Van Halen with Roth at a press conference in Los Angeles that they would start the tour back up again and schedule it starting in September 2007. At that conference, Eddie Van Halen stated that he and Roth were "like brothers" now. Calling Van Halen a "real band", both Edward and Roth spoke of the possibility of further worldwide touring and a new album in mind for the future.

On June 5, 2008, Van Halen announced the 2007-2008 tour with Roth grossed more than $93 million, a record for the rock band. Van Halen played to nearly one million people during 74 arena shows throughout the United States and Canada, beginning September 27, 2007 in Charlotte, N.C. and wrapping June 3, 2008 in Quebec City, QC for the 400th anniversary of the city. Although currently inactive, it is rumored that the band will release an album of new material following Eddie Van Halen's marriage in June 2009 and allowing Wolfgang Van Halen to graduate high school before embarking on any further ventures.

When asked about the recent Rolling Stone blurb concerning Eddie Van Halen jamming again with Wolfgang and Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth mentioned "Oh, I'm just waiting for a call you know. We've got no new songs yet, no new lyrics but we've got forward momentum and that's the key. (Alex Van Halen)'s got this idea to use the kid from the '84 album grown up for the cover art though. Who knows? I'm gonna have to start hittin' the snooze button and not set an alarm, 'cause I'm expecting ''that'' call at any minute." On Sept 5th 2010, David Lee Roth was spotted at the 145th annual Scottish Gathering & Games in Pleasanton, California. When asked by a longtime fan when we will expect to hear from the band again, Roth said you could expect to hear from us within the next 7–8 months. This seems to confirm the recent press release from Warner/Chappell about Van Halen being in the studio working on a new CD with David Lee Roth (in spite of no confirmation either way from the band).

In January 2011 Rolling Stone reported that Van Halen was back in the studio recording their first studio album with David Lee Roth in 27 years. It was noted that Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang is playing bass, instead of the original Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony.

Solo band members

Guitars

Brian Young and Toshi Hiketa (2006)

Toshi Hiketa (2003–2005)

Brian Young (2002–2003)

Bart Walsh (1999, 2001)

Mike Hartman and John Lowery (1998)

Steve Hunter (1997)

Terry Kilgore (1994)

Terry Kilgore and Rocket Ritchotte (1993–1994)

Joe Holmes and Steve Hunter (1991–1992)

Jason Becker and Steve Hunter (1990–1991)

Steve Vai (1985–1989)

Peter Lewis (1990–1991)

Electric Moccasin

Bass

Todd Jensen (1990–1991, 1999–2000, 2004–2006)

James LoMenzo (2001–2004)

B'urbon Bob (1998)

John Regan (1994)

James Hunting (1993–1994)

Matt Bissonette (1988–1990)

Billy Sheehan (1985–1988)

Drums

Jimmy DeGrasso (2006)

Ray Luzier (1997–2000, 2001–2005)

Ron Wikso (1993–1994)

Gregg Bissonette (1985–1992)

Keyboards

Marcus Margand II (2000–2001)

Patrick Howard I (1998–1999)

Richard Hilton (1994–1995)

Brett Tuggle (1988–1994, 1997)

Jesse Harms (1986)

Discography

;Albums with Van Halen

''Van Halen'' (1978)

''Van Halen II'' (1979)

''Women and Children First'' (1980)

''Fair Warning'' (1981)

''Diver Down'' (1982)

''1984'' (1984)

''TBA'' (2011)

;Studio albums/EPs

''Crazy from the Heat'' EP (1985)

''Eat 'Em and Smile'' (1986)

''Skyscraper'' (1988)

''A Little Ain't Enough'' (1991)

''Your Filthy Little Mouth'' (1994)

''DLR Band'' (1998)

''Diamond Dave'' (2003)

