Summary of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona" Episode (02-12-25)

Title: Rock Wars - Song For A Band Worthy Of The RnR HOF But That Likely Won't Get In
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: Dick Toledo
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Eddie Toledo

Introduction to Rock Wars

In the February 12, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host Dick Toledo, along with co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Eddie Toledo, delve into a spirited discussion titled "Rock Wars." The primary focus of this segment centers around bands they believe are worthy of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RnR HOF) but are unlikely to receive the honor.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Debate

Brady Bogen kicks off the conversation by addressing the recent nominations for the RnR Hall of Fame, listing notable entrants such as Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Fish, The Black Crowes, Oasis, Joy Division, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes (00:39).

Brady shares his perspective on what constitutes rock and roll, emphasizing that it's more about the "attitude" rather than specific musical elements like guitars or drums. He states, “Rock and roll to me is an attitude... I think country music had an outlaw kind of thing. Very rock and roll.” (01:30) This viewpoint sets the stage for the ensuing debate on the legitimacy of certain bands' nominations.

Debating the Inclusion of Specific Bands

The co-hosts scrutinize several nominees, expressing varying degrees of disagreement:

• Fish: Brady dismisses Fish, criticizing their music as "terrible" and devoid of mass appeal (02:05). Eddie Toledo concurs, unable to recall any significant hits, further questioning their merit for induction (02:17).

• Grateful Dead: The conversation shifts to the Grateful Dead, with John Holmberg acknowledging their success with hits like "Touch of Gray" but agreeing with Brady's skepticism about their inclusion (02:31).

• Oasis and The Black Crowes: Brady finds these bands deserving of the Hall of Fame, highlighting their substantial body of work (03:10).

• Billy Idol: Contrastingly, Billy Idol receives praise for his consistent hit-making over a 12-year span, deemed well within the criteria for induction (03:10).

Audience Participation: Selecting Bands for Rock Wars

The segment encourages listener engagement by inviting the audience to propose bands that they believe deserve Hall of Fame recognition despite low prospects of induction. The co-hosts focus on bands like Iron Maiden, Chevelle, and Devo, debating their eligibility:

• Iron Maiden: Eddie Toledo champions Iron Maiden, citing their global sales of over 130 million albums and iconic status, questioning why they’ve been eligible since 2005 without induction (07:53). Brady and John support Eddie's stance, pondering the reasons behind their exclusion.

  "They've sold over 130 million albums worldwide and have probably the most famous mascot in rock and roll. It's Iron Maiden." — Eddie Toledo (07:53)

• Chevelle: Brady argues that despite Chevelle's 25-year history and numerous hits, they remain underappreciated and unlikely to gain recognition, stating, “Chevelle will get skipped right over... they're 25 years old of hit after hit after hit.” (10:23)

• Devo: The discussion briefly touches on Devo, with mixed opinions on their potential Hall of Fame inclusion (08:44).

Final Voting and Results

As the debate intensifies, listeners vote via emails, texts, and calls. The votes initially favor Chevelle and Iron Maiden, but as more votes come in, Brett "pulls ahead," leading to a narrow victory for his chosen band, Chevelle.

"Chevelle isn't getting the attention they deserve. I don't just think they'll do worse; I think they'll do worse." — Brady Bogen (10:23)

The final tally reveals Chevelle triumphs as the band worthy of Hall of Fame induction yet unlikely to be recognized.

Conclusion and Trivia Segment

Following the Rock Wars discussion, the show transitions into a trivia segment sponsored by Mo Money Pawn. The trivia question posed is:

"Named for an alloy of copper, what prehistoric period is named Bronze Age?" (18:06)

Brady successfully answers "Bronze Age," though the segment ends on a light-hearted note with playful banter among the hosts.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Criteria for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The hosts collectively emphasize that induction isn't solely based on commercial success but also on a band's influence, longevity, and embodiment of rock and roll's spirit.

• Underrated Bands: Bands like Iron Maiden and Chevelle are highlighted as deserving yet overlooked, sparking a broader conversation about the selection process for the Hall of Fame.

• Audience Engagement: Encouraging listener participation through votes and suggestions fosters a dynamic and interactive show environment, enhancing listener investment in the topics discussed.

Notable Quotes

• Brady on Rock and Roll Attitude:

  "Rock and roll to me is an attitude... I think country music had an outlaw kind of thing. Very rock and roll." (01:30)

• Eddie on Iron Maiden's Merit:

  "They've sold over 130 million albums worldwide and have probably the most famous mascot in rock and roll. It's Iron Maiden." (07:53)

• Brady on Chevelle's Overlooked Status:

  "Chevelle will get skipped right over... they're 25 years old of hit after hit after hit." (10:23)

For those interested in listening to the full episode or engaging with the show, tune in to 98 KUPD (97.9 FM), the 98 KUPD app, or visit www.98kupd.com on weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM.