Steve's WVVX Blog

Scott Loftus was on Y108 in between VVX and 103.5; this is where I know him from. When I heard him on the Loop in Fall '99 or so I almost had to pull over and cry. (sigh) Where are you Scott?

--T.J.

Dude, my buddy and I were just talking about VVX and had the same question. What happened to Scott Loftus? We started searching the net and came across this site. So yeah, I also was a hardcore fan of the station and still say to this day it was the best station ever. I was not only curious about Scott but everyone else as well. Kim Kelly, CC Horan, Paul Kaiser, and Ralph Rasmussen. Might you have any info on them? I tried posting this on the Thirsty Whale site message board but got nothing.

I'd love to chat with ya on this. Get back to me.

Mike

I have very fond memories of WVVX (RPM - Real Precious Metal!) and Scott Loftus. Like the time his car broke down on the way to work--forcing him to walk much of the way to work in freezing weather--whereupon he played Judas Priest's Out In The Cold for about an hour to vent his frustration.

Or the followin phone request the night news broke about Cliff Burton's death:
Drunken mourner: "Uh, yeah... um, since, uh Metallica's bus slid on the ice, uh, would it be right to play Trapped Under Ice, um, in honor of Cliff?"
Scott: "No, that would not be an appropriate song to play."

I miss that station a lot.

I grew up on WRPM..... had a tape of the show I took down to Nashville when I moved in 1986..... does anyone have any of the music they played "Bongski and Brewski's for Everyone" ..... would be great if someone could put some of the show archives on the net... checked youtube did not find anything........

Hey.
That was my favorite show too. I believe Kim Kelley is the only one that has surfaced on CLTV (Chicago Land TV station). She does the traffic report as a fill in. I also heard her for WGN morning news as a fill in traffic reporter. Glenn used to work for my brothers school as a bus driver and fell off the earth. The rest i dont know what happened to. We loved the show and miss it very much. It was original and different from most of the programs. Would be great to get the tapes of the show. Someone must have them.
Nat

I went through high school listening to VVX and this brings back great memories. that station was the only thing playing anything good in the mid 80s is chicago. i had 20+ cassette tapes of their broadcasts that i listened to until they fell apart. I agree with steve on 3/17. does anyone know where we can find the "smoke a bowl shuffle"

Bongskies in the boys room.
Sittin in the classroom checkin out some hash.
Man I miss that station.

Hey people. I am the former Guitarist for Scott's WVVX band The Inmates. Last time I talked to Scott was the Spring Of 2002 when he did Overnights at the Loop on the weekends. If you go to my web site http://web.mac.com/djloverboy , there is a recording of the song "Backstage Bimbos". It was recorded directly from the radio In June of 1987 when we released the song. Have fun people, and I'll keep looking for Scott.

Steve, thank you so much for writing about the glory days of Chicago area heavy metal. I stumbled upon this entry when I did a search on WVVX in Google. I mainly did that because my wife and I were talking about the continual downward spiral that MTV had become for the last 12 years. We reminisced about the good old days (she's 31, I'm 35; both from Chicago, now living in Phoenix) when we had WVVX's night programming and MTV's Headbanger's Ball to look forward to almost every night. Nowadays, we have to turn to internet radio and YouTube to find our favorite music and videos (not just the nostalgia, but the new bands and subgenres of metal too).

I miss Scott Loftus and his way of making a night radio show one of the most enjoyable events in our lives. Hope he's a success wherever he's working now. I miss those awesome WVVX station intros! Especially the guitar solo in one part; very cool, screaming solo with what sounds like synth pedals in the background (where can I find that solo!!?). It's a shame that, one day, I noticed that the usual magic left my life, replaced by grunge and rap/hip-hop.

Again, thanks! I'm subscribing to your RSS feed now. You said about that beloved station, "Kind of like Bruce Wayne would turn into Batman"... I'd equate it more to Bruce Banner turning into the Hulk!

WVVX The Rock Chicago Wants!! I have countless hours of WVVX and Y108 that I recorded off the air back in the day. All the way back to the third day on the air as RPM up to the end at Y108. Scott, Glenn, Ralph, Cece, Kim, everybody. Thursday nite thrash attack, One off the Bsides, regular programming all unedited, just like it came across the radio. Ad spots for concerts and clubs, band apperances, COOL stuff. email me if interested. tonybee777 at yahoo dot com

Remember Z-Rock and G-Force. They played stuff Loftus had no balls to play. I think Scott Loftus is living on skid row because he sucks so bad.

I remember Z95, they played my music

I was hanging with Scott and Glann last weekend. I smoked crack with them.

Din't Scott and Glen become lovers and got married?

anyone remember Disco DAI?

What ever happend with the horny one John Corney?

Anyone remember a station in Milwaukee called The Crusher

Great post.

I'm surprised nobody has tracked Scott down - or even found out if he's broadcasting anymore. I did hear him occasionally on The Loop a few years back, but just like when he went to 103.5, it wasn't the same.

Anyone remember the one or two episode video show that Scott and Glenn did?