Notes

Bibliography

David Lee Roth (1997). ''Crazy From the Heat''. ISBN 0-7868-6339-0

External links

Official website

David Lee Roth Army

Official Van Halen website

Van Halen News Desk

David Lee Roth News Desk

Category:1954 births Category:American rock singers Category:American male singers Category:American tenors Category:American radio personalities Category:Musicians from Indiana Category:Jewish American musicians Category:Jewish singers Category:Living people Category:People from Bloomington, Indiana Category:People from Essex County, Massachusetts Category:People from Pasadena, California Category:Van Halen members Category:American people of Ukrainian-Jewish descent Category:American Jews

cs:David Lee Roth da:David Lee Roth de:David Lee Roth es:David Lee Roth fa:دیوید لی راث fr:David Lee Roth hr:David Lee Roth io:David Lee Roth id:David Lee Roth it:David Lee Roth nl:David Lee Roth ja:デイヴィッド・リー・ロス no:David Lee Roth pl:David Lee Roth pt:David Lee Roth ru:Рот, Дэвид Ли sq:David Lee Roth sk:David Lee Roth fi:David Lee Roth sv:David Lee Roth

Coordinates	64°32′″N40°32′″N
Name	Joe Theismann
Width	200
Currentnumber	7
Currentpositionplain	Quarterback
Birth date	September 09, 1949
Birth place	New Brunswick, New Jersey
Heightft	6
Heightin	0
Weight	192
Highschool	South River High School
College	Notre Dame
Draftyear	1971
Draftround	4
Draftpick	99(by the Miami Dolphins)
Debutyear	1971
Debutteam	Toronto Argonauts
Finalteam	Washington Redskins
Finalyear	1985
Pastteams	Toronto Argonauts (CFL) (–) Washington Redskins (–)
Highlights	2× Pro Bowl selection (1982, 1983) 2× All-Pro selection (1982, 1983) 1× Super Bowl champion (XVII) 2× CFL All-Star selection AP NFL MVP (1983) PFWA NFL MVP (1983) NEA NFL MVP (1983) NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1983) Bert Bell Award (1982) Walter Payton Man of the Year (1982) 70 Greatest Redskins Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
Collegehof	90051
Statseason	1985
Statlabel1	Pass attempts
Statvalue1	3,602
Statlabel2	Pass completions
Statvalue2	2,044
Statlabel3	Percentage
Statvalue3	56.7
Statlabel4	TD-INT
Statvalue4	160-138
Statlabel5	Passing Yards
Statvalue5	25,206
Statlabel6	QB Rating
Statvalue6	77.4
Nfl	THE276861
Pfr	TheiJo00
Dbf	THEISJOE01 }}

Joseph Robert "Joe" Theismann (born September 9, 1949) is a former quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He achieved his most enduring fame in his 12 seasons playing for the Washington Redskins, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and quarterback of the winning team in Super Bowl XVII. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Following his retirement from football, Theismann began a career as a sportscaster. He now works for the NFL Network, as a color analyst on ''Thursday Night Football'', joining play-by-play voice Bob Papa and Matt Millen. He also co-hosts the network's weekly show ''Playbook'' and is a majority owner of the Florida Tuskers, a professional football franchise in the United Football League.

Early life

Theismann was born to Austrian Joseph John Theismann who "ran a gas station and worked in his brother’s liquor store." His Hungarian mother, Olga Tobias, worked for Johnson & Johnson until her retirement. Theismann was raised in South River, New Jersey, and attended South River High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football.

Theismann was inducted into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1997.

Theismann was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 39th round of the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft.

College career

Theismann attended and played college football for the University of Notre Dame. He became the starter as a sophomore, after Terry Hanratty was injured late in the season. In the three remaining games in the regular season, he led the Irish to two wins and a tie. In 1969, Theismann led the Irish to a number five ranking, but lost to the University of Texas in the 1970 Cotton Bowl Classic, 21–17. The next year, the Irish had a 10–1 record, a number two ranking, and won against Texas in the 1971 Cotton Bowl Classic, 24–11. That year, Theismann was an All-American and an Academic All-America, and was in contention for the Heisman Trophy. Notre Dame publicity man Roger Valdiserri insisted that he change the pronunciation of his name to rhyme with "Heisman", Theismann recounted later, but he finished second to Jim Plunkett of Stanford University.

