Just by a Trick of Fate I stumbled onto Radio Free Phoenix and It feels like Home in here. I grew up in Phoenix listening to KRIZ and KRUX and my all time fave KCAC. I can’t begin to tell you what a trip it’s been for me to hear Real Music again..and the Memories that have come to life.
In 1970-71 I lived at a little Community in Laveen called Starbright Ranch. My Mother, Father, Sister and I lived in one of the small guest houses at the foot of South Mountain. My Mother use to send me with her fresh baked bread to share it with our Good neighbors…Carol, Ron Worthram, Ray Thompson and “Little Willie Sushine”.
When I first met Bill Compton I thought he Looked like Jesus…Hey…I was a 13 year old kid and he was the first Real Hippie I’d ever met.I remember walking into his flat and there was this one whole wall filled from floor to ceiling with shelves of Albums. everything you could Imagine…I’d ask him do you have…and the answer was alwas a Big Smile and he’d pull out the Album..just like Magic! Bill’s place reminded me of the Hobbit…it was almost Magical…you had to of seen it to know what I mean.
It’s been a long time…alot of Old Memories have come back in Living Color…And now that I’ve found RFP..I’ve got a feeling I’ll be Flashin back to some good memories quite often..and I am spreading the word. I know so many people who would be Trippin to the Tunes Boo. Thank you, Soooo much for RFP…Well Done!
Aleta Macaluso
Phoenix, AZ
Hey Radio Guys!
I was just made aware of Radio Free Phoenix via the Wallace & Ladmo Fan Club website and tuned in. I have to say BRAVO! You guys rock, and please keep up the GREAT work!
John Hesterman
Former AZ Radio Guy
San Diego, CA
Hey this is great news, I just found this site and I’ll be linking onto you guys on a regular basis + contributing donations to help keep things rolling. I remember Bill Compton & Toad Hall from back in my Phoenix days…..Toad even let me crash out there once for a couple days back in early ’70 and let me store my record collection till I could get settled.
I recall when KDKB – FM first went on the air…..they played ocean sounds for a couple days, and I think the first song they played was Buffalo Springfield’s “On the Way Home”. KDKB seemed to match my moods perfectly…
Do you have any recordings of guys like Bill Compton or Toad Hall from those old shows? It’d be a blast to hear their voices again. Bll Compton is still the best I’ve heard – thanks for keeping the torch alive! Good Luck….
Tom Fowler
San Diego, CA
Hey guys, Garry from Sydney here, Love listening to your station, great to hear ELO on there, also love to here The Move, Roy Wood, Wizzard, Black Crowes, Idle Race and Beatles 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Gary Roff
Sydney, Australia
Hello everybody,
Since my dear husband installed that little terratec gadget to listen to the world, we are daily enjoy listening to Radio Free Phoenix. It quickly became our favorite radio station. We love the music “That everybody says nobody wants to hear”
It makes our live complete. Thank you
Greetings
Antje and Franz (husband)
Birkweiler/ Germany
Thanks for saving music for me. It has been several years since I have listened to music this much. I turn on your station at work and let it play all day. Phoenix radio is so weak it is painful to listen to. Listening to your radio station is so great I feel energized all day. I love the variety, the memories, hearing artists that I love that would never get any airplay on any broadcast radio station. I have converted many friends to listening to your station.
Jim Cummings
Phoenix, AZ
AO – I’m so addicted to RadioFreePhoenix. Thank you for allowing great music to once again be heard. I leave it “on” my computer all day long. Unfortunately, my dog gets to hear it more than I do (while I’m at work). Keep it up!
Bill A
Phoenix, AZ
Dear Andy and Liz,
Hello from an old Storm listener in Tulsa, Oklahoma! I listen to a great public radio station, WXPN in Philadelphia. They had an 885 greatest rock song countdown last year and I thought it might give you all some ideas (although your way out playlist would probably give WXPN some great ideas)! I will be listening and enjoying your internet feed! I appreciate your efforts very much!