I was in junior high in the late 80s when I discovered VVX listen from 8:00 when the show came on until they went off the air. I have a bunch of old cassettes stashed away somewhere with "Sunday Night CD", "Rock Wars" and "Thursday Night Thrash Attack" airings as well as songs from bands I'd never heard of before. I miss that type of free-for-all radio in Chicago - you never knew what you'd hear next. Hope Scott is alive and well.

WVVX Chicago's Real Precious Metal.. I loved that station.. I remember going to bed listening to Heavy metal and waking up to some foreign jibber-jabber because they would go off the air in the Early AM and another program would take over. One of my favorite Bands was "Holland" and their "Little Monsters" Album the track he always played was "Wake up the Neighborhood"
I also remember places like The "Brat Stop", "the Exit", "The Brawl Room" and that place on the corner of Grand and River the "Thirsty Whale". they were always sporting the Local talent and cover bands.
Hey if anyone knows.. There was a song that Scott used to play and I would love to find out the name of it and who it is by.. I have been searching for years... I know the refrain goes something like "Salt and Tequila carry me through the night..Salt and Tequila carry me through the fight.." any help would be appreciated.... Rock on Chicago.... KO

Scott Loftus was killed in an automobile accident in 2005

Could someone please elaborate regarding Doug's news that Scott was killed in an auto accident?

VVX was a big part of my life growing up in the NW suburbs. My buddies and I went down to the station once and caught Scott as he pulled in to go to work. He gave us all albums he pulled out of his trunk and a tour of the station (even stopped the tape of the Armenian Radio Hour for a few seconds - just for fun). He seemed to be a genuinely nice guy.

One more anecdote!
Someone called the station once asking Scott to never play Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls" again. Scott proceeded to play the song on repeat for more than one hour. We listened for the first few times then sick on it, we tuned away for a ten minutes or so. Tuning back only netted us more of that song. We tuned away again for another ten minutes or so and when we returned we heard commercials. Thinking we were safe we stayed. Alas, when the commercials were over...no talk, just more "Girls, Girls, Girls".
I still hate that song!

Doesnt anyone remember the big rally at WMET when they changed formats? That is how Scott became known in Chicago for his
GENUINE LOVE for metal!
By the way, Mickey, According to my Hot Pink guitar pick, Wasnt it
"DA" Inmates?

Who did the song "welcome to Mc'donalds?....it was some kind of skit I think the band went by the name Angelwuss...haha cant remember. Welcome to Mc Donalds may i take your order please? (in a death metal growl singing the lyrics to the mcdonald menu song.)

Thursday thrash attack!!!!!!!!

Col, I would to see that pick. I remember having them made and tossing them out at all The Inmate concerts. I really remember the last gig. We sold out the Thirsty Whale! And it was the day after my birthday. I'm still playing in a band called Fast Suzi, and I'm trying to get the guys to learn "Backstage Bimbos" to play live on stage! You get a hold of my at MySpace. Just search for FAST SUZI

Swords and Tequila, Riot.

Hey ROTGRAFIX! I'm Cathy, former Musical Director of the Night People Show that followed RPM. The song, "Welcome to McDonalds" was by a Chicago band called Funeral Bitch. You'd have to track down bandmember Kenny Black to try to get a copy. Mine was stolen from me.

Also, John Gorny and I are still great friends. He and his wife get together regularly.

Keep rockin!

I remeber around 1987, I used to isten to Z-Rock on 106.7fm, at night you could listen to WVVX on 103.1, and during the day, you could hear real thrash metal on G-Force 1330 AM. Scott and those guys played a lot of hairband rock, while Z-

I remember around 1987, I used to listen to Z-Rock on 106.7fm, at night you could listen to WVVX on 103.1fm, and during the day, you could hear real thrash metal on G-Force 1330 AM. Scott and those guys played a lot of hairband rock, while Z-rock and G-force played Slayer type stuff. They use to take turns talking shit about each other on the air, man only in Chicago right!

Good memories. Me and my buds (pun intended) spent most of our high school weeknights and weekends listening to VVX.

At least once or twice a summer VVX would sponsor a VVX night at Twin drive in on Milwaukee Ave in Prospect Heights. Scream VVX rocks Chicago and a car load got in for $5 flat. Place was packed every time.

Loftus would open up practically every metal act that came through town.

Night People...Hanging out...Waitin' for something to happen. I heard "the horny one" playing the blues on a small am station about two years ago. I called him while he was on the air. He said he left Night People because "WVVX was owned by a penny pinching, cheap ass outfit called Universal Broadcasting. I couldn't make a living. Since then I can afford a place to live". He also said he was not related to the guitar maker Bob Gorny.

You can find a posting from Glen the Phoneman on a site called Pop Zeus. Amazing how people have changed.

Hi Cathy......stumbled on here again.Thanks for the info....yeah Funeral Bitch! How did I get Angelwuss? haha....Funeral Bitch is close to Angel Witch I guess....and Paul Speckmann used to call posers, wimps.....Of course Paul Speckmann formed Master whose song Funeral Bitch is a classic!

Cheers!