Theismann set school records for passing yards in a season (2,429) and touchdowns in a season (16). He also set a school record for passing yards in a game (526) and completions in a game (33) while playing against the University of Southern California in a torrential downpour in 1970, which they lost 38–28. As a starting quarterback, Theismann compiled a 20–3–2 record while throwing for 4,411 yards and 31 touchdowns. His 4,411 passing yards is fifth on Notre Dame's career passing list.

Theismann was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He was the eighth Notre Dame quarterback enshrined into the hall, joining former Heisman Trophy winners Angelo Bertelli, John Lujack, and Paul Hornung.

Professional career

Canadian Football League

Theismann was selected in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins and in the 39th round of the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft by the Minnesota Twins. After prolonged negotiations with the Dolphins failed, Theismann elected to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League for $50,000 per season. In his rookie year, Theismann quarterbacked the Argonauts to a 10-4 record, led the league's Eastern Conference in passing statistics and won a berth in the Grey Cup championship game in Vancouver, British Columbia versus the Calgary Stampeders (59th Grey Cup). A fumble late in the fourth quarter by Argonaut running back Leon McQuay close to the goal line cost the Argonauts the Grey Cup.

In 1971, he completed 148 of 278 passes for 2,440 yards and 17 touchdowns (with 21 interceptions). His 1972 season was shortened by injury, but he hit 77 of 127 passes for 1,157 yards and ten touchdowns. During his last season, 1973, 157 of his 274 passes were complete, for 2,496 yards and both 13 touchdowns and interceptions. He was an all-star in both 1971 and 1973.

National Football League

In 1974, the National Football League's Washington Redskins obtained Theismann's rights. Theismann left the CFL and joined the Redskins, where he served as the team's punt returner during his first season. In 1978, Theismann became the Redskins' starting quarterback, succeeding Billy Kilmer.

Theismann led the Redskins to a win in Super Bowl XVII and an appearance in Super Bowl XVIII and would go on to set several Redskins franchise records, including most career passing attempts (3,602), most career passing completions (2,044) and most career passing yards (25,206), while also throwing 160 touchdown passes, with 138 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 1,815 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was named NFL MVP in 1983 by four organizations. He earned the Player of the Game Award in the second of his two Pro Bowl appearances. Theismann also punted once in his career, for one yard against the Chicago Bears.

In an era when most quarterbacks had long since used variations of a double-bar facemask (or even triple-bar facemasks) that afforded more protection, Theismann refused to use anything but a one-bar facemask throughout his career.

Injury

Theismann's career ended on November 18, 1985 when he suffered a comminuted compound fracture of his leg while being sacked by New York Giants linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson during a ''Monday Night Football'' game telecast. The injury was voted the NFL's "Most Shocking Moment in History" by viewers in an ESPN poll, and the tackle was dubbed "The Hit That No One Who Saw It Can Ever Forget" by ''The Washington Post''.

At the time, the Redskins had been attempting to run a "flea-flicker" play. The Giants' defense, however, was not fooled, and they tried to blitz Theismann. As Taylor pulled Theismann down, Taylor's knee came down and drove straight into Theismann's lower right leg, fracturing both the tibia and the fibula. Giants linebackers Gary Reasons and Harry Carson then joined Taylor in the sack.

"It was at that point, I also found out what a magnificent machine the human body is", Theismann said. "Almost immediately, from the knee down, all the feeling was gone in my right leg. The endorphins had kicked in, and I was not in pain."

As Theismann lay on the field, a horrified Taylor frantically screamed and waved for emergency medical technicians. Initially, however, many Redskins personnel thought Taylor's screaming and pointing directed at their sidelines was a taunt over the fact that he had successfully stopped their play. Taylor has said that his animated behavior was largely a claustrophobic reaction to having been trapped at the bottom of the pile that followed his tackle. The ''Monday Night Football'' announcer team (composed of Frank Gifford, O. J. Simpson and Joe Namath) deduced from the start that Taylor was calling for help.