Regards,
David Ragland
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sure have enjoyed your show tonight, Liz Boyle. Hearing Lene Lovich at the end of your show, I thought of Pearl Harbor and the Explosions and their song I’M ONLY DRIVING. I was pleased to see her on your artist list. If you can play it sometime, I would sure love to hear it.
Thanks again for making the full spectrum of music accessible. Keep up the great work. Thanks!!!
Jim
First of all, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! I can’t believe what I am hearing. The best compliment I can give you or any radio station is this is what KSTM The Storm would be if it was still on the air. Each tune not just good, but great. I came to AZ in 1982 and from day one until it passed on, The Storm was the not just the best station in Phoenix, but the best I had ever heard. That station informed the listener along with entertaining them too. I don’t have my KSTM t-shirts anymore but I do have some old KSTM bumper stickers that I stored away along time ago to only recently find again. They are treasures. Those were the best days of radio, and now with your help they are back again. Thank you again everyone.
Fuz
Phoenix, AZ
Bill Compton, Toad Hall, Nina Joy, Dwight Tindle, Wonderful Russ ( Mr. Real Estate), Johnny D & “Lee Powell” all made me happy to listen to radio. I remember buying an underground newspaper called,” Rebirth”, before the New Times, from a long haired hippy on the corner of Central and McDowell back in 1968 or1969. He was working at KRUX on an underground radio show that went from midnight to, I think, (too old), 3 am. He called himself “Little Willie Sunshine’. Then he went to KCAC then to KDKB. You know who I ‘m talking about. He changed radio in this city like no other. Now I have Radio Free Phoenix. It’s been far too long. Thank you.
Frank Blume
Phoenix, AZ
Just discovered your stream in the last few days. Great stuff- listening here in Australia. Sat afternoon my time. Nice to hear a few Oz bands like Men at Work and Crowded House etc. The programming mix is extremely well done with the mixture of “old” and new and not so well known–nice to be exposed to new material. Keep up the good work, you have picked up a long time listener here. I will pass on your online stream to others here in Oz.
Chris Turner
Australia
I must say, I think you’re onto something big here. I love the fact that you have major commercial artists on the playlists and, yet, play their lesser-known songs. There’s a nice mix of classic hits without falling into that “classic radio” format trap. I also appreciate the fact that there are artists I’ve never heard of. It’s great to be able to expand my musical repertoire while still enjoying some of the songs I grew up with.
Terry Sullivan
San Francisco, CA
I stumbled on to your station last night looking up Jerry Jeff Walker, which lead to the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, which lead to looking up Jerry Riopelle and Hans Olson (I had forgotten about him), which lead to KDKB and a short search for info on an old DJ named Scott Nicholson. Many memories came flooding back, especially Bill Compton who would play Stormy Monday anytime I called on a Monday when the weather looked like crap (not often to be sure). Now enjoying Radio Free Phoenix at the office (I had to grow up and get a “real” job). Thanks to all of you for your passion!
Tony Schmoll
Phoenix, AZ
I just wanted to say hello and that you guys rock! Finally there’s something to listen to that plays stuff you never hear. I have a small collection of obscure progressive rock and other oddities that no one has ever heard of, but you guys are playing it! Nobody on the air in Phx. played anything like this until KCDX 103.1 Florence fired up ’02. Thanks again for the great music!
Casey Aldridge
Phoenix, AZ
Thank You Thank You Thank You! I’ve been listening for a couple of hours now, checked out your Playlist and Artists list and your bios — turns out I’ve been listening to you folks in your various incarnations for years! Now, between you-all on the Web at work and KCDX on the radio in the car, we *finally* have REAL music back on the airwaves (and ether) in the Valley of the Sun! I *will* be contributing to your “cause” and I *will* be patronizing your sponsors (Barnes & Noble, PayPal). Now, WHERE DO I GET MY BUMPER STICKERS???