Kim Kelly ended up being a fill in DJ and started out as Kim The Phone Fox. Did any of you go to the Ozzy record signing at the Flip Side? It was sponsored by Z Rock. Glen the phone man was there and he got the entire crowd chanting Z Rock Sucks! Classic... Do any of you recall a song by a Chicago band called "If you wanna rock, say yeah!" I would love to get a copy of that if anyone has any ideas... I'm thinking it was Hammeron but not sure.

Speckmann here in Germany at the moment. The song was called Mc Mac Attack and I wrote this little jingle for Funeral Bitch in 1987 when jamming with Olvera and Thompson back in the day. What ever happened to those guys? Whatever happened to that legend Kenny Black for that matter?

Yes, where did Scott L. go?
I was a big fan of his and was life on the air with him one night talking about my love life.
If you know where what radio station he is at please email me or visit me at twitter.com. My ID is christineUSA.

Thanks!

es, where did Scott L. go?
I was a big fan of his and was live on the air with him one night talking about my love life. It was pure entertainment.
If you know where/what radio station he is at please email me or visit me at twitter.com. My ID is christineUSA.

Thanks!

I just stumbled across this thread, via a link from something called Pop Zeus, which had a running commentary about Scott Loftus and the old days at VVX, Y108, The Blaze and The Loop, and I was startled to read that he died in 2005... that's pretty funny, because I just talked to him yesterday... and I should know, because he's my big brother... he's alive & well, living in a Chicago suburb (I'm going to maintain his privacy somewhat), married with twins (a boy & a girl), and working on independent projects... he's also a health freak, so he'll probably live to 120... so I hope that puts an end to the "Paul is Dead" - I mean "Scott is Dead" rumors...

That is really awesome that he is not dead!!! I had so many fantastic memories of WVVX. In 1991, I won tickets to my first concert which was Ozzy Osbourne with Faster Pussycat and Ugly Kid Joe. I remember being on the air being caller 103. Loftus asked if this was my first time winning tickets. I said "yes". He called me a VVX Virgin! I was nervous stuttering like a fool. This was definitely a fond Junior High memory.

But I would like to call out Tom L. The reason I think it's awesome that Scott Loftus is not deceased is that with the internet freeing media, Loftus can still produce a kickass show on his own terms. I think it was 7 or 8 years ago I had the honor of talking to Scott Loftus while he was djing on O101 off the air. I even told him that goofy Ozzy story that was mentioned above. (Since he spoke with so many people, I assure you I was not foolishly expecting him to remember). Loftus said there is not a market for the music he played on the air anymore. When it came to bands such as Poison, Bang Tango, LA Guns, etc., this was true during the mid to late 90's. But I saw Poison, Cinderella, and Motley Crue the last few years and by looking at the crowd, I see there is enough of a following and market for a Scott Loftus run radio program.

There are enough people talking about "whatever happened to Scott Loftus" an various websites. Hell, I even belong to a WVVX group on Facebook. All Loftus would have to do is create a Facebook, MySpace, or whatever is out there. I'm sure he would get a shit load of people who remember him that will attach to his page. (There is definitely enough talking about WVVX on Facebook) This could be a great outlet to promote a streaming radio show online. I'm sure there is a way for him to get onto iTunes, Yahoo music, AOL Radio, or his own website.

So Tom L., as his younger brother (if you're not and I fell for it, then I'm a sucker!), it would kick major ass if you could convince Loftus of what I just mentioned! Hearing him on the Blaze or Q101 was pleasant, but CORPORATE!!!! Fuck, I remember when Wayne's World came out and he was comparing it with him and the Blaze! I'm sure Scott Loftus has "independent projects" that are more financially feasible to what I'm pitching. But if there would be any time where pursuing what he once had on the internet streaming, he would find out this market exists. Hopefully this would not get in the way of other endeavors in his personal life, just something on the side of what I have the gut feeling is something he loved doing as well connecting with old fans in Chicago as well as fans who moved out of the city/state. (Internet's worldwide!!!) If anything, it would be on awesome hobby.

Here is to the Rock Chicago Wants....!!!!

CDK,

I promise you, I really am Scott's brother Tom. And I hear what you're saying... When Scott decided to leave radio behind, the corporate mentality (and politics) that had taken over big-city radio had a lot to do with it (e.g., bland personalities, the same 1000 songs in rotation, etc.). But I had gotten so used to hearing him on the radio, it was kind of a shock to suddenly not be able to anymore.

Scott keeps his feelings pretty "close to the vest", and I also don't want to speak for him... but I just think that he views his radio career as a stage of his life that is now in the past, maybe like a pro athlete who has retired and now is doing something completely different. I'm sure he's flattered that people are still keeping his memory (and the VVX days) "alive" on the net... and I agree, streaming a radio show online would appeal to a lot of people... on the other hand, does anyone under 25 even remember VVX/RPM, The Blaze, Y108, etc.?

Time flies, and people grow up, move away, and move on with their lives... maybe Scott doesn't want to be a "nostalgia act" (but again, I can't speak for him).

