A PRODUCER'S RANT
Looking at this photo it would be easy to think that this was just another comedy bit acted out by our behind-the-scenes folks that grabbed some costumes out of the old Bozo closet. Nope. Actually that might have been better than these clowns that call themselves "Happenin' Harry and the Haptones."
If you saw them, I think you'll agree on this. They weren't Happenin.' But, they were hairy.
These tattoo-ed, body pierced, tartar-toothed pirates are a part of an oddball cast of rockers from bands such as Guns N' Roses, Train, Brides of Destruction, Speedbuggy and several other groups that you've never heard of before. Well, they had me at Guns N' Roses. Unfortunately, Dizzy didn't show up. He was "not feeling well and needed his sleep." OK. Well, at least we had Charlie from Train. He's the one in the red T-shirt. According to some of the ladies around here, he is the hunky one. I would say he was the least likely to vomit this morning.
I'm sorry if I sound a little feisty, but when an "all-star band" shows up half in the bag and blows a great opportunity to perform on Chicago's #1 morning news show, it gets to me.
I mean, I turn away so many incredibly talented local bands on a daily basis because we try hard to deliver the big name music acts.
(Don't get me wrong, I'll welcome a midget Kiss tribute band; a gay heavy metal band; and a slobbering 2 yr-old drummer any old day of the week.)
Speaking of talented local bands, I guess I should come clean and tell you the real reason that Happenin' Harry got on our show in the first place.
You see, one of our premiere audio technicians, Lothar, is in a local band called Sacred Dawn. They will be opening for them Thursday night at Leo's Bar & Grill in Romeoville. For more information about Lothar (and to see if that is his real name at least), go to www.sacreddawn.com
For more information on Happenin' Harry and the Haptones, you are on your own. Sorry.
-Jeff Hoover, Morning Show Producer
Comments
Jeff,
I can understand your desire to promote the show using "big name" bands, it obviously makes sense. However, with such an extensive time allotment each day (Correct me if I'm wrong, 3+ hours per day x 5 days per week?), would it not be possible to allot 5-10 minutes every two weeks to promoting local original music? I happen to know Lothar and the guys from Sacred Dawn and the "local band" moniker tends to carry a lot of excessive "baggage" which doesn't fit them. Many people associate local bands with an amateurish attitude towards their music and a cavalier at-best respect for their fans. I have seen Sacred Dawn countless times and they consistently deliver a show that surpasses many touring national acts that I've seen in terms of quality and professionalism. Chicago should be proud that bands like Sacred Dawn and many of their peers produce such quality entertainment at the local level.
I know in the past the Morning Show has featured local bands like Too White Crew and Hairbanger's Ball, who both obviously have widespread appeal (and who I both happen to love), but I would find it hard to believe that you'd lose viewership over a 5-10 minute segment to Chicago's vast and diverse original music scene.
I watch your show daily over the other offerings due to the penchant for light-heartedness and the fact that the on-air personalities are just easier to relate to than the standard salt-and-pepper haired WSJ-quoting monotone types who make their show about as entertaining as watching paint dry. Ana's various "around town" segments are a great insight into things going on around Chicago that aren't necessarily immediately "newsworthy," perhaps this segment might be a good lead-in to local music?
Rich
drfs@drfsrich.com
Posted by: DRFS Rich | May 16, 2007 11:27 AM
That" musical" group needs to be shown to all children to show children why we need to say NO TO DRUGS!!!!
Posted by: tricia | May 16, 2007 11:56 AM
Man these guys are pathetic!!!
Posted by: Matt | May 16, 2007 2:51 PM
I agree with DRFS Rich! Perhaps it's time to celebrate and appreciate the ORIGINAL talent of all musical genres in this great city on Chicago's #1 morning show!
These guys have proven that "big name acts" will certainly "look a gift horse in the mouth". I'll bet, too, this isn't the first time WGN has been "duped" by a "big name act".
I think it's safe to say these guys and their less than desirable actions have given/should give professional, local ORIGINAL talent a foot in the WGN door. It's time.
Posted by: Karen Tomalis | May 18, 2007 11:42 AM
So happy to read your rant. I'm a loyal viewer always hoping to see Robin sprinting for a beer or Paul in drag.
I couldn't believe how horrible Harry and the Haptones were. Had to watch the Today show for awhile.
I think their idea for a band is to take really good songs, play them reallllllyyyyy slow and off key and call themselves a band.
Terrible.