Let the music play,
Remember W.E.Compton,
Ed Coleman
(Phoenix native)
I can already tell you that I love the diversity! I was very surprised to hear Louis Armstrong. It gets old listening to the same stuff every day. When I am in my truck I am always changing the channel…searching for something I haven’t heard the day before. This is great because I am hearing songs I’ve never heard before. I can’t wait to tell my brother, he is a musician and also appreciates diversity in music. Thanks : )
Debi Umphrey
Scottsdale, AZ
I stumbled onto you guys through Crap From the Past. After a half hour of listening I think I have found a new internet music station. This is great. The old stuff, the new stuff, and the station sounds great. I like adventurous music radio. The “Oh Wow” factor with oldies I’d forgot about with great sounding new stuff. I haven’t heard the d.j.’s yet but given the music I’ll bet they are informed and entertaining. Good luck on your endeavor. I will do my best to spread the word here in Wisconsin.
Mark Nielsen
Wisconsin
I discovered your station last week, and i cannot stop listening! Your playlist is awesome!. I might suggest some Michelle Shocked if you have any. Thanks a million, you guys rawk!
Kelly Dorf
Beaverton, OR
Love the station…great playlist. I have yet to hear any Jerry Joseph and any of his factions…..ie….Jerry Joseph & Jackmormons (PinkLight/Election Day) or his latest effort with The Stockholm Syndrome. I think it would fit right in. Keep up the good sounds to me ears.
Darren Trahan
Tempe, AZ.
I just discovered the station and it’s great. I am a Mesa person who had KSTM, K104 and the old KDKB (yellow hippy lettering) bumper stickers on my high school era Volkswagen Bug. I still have a K-15 pin somewhere in my stuff. This is the way radio should be. I would even endure some not-obnoxious commercials, if the music stayed true to your chosen course. Good job.
Douglas D. Brimhall
Mesa, AZ
Andy, I started listening to KSTM in the ’84 timeframe after I graduated high school. What a cool radio station. I learned about so many cool artists and cool songs by artists I knew about. I remember listening to you in the evenings on KSLX in probably the 87-88 timeframe. You played such a good mix of music. I remember laying on my bed with my girlfriend listening to KSLX thinking life couldn’t get much better. I just saw the article about you and Radio Free Phoenix on the New Times website & tuned in to listen. Thanks for putting Radio Free Phoenix together. It is a worthwhile project. I’ll be listening to it.
Oh, I have a little page about stuff I remember about Phoenix music in
the 80s and other assorted memories. Its at:
http://zeus.illusions.com/~dennis/phxmusic.html
Dennis Sacks
Phoenix, AZ
Hey! I just read about you guys in New Times today and, first I’d like to say right on! It’s really cool to see you guys pool together and bring back something sorely missed from radio. Hopefully what you do catches on and bring some relief to all us soon-to-be-old-farts who continually suffer through this city’s excuse for radio. I wish you the best of luck. Losing the Storm was a very dark day….
Bruce Ward
Phoenix, AZ
Hi Andy, just read the new times article and just wanted to let you know I love your format!!!! I was raised here in Phoenix and when Bill started KCAC and KDKB, I became true freeform listener and have been a fan ever since. I really enjoyed KSTM and K104 with Jeff Parets over the years and now I listen to KCDX, but wish your format was over the air. I really loved the days when you cold hear artists like John Stewart, Davic Bromberg, Tom Rush to Jerry Riopelle, Jerry Jeff and so many others. Keep up the great music!!!!
Long May You Run…
Dan Griffin
Phoenix, AZ
I just picked up the latest edition on the New Times to see what bands are coming to town. I’m sure glad I did, as I read the article titled “Straight Outta (Bill) Compton”.
I wondered what ever happened to Andy Olson and Liz! I’m glad to hear that you are still broadcasting great music. I’ll be 40 next month, but I still like the alternative stuff and always will…
What the latest New Times did not discuss were all of the other great radio stations that we used to have in the Valley; K104 FM, K15 AM (with Johnny D), the KEY FM, as well as AM 1060 with Jonathan L. I loved those stations and I miss them very much. I still remember listening to the radio when K15 played their last song before going off the air permanently, it was around 5 or 6 in the afternoon and I think it was “It’s No Game” by Bowie.