I'll tell you this much: I miss the free concert tickets and backstage passes! And I miss seeing Scott get up onstage at Allstate Arena and introducing the band... and telling me stories about artists that came into the VVX studios, like when Ozzy threw up all over everything... and all of the hot women that were drawn to him, and the show, and the lifestyle. But like I said, time marches on...

"Time stand still... I'm not looking back, but I want to look around me now... See more of the people and the places that surround me now... Summer's going fast, the night's growing colder... Children growing up, old friends growing older... Experience slips away..." - Rush (Neil Peart)

If Scott was alive HE would have posted HE was still alive. NOT someone 'claiming' to be his brother.
Scott if you are still around--please post SOMETHING to clear up the rumors that you are not. Thanks!

Christine,

First of all, I have not discussed this web site or these posts with Scott (as I said, I tripped across this site accidentally), but I think I will, after reading your post. I'm sure he will be amused... but knowing him, I doubt he will find it necessary to "reply" to "prove" anything. He is enjoying his privacy right now, put it that way.

Secondly, if you don't believe that I am Scott's brother (Tom), why would you believe Scott if he did decide to post on this site, claiming to be Scott?

Not that I owe you anything, Christine, but is there any satisfactory "proof" I can offer to you, to demonstrate that I am, in fact, Scott's brother Tom, and/or that Scott is still alive? If so, please respond. Thanks.

I understand your point. And yes, it is easy for someone to 'claim' he is Scott. I think he should address the issue to his 'fans' and go back to his private life if that is what he wishes to do. My sister was killed in a car crash and it would make me sick if someone posed as her 'sister' and claimed she was still alive. May the real Scott clear this up....I must say...I did 'not' find any articles stating he was in an accident. I may contact 97.9 fm in Chicago and see if they can provide any information. If you are really his brother 'thank you' & if you are not really his brother then 'shame on you.'

Christine,

First, my sincere condolences to you on the loss of your sister.

I doubt that, for confidentiality reasons, WLUP (or WKQX, or US-99 - yes, he was once a country jock!, or Jam Productions, which owned his "RPM" show on WVVX) would release any contact information about Scott. And I'm sure you can appreciate that I can't post his current address or phone number, either.

All I can tell you is that he still lives in the Chicago area with his wife and twins (a boy and a girl). I can also tell you that he has 2 brothers (inc. me) and 2 sisters, and that he was born in Decatur, IL, and that he graduated from the University of Miami (FL). I'm not comfortable divulging any more than that.

Ask me a question that you think I wouldn't know unless I was his brother, and I'll try to answer it if I can.

... Tom

Tom,
Thanks for your comments. I will just hope one day he surfaces to 'greet' his WVVX fans. I think since so many networking sites are around these days we fans from the WVVX days wish we could connect with Scott once again. I can understand why he would like to keep his life private these days (and focus on his family). Ask him to consider going on twitter.com He can connect with his fans and still keep a low profile. Is he flattered that so many people still admire him?

twitter----ID: ChristineUSA

Christine,

I think my little brother (Mark) is having a get-together later this month, and I expect I'll see Scott there. Scott is kind of hard to reach on the phone (our schedules don't seem to mesh), and for some reason, he hates e-mailing (although I know he's very web-savvy... yet I don't think he's on twitter, facebook, myspace, etc.). But I promise I will discuss this subject with him when I see him, then post an update to this site.

Is he flattered that so many people admire him? I think he's surprised that so many people even remember him at this point... he's been off the air for a few years, and the VVX days are pretty far back in the rearview mirror.

The best way I can answer that is to say this: The Scott that people think they "knew" on the air isn't exactly the same Scott who has a private life... and now that he doesn't have a "public" life any longer, he'd probably just as soon not try to live up to something that he's not any longer, or live "in the past."

Did you ever notice how some bands seem to go on forever, playing the "oldies circuit" (fairs, festivals, bars, etc.), and some bands just break up before they get to that point? Scott is probably a lot like the bands in that second category. Once he wasn't on the air anymore, he stopped being a public figure, and I just don't think he's much interested in reaching out to "fans" who still want him to be what he used to be.

But, like I said, I will talk to him about it, and who knows? Maybe he does have a website or blog out there that he's just never mentioned to me... if he does, I'll post it on this site (with his permission, of course).

Take care,
Tom

Tom,

I completely understand.
Well, all you can do is mention it to him and see if he is interested in reaching out.

Take Care,
Christine

Will do...

Tom L.,

Thank you for replying to my comment. I didn't think you would. It was a pleasant surprise. I can completely rationalize with not wanting to be a "nosalgia" act. My ideas were more so if he wanted to redo the show as some sort of side hobby or something and keep doing whatever he is involved with currently. Especially if you say he is "web-savvy". But I do respect on not wanting to live in the past. Though with the comments between you and Christine, you said that Scott would be surprised that people still remember his show. His show was really special to many people. There were days I'd come home just to listen to the show. I remember positioning my radio in extremely odd places to get the show. It even got bad enough where I resorted to tin foil on the antenna.

