Rodney Bingenheimer is getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 9th, 2007 (tomorrow). They're just handing out these things like candy, huh?? To the world, nobody knows Rodney, but if you were in radio (or happened to live in Los Angeles), you'd probably heard of him. He's probably one of the world's most famous radio DJ, at least very influencial on his "Rodney on the ROQ" show on KROQ Radio.
Rodney was the subject of the documentary Mayor of the Sunset Strip (2003), which was directed by George Hickenlooper and produced by Chris Carter (not the X-Files creator).
Because it was produced by the bassist from Dramarama (Chris Carter) there was definitely a section about how Dramarama rose to fame in the US because of Rodney. Apparently, the band (formed in New Jersey in 1982), released their debut LP, Cinéma Vérité, in France under New Rose Records.
Rodney somehow got a hold of this record and started playing "Anything, Anything". He thought they were a French band (wow, their English is SO GOOD!). But it's all cool, because the airplay and demand for the band prompt the album to finally be released in America.
[copy/paste]
Rodney was the first to play records by - and interviews with such artists on his KROQ show as: Blondie, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, Van Halen, The Go-Go's, Nina Hagen, The Cramps, Nena, The Clash, The Cure, The Smiths, The B-52's, Billy Idol, Adam Ant, Echobelly, Ride, X, Siouxie and the Banshees, Bad Religion, Duran Duran, The Jam, The Bangles, The Runaways, Redd Kross, Bananarama, Joan Jett, Tom Petty, Dramarama, Teenage Fan Club, Suede, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Echo and the Bunnymen, No Doubt, Blur, Elastica, Belly, L7, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Rialto, Placebo, Oasis, The Verve, Kent, Ash, Gene, Travis, Coldplay, Doves, JJ72, The Strokes, Starsailor, The Hives, The Vines, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and The Electric Soft Parade.
Trivia: Rodney, in the 60s, was best known as the stand-in for Davy Jones of the Monkees.
[this is good] He's one of the most underappreciated forces in Rock 'n Roll history. He deserves any recognition that he comes his way.
Posted by: Angry Tiki | 03/08/2007 at 08:53 AM
[this is good] Great for Rodney. I love singing his theme song and imitating the instruments that are playing too! ThoughI can't play drums or guitar very well with my mouth.
Posted by: Kittybomber | 03/08/2007 at 09:37 AM
[this is good] those were the best days of kroq
Posted by: L | 03/08/2007 at 11:05 AM
[this is good] "..one of the world's most famous radio DJ..". I think you forgot to add "..in the US.." :-) I've never heard of him! But according to the list, he seems to have exposed the US to lots of great music. So good job, Rodney!Now John Peel, on the other hand, he is REALLY a world famous DJ. Alright then, let's add "..in Europe..", well, make that "...in UK.." :-)
Posted by: generationally | 03/08/2007 at 11:47 AM
[this is good] he's definitely a living legend; i remember tuning in to rodney on the roq in high school. =]
Posted by: Yen | 03/08/2007 at 12:15 PM
Props on covering Rodney! I love this song:) I don't know why but it's definitely my angry-fun-in-the-car song.
Posted by: K | 03/08/2007 at 02:45 PM
I remember Rodney from the late '70's. He certainly had his finger onL.A's musicalpulse.
To me, Rodney and Dramarama seems like rather a late pairing!
Posted by: Aubrey | 03/08/2007 at 06:33 PM
[this is good] Rodney is godhead, alright!
Posted by: Turnstyle | 03/21/2007 at 01:41 PM
[this is good] great local band and DJ... my band just did a cover of this song (i think we did it justice) myspace.com/vale
Posted by: gHoul | 03/09/2008 at 12:00 PM