I remember when the Storm went of the dial as well… I called the station and I was told that the transmitter was damaged. I was devastated to hear Hispanic music in place of Storm music. Makes me wonder if that transmitter really was damaged, but at least they kept playing music…
It was also nice to see some acknowledgment that The Zone used to be a different kind of radio station than it is today. Most of my fellow employees are in their late 20’s to early 30’s and have no idea what the real definition of “Alternative Radio” is.
I kid you not, I still have dreams where I am tuning a radio dial and I come upon a station playing great music like all of those past gone stations used to play. I wake up disappointed, knowing that those tunes are now memories, most of them lost forever in someone’s long-gone vinyl collection (I still own a turn table). Enough sadness.
I now have a new station to “tune” to. Thanks very much!
Bob Gromko
Phoenix, AZ
I still rue the day my beloved KSTM went off the air, great to hear real music again! Great to see some Harry Nilsson and Tom Rush, David Bromberg, Riopelle, and Steve Goodman(!). This storm trooper is happy. Thanks, from a Phoenix native that hasn’t listened to FM in over a decade.
Roger Spellman
Phoenix, AZ
Remember you all from my days at KUPD in the 70’s and KNIX in the 80’s, best of luck I crossed over to the dark side and now a GM for Regent Broadcasting, AKA corporate radio. You are the future keep it up the rest of the world will catch up!
Don “Cristi” Wagner
I read the article on Radio Free Phoenix in the New Times, and decided to give your station a listen. I like what I’ve heard so far. As far as I’m concerned, FM radio in the Phoenix area is pretty lame. Small towns have better stations with better variety than what I’ve found in Phoenix. My tastes run to heavy metal and album-oriented rock of the 70’s. I just wanted to let you know I like what you’re doing here and will try to turn as many people as possible on to RFP as I can.
Scott Hanks
Andy… just read the article in the New Times (Feb 3-9 2005)…what Liz states about being familiar voices is true…I’m 50 years old and I was born in Phoenix…I grew up listening to KRIZ, KRUX, KCAC etc in the late 60’s …I remember Bill Compton spinnin tunes at KCAC and going to BILL’S RECORDS to buy Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Cream, etc…then in the early 70’s listening to KDKB going to EVOLUTION RECORDS in Tempe while attending ASU…what great times for music…listening to your station brings back ALOT OF GREAT MEMORIES…
Are there any plans to broadcast from FM signal or (think BIG) satellite signal? There is an audience out there in our demo that would support such like station…there is no competion and KCDX lacks personality.
I was in the record biz from mid 70’s to early 80’s…worked for distributors Associated Distributors and Pro One Stop and retail at Circles, Cheap Record, Hollywood Records so music consumed me 24/7…I even helped my late friend Brad Singer open his 1st ZIA record store with part of my album collection…got to see almost every group that played at Celebrity, Dooleys, Coliseum, Mason Jar etc courtesy of the record labels…
THANKS FOR THE MUSIC AND THE VOICES…KEEP ROCKIN’
Francisco
I read about your station in the New Times and I think it’s terrific. I see that you have Michael Stanley listed on your artists list. I’m from Cleveland (lando’cleves) and used to go to Michael’s concerts in ’74.. I have one of his LP’s (probably his only one). Just wanted to say hi and that you’re doing a terrific service. I will tell my friends about you too. Take it easy,
Carol
Hey Andy And Liz, I remember Bill doing KRUX Underground on Sunday nights, with Blues Magoo’s Never Goin Back to Georgia at the beginning. I was lucky enough to hear Bill announce one Sunday afternoon, a free concert at Thunderbird Park with Alice Cooper and a band known then as The Beans (who we all know became The Tubes w/Bill Spooner). One other thing that sticks in my mind about B.C. was the promos and business cards with his picture for Long Hair Inc. barber shops. We all were sadden with his death back in the 70’s, we all miss him I’m sure. Enough of that, you guys are doing a great job and service to us “we’re going to change the world” generation, by bringing back important people and events back to memory. If it was the old days I’d offer all of you a shot of cactus juice and a toke, but that was the old days. I’ll just offer my thanks, and keep up the good work.
Chuck Goforth
Hey – Just read the write-up on Radio Free Phoenix. Fantastic! I’ve been grieving since McRadio killed KUKQ, but y’all help ease the pain 😉 Thank you for getting good tunes out, if not on the airwaves, at least into the ether of the virtual realm. Be well,
Lee Einer
As a former DJ, I’d love the opportunity to be on Radio Free Phoenix. I grew up on great stations in Boston like WBCN & WBOS. I listened to Charles Laquidara, Mark Parenteau and eventually was a DJ at my college station during the heyday of the 80’s college music revolution. I ended up working for commercial radio station in Massachusetts and Providence. I left radio when deregulation reared it’s head in 1993. I miss the days of DJ influenced radio. This format is great and I’d relish the opportunity to return to the booth one more time….
Bill Smith
Scottsdale, AZ
Dude!
Somebody’s been messing with my clock… I think it’s running backwards! Full cirlcle… deja vu… and here we are , right back where we started. Good on Ya and all the best to all of you. It’s about time somebody turned this maddness that passes for radio around. Let’s hope the unruly masses have enough consciousness left to appreciate radio as an art form!
Warmest Regards…
John Robertson
Greetings pioneers, I’ve been listening to your amazing station for a bit as my best friend shared it with me one day, and actually still listen to KSLX on the way to work (No suckup intended). I grew up being a Navy brat, as mom had us travelling all over, living everywhere from England to Ventura to Boston to San Diego. Went to high school in San Diego with the good fortune of a great renaissance of radio there, and had my earlier years in Boston first really getting into music and actually having a Billboard subscription for Christmas when I was 11. Keep up the great station!
Robert Sprenger
Phoenix, AZ
Luv ur station………I’ve been listening all night long, and yes it does remind me of the old KCAC and KDKB stations of free-form whatever the fuck the dj dude wants to play format. Especially the occasional too much dope selection, like what’s playing now.( Robert Wyatt – Las VegasTango (Part 1) Please don’t play this again. I’d rather hear the long version of Inagodadavida! (just jokin’)
Bob
Hello Andy,
After reading the New Times article about Radio Free Phoenix, I realized that you and I shared a studio one cold night in early 1986.
The late, great KSTM used to have a listeners’ show called “Nine O’ Clock Jock” that aired at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings–real prime time *lol*. The show was taped on either a Wednesday or Thursday night….my memory is a little fuzzy.
I remember driving a helluva long way to tape the show; the Storm’s studios were somewhere in Apache Junction, which was *waaay* out in the sticks 20 years ago. And you were the DJ in the studio who ran the board; I remember Seger had just released an incendiary live performance of “Fortunate Son”; we listened and thought it stood up well to John Fogarty’s original.
My memory isn’t always this good….it’s almost *never* this good, actually…but it was jogged by the fact that about two weeks ago, I found a tape of that 1986 show (recorded by my then-girlfriend, who later became my wife, then my ex-wife). I hadn’t listened to it in several years; in fact, I’d forgotten most of the songs I played that night. Funny how timing works; I stumble across that old tape and a few weeks later I read the article about your Internet station.
Needless to say, I *love* Radio Free Phoenix. It brings back many fond memories, and I also like how you’re introducing new music. I remember how cool it was to discover new artists on the Storm and (the original) Zone; when they changed formats, my passion for music slowly ebbed away. I’m thinking RFP might bring that passion back; I haven’t been this excited about a station in a very long time.
Mike Fimea
Scottsdale, AZ
I just found out about Radio Free Phoenix and I want to thank you for bringing it to those of us who miss those ‘good old days’ of music. I’m going to share this with all of my friends because this is just what we’ve been hoping and waiting for. All of the best to you and the others on the station!