80% of any hard rock/Thrash/Death I currently listen to does come from the days of listening WVVX ( I loved Thursday Night Thrash Attack!!!). I remember having retarded debates with people on WVVX vs. The Blaze (the Blahz!!!). I just hope Scott does realize that his show did mean a lot to many people. A whole lot more than he even thinks. That is why old school Chicago metalheads still talk about the show on threads such as these and social networking sites.

Tom, you mentioned that Scott Loftus was a country jock on US99. I began laughing my ass off when I read that. Don't get me wrong, There is nothing wrong with earning a paycheck. I had this twisted vision in my head Scott playing a Kenny Rogers song, then out of the blue begin playing "Master of Puppets" by Metallica, then he goes onto Clint Black. Finally, Scott gets back on the air to talk as if nothing happened in true Loftus fashion.

Thanks, CDK

CDK,

Ditto on the Kenny Rogers comment. :-)

Christine

CDK & Christine,

As I recall, after Scott left Miami (and a gig as a top jock at the #1 rock station down there), he was briefly at 92.7 FM in Arlington Heights (which I think was WWMM at the time, a sort of Jack-FM-type hodgepodge rock station), then at US-99, then at the old WMET 95.5 FM (rock), before moving on to VVX/RPM.

I'll bet there are some small stations out there in the cornfields somewhere, that actually do segueway from Clint Black to Back in Black (AC/DC), from Johnny Cash to Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistols), and from Slayer's Angel of Death to Juice Newton's Angel of the Morning. I don't think I'd want to listen to any of those stations... but they're out there.

CDK, I've heard that one about the tin foil on the antenna before... it's amazing what people would do to catch his show.

One last anecdote: Do either of you remember when Scott "staged" AuroraFest, as a sort of tribute or send-up of Wayne's World, and had thousands of people believing that some of the world's top rock bands were converging on Aurora for a Woodstock-type concert? (The story made Page 1 of USA Today.) Basically, Scott would play a song (usually a live version), and make it seem like he was "at the concert", and would talk about the next band that was going to "take the stage"... and he had the crowd noise sound effect going, so it sounded real... I guess people were driving out to Aurora in droves, stopping at gas stations and donut shops, going, "Where's the concert?" Every time I think about that, it makes me smile.

Anyway, I'll post here again after I talk to Scott... take care,

Tom

Tom,

Yes, I do vaguely remember Scott's AuroraFest (staged). I have so many good memories of his radio show (specifically WVVX).
I hope to locate my old cassette tapes of his radio show that I recorded. I recorded some of his shows so I could listen to him when he was not on the air.
He had such a quick wit and ability to talk to anyone (and played all my favorite music).

Christine

All,

I'm having a blast reading about WVVX and Scott Loftus. I used to listen to WVVX off and on between the years of 1990 and 1992. I lived in Naperville and had up a weak signal, and sometimes could not get good enough reception. The the Blaze came on the air around 1991, but I still listened to WVVX regularly.

My reason for searching for WVVX and Scott is that I recently got a hold of some taped segments of WVVX. It's a friend of a friend thing (and I am in the process of trying to get in direct contact with the person so that I can get more). I have no idea how these tapes even survive over the years, let along exist.

Have fun with this one - here is a sample from the past!

http://mvdavis.dyndns.org/ebay/WVVX1985.mp3

Tom L,

PLEASE tell your brother I said "hello". I haven't talked to him in years but I am thrilled that those nasty "scott is dead" rumors are false! I'm not sure if he knew Red Muldoon, but I was actually trying (unsucessfully) to track down Scott recently to let him know that Red passed away.

Scott is welcome to email me - I'd love to hear from him - my personal email address is the same as it was a few years ago, or he can find contact info on my website or facebook or at www.WTMX.com

I'm glad he's doing well!

Cara

Hey Tom,
So glad to read that Scott is doing well. I worked with him at a few stations. Please tell him I'd love to hear from him. Thanks, Leslie Harris - leslie@959theriver.com

Hi Tom,

Just wanted to follow up with you---were you able to discuss any of this with Scott?

Christine

That was awesome to hear that again. I loved that station. They played my band on there a few times.
Does anyone remember a tune, Raise some hell? The singer was awesome in that band. It was some kind of Indian tribe name or something along those lines.

Tom, it's Glen the Phone man . I realize alot of people want guys like you and me to verify who we are. The only thing I can say is if I was someone claiming to be someone else, I certainly wouldn't pick me. I realize you are really you. I remember the first time i met you in the vvx studio. I think you were writing for the Daily Herald at the time. I forget the name of the bar I saw you at shortly after I left radio. I remember you encouraged me to continue my career. I was bored and thought I'd tool around the computer and see what Scott was up to. I must admit I was quite shocked when someone said he died, so I continued looking up shit so I could go to sleep tonight knowing My former partner in crime was o.k. I haven't seen or talked to Scott since 1995. However when you lived for 3 years locked in a studio the size of an elevator you have a life-long bond. Tell your brother I said hi, Congratulations on the twins. I'm a father also. and one day I'm sure we'll all see each other again, me, him, Uncle Mickey, Even Horny John Gorny.
I hope you get this message , my computer skills suck.