Posted by: EZSunday | May 18, 2007 3:29 PM
Hello Jeff,
My name is Zack East, Program Director of what is now "Rock 107 WIRX" in St. Joseph. I read recently in a radio blog from WCKG's site that you lived here in St. Joe and worked for Mid-West Family at one point. Great to hear of your progress and how great your career is going! The link that I am sending to you is the history as we know it of WIRX and WSJM, and I wanted your take on things, if you wish to comment. I welcome your input at your convenience. Thanks!
-z-
Posted by: Zack East | May 18, 2007 11:40 PM
They played in Romeoville? Now it all makes sense.....
horrible band.
Posted by: Sandee | May 19, 2007 2:44 PM
Dear Mr. Hoover,
I have just recently come across news of your great success as a producer. It's nice to see that you have done well for yourself despite the corruption that may have occurred to your moral character during your stint at WMU (specifically your second year). I was also wondering if you now own a big yatch that you sometimes use to sail across the lake and thumb your nose at Wolf Marine? Anyway, I can be reached at the above e-mail. Cheers
Posted by: Little Stevie Edwards | June 28, 2007 10:10 AM
Would love to see the band Lounge Puppets perform on the WGN morning show. They're a great band that pays tribute to the 80's hairbands and they are really good. They perform all over chicagoland and people absolutely love them. How do you get these guys on your show?
www.loungepuppets.com
Posted by: TH | December 27, 2007 12:17 PM
Hello Jeff & Lothar....and everyone! Let me explain something first. I was not intoxicated, everyone else was. Hahaha! I actually just celebrated another year of sobriety. 19 years and counting.
Unfortunately, this particular lineup wasn't as sober as the past lineups. However, I am pleased to say that each person in this photo (above) sinse our appearance has found "clean living" (...with the birth of 2 new additions to the world. Charlie Colin "Train" and Scot Coogan "Brides Of Destruction" have both experienced fatherhood recently.)
I have to tell ya, when it came down to the 11th hour I didn't want to cancell the appearance. I was close to it though. So...as unprofessional as it may appear, I have never cancelled a performance, and I wasn't going to start that morning. The guys were drinking after our show the night before and carried on through working out a couple of acoustic songs before we arrived.
It wasn't my intention to make Lothar look bad for the recomendation, nor my band mates who did just fine on thier own. Haha.
Jeff, this was your first expeience with this project. Don't think for a minute that it's always like this pal. YOU ARE SPECIAL! THIS WAS THE WORST IT'S EVER BEEN. And, you my friend got to document it :). That being said, you have received something no one has. And, with my experience as a segment producer for FOX (many moons ago)....this may very well be used for something humiliating in the future. Ratings are ratings right? Haha.
Regardless of this lineup inparticular, Dizzy and I ALWAYS make sure people have a great time when they come out to see us no matter where we play.
Be my guest at my events in Los Angeles if you ever make it out here and I'm sure you will have a change of heart towards your judgement. I'm sorry this had to be your first experience with The Haptones. I'm sorry for Lothar to have put him in this position. Lothar's head and heart were in the right place. And, I'm sorry to say, this is my first time reading this "rant", of sorts, from some of you. The changes that needed to be made were well addressed and repaired long ago.
Charlie Colin and I are in the writing stages of an original project for a major label. When press time and promotional tours come, we would gladdly like to make it up to you and your viewers.
The Haptones will be back in Chicago as well, with a different lineup hopefully by August. And, if anyone who saw this "episode" meets me in person.....PLEASE say hello so I can give you a hand shake and wish you my condolences ;)
Take it how you will. It took a lot for me to make this happen. I tried. I didn't quit. And, I didn't leave you or your staff hangin'. I scheduled a commitment. And, I showed up. I encourage everyone to check out The Haptones My Space page to see what we are really about when you can spare a minute from your busy days.
www.myspace.com/happeninharry
I owe Lothar and his band a couple of shows in my neck of the woods at my clubs when they are ready to come out west.
I always have, and always will love Chicago (regardless of the harsh posts here). Chicago has the BEST fans, and the BEST people in the world! And, I'll always be proud to tell people I'm from Chicago! And, I'll always be a CHICAGO boy. GO CUBS! Love and respect, Happenin' Harry
Ps. Please excuse any spelling errors. I have been up working for 24 hours :) Je travaille becoup. Je suis fatigue'.
Posted by: Happenin' Harry | May 31, 2008 7:53 AM