Brandy
It’s been a while since we’ve heard the great “AO”…….got turned on to this Wonderfull Commitment to local radio……listened yesterday to about an hour or so,………….Threw my $100.00 boom box in the trash and replaced it with on-line listening. Nice job guys and girls…. P.S. God bless crazy Dave Otto
Alan Dearsmith
Wow! I recently discovered your station from the story in the New Times. I was a regular listener to early KDKB, K-104 and The Storm so needless to say you have another devoted listener…and I’m spreading the word to others.
It’s great to see your acknowlegment of Mike Condello who is often overlooked as a great Phoenix talent and is fondly remembered by many. If you haven’t seen it: www.mikecondello.com.
Maybe you can help me. Back in the late sixties I was a fan of KRIZ radio especially Phil Motta who did some great comedy parodies and bits on his show. You may remember Joe Nasty, Red Nose Motors, Doremefasolatedo, etc. etc…. used to have a lot of it on reel to reel but it all got lost!
Anyway do you know of anyone who might have some of Phil’s old stuff on tape?
Thanks again for Radio Free Phoenix.
Scott Smith
Phoenix, AZ
Just found the article in the New Times and I’m so happy! I was raised in Phx in the late 60’s and grew up listening to KRIZ/KRUX and then KCAC and KDKB. You may remember Frank Bennett (Lehmann) from those days. We’re still in contact and are great friends. Reading about Hank & Bill & Toad really brought a smile to my face! I’m listening at work right now and I’m thrilled to hear the old music once again. No one ever “got” Jerry Riopelle outside of Phoenix, did they? And the “Phoenix Concerts” by John Stewart are so great to dig out every once in a while! Thanks for being a part of bringing it back!
Demaris Williams
Prescott, AZ
Thank you for your service to humankind!!! Just found your site today; right on & far out, man. I’m gonna turn on all the brothers. sisters, heads & freaks I can.
Bob Pinnick
I love what you guys are doing! The New Times article was key, I probably would have taken a while to find you otherwise. I almost got a tear in my eye when I saw that you have a weekly Zappa show! I moved here in 1992 from DC (WHFS) and was thrilled when the Zone started off. Doesn’t take long to get corrupted, I guess. Keep the faith!
Best of luck to you (Donation to follow!)
Dan Stanton
Tempe, AZ
Just wanted to give you greetings from Dallas, TX. A friend of mine in Phoenix turned me on to your little internet station, and I’ve been tuned in for the last few days on and off. Major kudos to you and your staff! I did most of my musical growing up in Phoenix (I landed in town when KZZP launched way back when for a reference) Again, kudos on the station!
Chris Potter
Dallas, TX
GREAT Station. Perusing the play list and find it hard to believe you have no Mahogany Rush. I have been looking for Mahogany Rush since I lost my album collection many many moons ago. You guys are the greatest. Brings me back to KCAC, Toad Hall and the best days of my life.
Richard
As on “old timer” whose musical interests were expanded listening to Bill Compton’s show on KRUX and everything on KCAC, I have to say this is an exciting new source of great music. There is about 50 years worth of great rock, folk, etc music out there and you seem to tap into it all. Keep up the great work!
Rick Maxon
YAY!!!! I grew up with WABX in Detroit . Underground radio at its finest. Thank you for reminding me why I ended up playing music for a career.
Ron Anderson
An old roommate I haven’t seen in years stopped by work recently with the recent article you were featured in from the New Times. I went to the site and am so incredibly taken back. This is soooo cool and I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep up the awesome work Andy and I’ll guarantee I’ll listen more and spread the word around about your site. Peace!
Bill
Howdy,
Been listening the last week or so now, looks like I’ll have to not give my $25. annual bucks to KJZZ! I will be contributing in March, as you’ve become my main internet radio spot. Thanks, I love the programming, I’m a listener from the KCAC/ KRIZ vs KRUX 60’s days.
Steve Weiss
Picked up the New Times while visiting my best friend Jan. 30-Feb. 6 in Scottsdale. Now I can’t get enough of RadioFreePhoenix. Are T-shirts available and if so, how do I go about getting one?
Vernon Redd
Richmond, Indiana