God Bliss You Scott, R.I.P. and you don't always play the devils music. You played some Christian metal too.

I heard kim kelly not too long ago doing traffic reports on some chicago station...cant remember which.

I think she's on the Drive. WDRV. I know I heard her on their a few times late at night.

Interests of your, help you choosing?CD?s for sale, mp camera.Can occupy on, it?s your job.Clout to your Vacanta perfecta in Grecia Sejur Grecia - Harta site, a call while for any daylight.To a perspective, a professional relationship.,

I use to listen to WVVX all the time in the last 80's & early 90's. That was the scene. Metal was at the top of the world during that time. Scott Loftus would come on...and you guys remember the radio station started at what, 9pm or some sh*t? It would start off with some Metal Band that was local I believe playing the tune to Charlie Brown. "Da nah nah nah nah nah nuh nuh...da nah nah...da nah nah nah...doo doodoo doodoo." Hahaha! Anyway...WVVX first introduced me to Metallica's Whiplash and Master of Puppets. Also, Megadeth's In My Darkest Hour. Danzig's Long Way Back from Hell. Bands like Pro-Pain and Sacred Reigh and Suicidal Tendencies...and Testament. Wow...and most of all I heard my 1st song ever "This Love" by new band on the scene PANTERA. Holy sh*t man...when I 1st heard PANTERA it was love at 1st listen. I went to some crappy wanna be grochery store called OMNI by my high school and bought Vulgar Display of Power on cassette tape. Popped it in my car and the 1st song "Mouth for War" drum into almost blew my rear speakers out of my car.

Chicago needs a metal station again full-time. I miss hearing Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Old Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer, Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies, Danzig, White Zombie, Exodus, Testament, Faith No More, GWAR, etc. Man those were the days.

F&ck man...getting old sucks when you have 7 yr olds saying you saw Pantera??? They are legends from another time...kids at school talk about them. From another time??? What are you talking about kid??? Well yea...1992 was 17 yrs ago. HOLY F@CK the kid is right. Wow.

Glen:

Thanks for putting me last on your list of people.

Seriously, I was alerted to this site by my sister. I started reading all the stuff about WVVX. Then I stopped to realize I left the station in 1987. What a cast of characters. Thor, Mike McIntyre, other assorted wierdos, the reggae guy Mike Sears and the late general manager of WVVX Bill Paar.

Glad to see your doing well.

John Gorny
Night People '84-'87.

P.S. Don't misunderstand my use of the term "other assorted wierdos" to include any of the people I named in my last comments. This catagory is strictly and solely reserved for a few of the people who either telephoned to be on the air or dropped by the station uninvited. These people formed an elite group of listeners who, by their behavior, indicated they could have been borderline brain dead. I think Scott's phrase "the land of the comfortably dumb" applies here.

John G.

Scott made my security guard midnight shift livable in the early 90's with his show on Y108. He was a character back when someone could truly be himself, and survive and have a following on some little station in the burbs.

I remember, the night that Chris Oliva of Savatage died in the car wreck. Scott simply stated the fact, then played their song "Sleep" as tribute. In the pitch black of night, that got burned into memory that will last until I die.

One night a buddy and I went to Kenny May's to check out some strippers, and had Scott on the radio during the drive there. We just sat in the parking lot and listened to what had to be an hour rant about Judas Priest, "real" metal, posers, and it was a stream of consciousness bouncing from one tangent to another that had us riveted enough to forget about the girls twirling on the brass poles inside, at least for the length of that rant.

I don't need him to come back for a nostalgia trip, and I hope all's well for him in his new life. I just would like him to know that he had real souls out there in his audience who he reached and touched with his great job on the radio, and know that he wasn't just another spare dude on the radio, that he stood out, and is appreciated.

Nice to hear Horny John Gorny found this site. John, what's going on? Are you still in radio? If not , What do you do? When did Bill Paar die ? Though I know he didn't like me, I kind of thought he was an O.K. guy.

Mark,

Can you post more of the old VVX clips? I used to be a truck driver and listened to VVX and Scott Loftus as I drove through Chicago at night. What a cool trip down memory lane, Thanks!

Mike

Glen:

After 20 plus years this is kind of a surreal experience.

I left WVVX in mid 1987 to go to WPNA. I have been there ever since. The pay was one and a half times more than what Universal broadcasting was paying at that time and they had medical benefits which I would have had to pay for out of my own pocket at WVVX. I had already passed the age of 30 and I needed to think about putting money in the bank.

In addition to that, I had to get my own place again. All the time I was at 'VVX I was renting a room in a house. It was owned by the mother of one of the other people who started the Night People show in 1984. The three of us under one roof. The rent was cheap. However, I needed to go. They also needed to get their home back. Ever since I've been making a living and not just getting by.

I heard about Bill from one of the other people that was working at 'VVX. I won't say his name in case there is a privacy issue. He and Bill worked togehter at another station. One of Bill's daughter's contacted this man after the fact. If I remember correctly, Bill was suffering from some type of cancer that eventually took his life. That was at least two or three years ago.