While initially only the players on the field could see the extent of the damage to Theismann's leg, the reverse-angle instant replay provided a clearer view of what had actually happened—Theismann's lower leg bones were broken midway between his knee and his ankle, such that his leg from his foot to his mid-shin was lying flat against the ground while the upper part of his shin up to his knee was at a 45-degree angle to the lower part of his leg.

The compound fracture of the tibia led to insufficient bone growth during Theismann's recovery, leaving his right leg shorter than his left. As a result, the injury forced Theismann into retirement at the age of 36. Theismann has never blamed Lawrence Taylor for his injury. Taylor has said that he has never seen film of the play and never wants to.

This injury was highlighted in the film ''The Blind Side'' as the reason that, after the quarterback, one of the highest paid football players is the left tackle, who protects the quarterback's blind side.

Broadcasting career

In 1985, Theismann helped call Super Bowl XIX for ABC alongside Frank Gifford and Don Meredith, becoming only the second person to do commentary on a Super Bowl telecast while still an active player at the time (the first was Jack Kemp when he helped call Super Bowl II for CBS). Theismann served as a color commentator on regional CBS NFL coverage in 1986 and 1987, then worked on ESPN's ''Sunday Night Football'' telecasts from 1988 to 2005, and on their ''Monday Night Football'' coverage in 2006.

On March 26, 2007, ESPN announced that Ron Jaworski would replace Theismann in the ''Monday Night Football'' booth. Theismann rejected an offer to work on the network's college football coverage. He has since done a number of Washington Redskins pre-season games on CSN.

On September 16, 2009, the NFL Network announced that Theismann would analyze game films on the show ''Playbook'', airing Thursday and Friday nights at 6 p.m. Eastern.

In addition to covering football, Theismann hosted the first half of the first season of ''American Gladiators'' in 1989.

Theismann worked with Joe Gibbs and Tom Hammond on the broadcasting crew for NBC's coverage of the early wild-card game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 9, 2010.

On September 6, 2010, NFL network announced that they had added Theismann to their ''Thursday Night Football'' broadcast crew alongside Bob Papa and Matt Millen.

Personal

He and his first wife Shari Brown Theismann divorced in 1984. They had three children, Joe, Amy, and Patrick, all now married. Theismann was in a relationship with actress/TV host Cathy Lee Crosby for seven years. His second marriage, to former Miss Connecticut and Miss America Contestant Jeanne Caruso, ended in divorce after three years.

Theismann is now married to Robin Theismann. They have homes in Virginia, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle.

Theismann is the owner of Joe Theismann's Restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, founded 1976.

Theismann's son, Joseph W., pleaded guilty in 2002 to drug charges of dealing cocaine and possessing drug paraphernalia. He received a ten-year suspended prison term, was placed on five years of probation and fined.

On August 19, 2010, head coach Jay Gruden of the UFL's Florida Tuskers "confirmed that Theismann introduced himself to the Tuskers as the team's new part owner." Theismann expressed disappointment at the way he was treated during his time in the league and left the team when it was folded into the Virginia Destroyers in January 2011.

See also

Most consecutive starts by a quarterback (NFL)

References

External links

Joe Theismann CFL & NFL Statistics - totalfootballstats.com

Joe Theismann's CFL Profile

Joe Theismann's Restaurant

''Washington Times'' article about Theismann's injury

Category:1949 births Category:Living people Category:American football quarterbacks Category:American players of Canadian football Category:American restaurateurs Category:American people of Austrian descent Category:American people of Hungarian descent Category:Canadian football quarterbacks Category:College football announcers Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players Category:National Football League announcers Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players Category:People from New Brunswick, New Jersey Category:People from South River, New Jersey Category:Players of American football from New Jersey Category:Toronto Argonauts players Category:United Football League (2009) owners Category:Washington Redskins players

de:Joe Theismann fr:Joe Theismann he:ג'ו תייסמן mr:ज्यो थाइसमान pt:Joe Theismann fi:Joe Theismann