John "Horny" Gorny

Wow, I did a search on good ol Scott and found this instead. Oh how I loved VVX and then Y108. I had to fully extend my antenna and wrap it with foil and then no one could move in order to get a clear signal....hahahahaha Good times! If most of you were nightly listeners then you may remember me, not by name but I was the girl who won a set of autographed Metallica drumsticks. Then after a week of callers saying they didnt think I deserved them because I wasnt "excited enough" I called back in and explained how EXCITED I was but asked listeners to keep in mind that I never expected to win so I didnt have a speech prepared...lol I was in shock at the moment and also I was about 15 maybe 16 years old living with mom and its 1a.m so I couldnt exactly scream like a lunatic. It was so late I couldnt even call a friend, I had to contain myself til morning which made sleepig that night rough! Scott understood and asked the listeners to put it to rest. I STILL have the old tape of that on air conversation about those sticks and STILL have the sticks, a good almost 20 years later. So maybe now you all know how much I have cherished them....lol I just listened to that old tape not too long ago and will cherish that forever also! Man I miss that radio station. Scott if youre out there, you are greatly missed and we would love to hear from you somewhere, somehow. Seems silly but you were a huge part of most of our youth. Not many DJ's I remember but you are one I will never forget! :)

I agree, VVX helped me get through Chicago when I was dead tired many a night (I used to drive a semi). I remember Scott breaking new music weeks before any other station would, even Zrock!

John, great to hear that of all of us old WVVX guys one of us is still in radio. Where is WPNA on the dial and when can I hear you ? Who do you still see or hear from ?

Glen

Hi everyone, I had some deja vu last night. I was transferring some old reel to reel tapes for Tony LaBarbara and The Thirsty Whale reunion this weekend at Shark City and I started up a Metal Works tape and all of a sudden there's Scott and Glenn introducing the "record" and every song. It was great to hear Scott's voice and all the cool bands again. I think all of the bands are reuniting for this reunion. These Metal Works and old Hammeron recordings will be available again soon. Thanks Scott for all your hard work promoting local talent in Chicago...............a lot of people miss hearing your voice!!!!!!!
Bob Pucci
Metropolis Music Complex
Villa Park, IL

let us know about those tapes, Bob! Viva La Whale!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7P6qicHqJE

Thought this would be an interesting URL to post here. Found this clip on youtube that has Scott Loftus interviewing Metallica. The interview is from '86. It features the late Cliff Burton. This was a bit before my times since I listened to the show from '88 to '93. But since I was a devout VVX listener and still a lifelong Metallica, it's a pretty sweet find. For anyone interested in listening, please enjoy.

Glen:

WOW! It's another surreal moment. I'm all warm and fuzzy.

WPNA is at 1490 on the AM dial. The station also webcasts on the net through their website. The station brokers out air time like 'VVX did back in the days when we were there.

I still do a blues show every Sunday night/Monday morning starting at Midnight. It's a pretty generic show nowdays compared to what I was doing from 1987 through the late 1990's. You can also hear my voice doing the legal I.D. at the top of some of the hours. Also, the company that owns WPNA owns a station in Beloit, Wis. Monday through Wednesday I do the news for the morning show there. If you're ever in Beloit or Rockford you can hear it.

The only person I still see from the RPM/Night People days is Cathy. She told me about a Thirsty Whale reunion at a place called Shark City. It happened a couple of weeks ago. She told me after the thing happened that Paul and Ralph were there. Both of those guys are married. Ralph has a child.

Cathy was trying to contact you about this event. I told her the last thing I knew was that you were teaching boxing at the East Bank Club. That was according to what you wrote on the Pop Zeus site. She could not find your name on the list of instructors for the place. Do you still teach martial arts?

John G.

P.S. Speaking of martial arts, this will make you laugh. I've been trying to learn Shotokan Karate. I have a yellow belt and will be testing for an orange belt probably in December. I ain't no Bruce Lee but I can do a pretty good Taikyoku Shodan kata. I waited until as old as I am now to do this crap. I must be nuts!

John, too bad Cathy couldn't reach me for the Whale reunion. I would have like to have been there. If she or you ever have to reach me, call East Bank and the operator will put you in my voice mail. I've worked there since 1995 giving boxing lessons. She must have got lost on the web site, with all the personal trainers they have. I'll have to give you a listen one of these Sunday nights. Keep up the karate. Remember; Miagi say,"Wax on Wax off."

Take it easy,
Glen

Just listened to the Metallica interview...while Scott is on the tape at the beginning of Part I, I believe that is Paul Kaiser & PJ hosting for the duration. Brings back memories though :)

Hey Mark!
You been enjoying those recordings you got from me? Thats right, I'm the friend of a friend. Have you talked to Camp lately?

Thats my post further up. For anyone who is interested I have the source tapes that I recorded back in the day. Interested? email me at tonybee777 at yahoo dot com

It wasn't WRPM it was a show called RPM Real Precious Metal and it was on WVVX. That's why they dropped the name because of idiots like you.

Did you suck there dick?

He was never really into metal. He does a blues show on WOPA.

I think it was only on once on channel 60.

I think someone stuck RPM stickers on the Z-Rock van that day also

Who is this guy posting messages as Glen the Phone man I'm the real Glen The Phone man. If your going to pretend to be someone else, though I'm flattered, I would think you could probably someone other than me. What a "strange" choice. Well if your going to use my name at least try to be a little less angry. Though my radio career was not a long or lucrative venture I try to be a positive person.

Glen

Get a life and quit using my name! I'm the real Glen the Phone Man. Don't be so negative! Though you're right and the show was RPM on WVVX you don't have to be a dick about it.

Sincerely Glen "The Phone Man" Freedman

Scott Loftus. I did a search for Scott Loftus today. Why, I don't know, but his name popped into my head and I just had to.

The man was my favorite radio guy in Chicago, even more than Steve Dahl who I have listened to since 1979. Scott was and probably still is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I was lucky enough to stand next to him during a Saxon show at the Metro and we chatted the entire night. He was a true gentleman and a pretty funny dude as well.

With the rebirth of Metal lately, I would love to hear him do another show somewhere on radio or Internet. I always wonder what he would think of the new bands and new styles. Is he a Porcupine Tree Fan, does he still rock, etc...

FYI, the opening song he played at the start of the show was called ECHOES from a band called Fierce Heart, guitar player was Rex Carroll, long since gone christian but can still play last I heard.

Oh, all the great memories come rushing back. Rough Cutt at the Whale, Tom Holland and There goes the Neighborhood, and so many others.

I hope he is doing great (sounds like he is) and hope that someday, he goes nostalgic and brings back WVVX in some way or another.

Wow! I was in a band that was on the first Metal Works album. It was great to hear our songs on the radio thanks to Scott and VVX! Put the pedal to the metal!

[...] Comments Heavy on 103.1 WVVX!sh4ka on Getting Back To Bloggingsh4ka on Getting Back To BloggingBlueEchoes on [...]

The band you are thinking of is Coven. The song was called McDonald Land Massacre and is on their album called Blessed Is The Black.

I remember the Aurorafest "stunt". It did however occur while Scott was at Y108. This was the station he was at after WVVX and is located in Aurora

yes, i remember scott. i used to listen to his show on Wvvx which was the only station that would play Pearl Jam's "yellow Ledbetter" (on the "B"side show) other than "alive" the reception was bad, but the show was good. then after VVX, he went over to Y108 and i listened to his show there, untill they decided to turn that in to a "mexican radio" station. nowadays i heard rumors that scott went overseas in the millitary. as for kim i never did know what she'd look like. (they never posted pics of her online) so i have this image of dr "kimberly shaw" (marcia cross's character on "melrose place") "twisting my arm" because i got mad at gloryanne for not putting my calls through to "ed till" on his show.(on Y108 at the time) so where are they now?

you are his bro?! the last rumor i heard, he was in the millitary. was this true?

i used to give one of the girls from the station(he once worked at) a heart shaped box(from valentine's day)full of stuff. i asked the girl to give it him, when i met them for a promotion at southlake mall at the time. my request however, was you guessed it! "heart shaped box" by nirvanna...did he play it?

speaking of "thirsty whale" do you remember a guy named "bruce"??? is he on your friend list?

i wonder if mancow used (part of) that "Welcome to mc Donalds" song as one of his skits on his show?

sure wish scott should've played the WPIG DJ (handsome dan) in the "wayne's World" sequel. remember when "airheads" came out? what would happen to the rock station in that movie?...a format change?..i remembered when WABT aka "the Wrabbit"(in west dundee,IL) was simulcasting on wjjy (in crown point,IN).. then they turned mexican, (while still on the simulcast) then, they turned country on the (local regional side)....now they're Xrock 1039 not sure what format is that station from west dundee is now :? BTW there is a station in milwaukee,WI now called the "HOG"

I remember listing to RPM every night during my high school years. 103.1, RPM, and the Thirsty Whale, nothing better during the mid to late 80s. Metal music and a radio program at it's best. Whenever I hear of a new "rock/metal" station pop up I always find myself making the comparison to RPM. As of today, nothing compares to them. Scott, Glen, and all the others that made that show happen: You guys will forever be the best. Hope to see you guys at a Thirsty Whale reunion someday. Thanks for all the memories.

I was looking at the latest IE magazine and noticed some bar was using the "Rebel Radio" moniker and it made me think of 103.1 RPM. Didn't Scott do a "Rebel Radio" show after the RPM years?

John, Thank you for the kind words.

OMG, it's "Glen the Phone Man"!!! Wow, this is a blast from the past. I didn't even LIKE metal music, but all of my friends did. I would call the station and be the valley girl and answer phone calls and take requests. LOL I loved you two. You came to my parent's house thinking I was MUCH older than I was (and it was at 2am in the morning when you got off your show) and my dad came out in his whitey tighties and told you to get lost.

Do you remember that, Glen? I was like 15, but claimed to be 18 (stupid antics I know). I had such a crush on Scott. Not for his music or DJ persona, but I knew he went to UM and stuff like that and thought he was sexy smart. LOL

I hope you're doing well and it's good to hear Scott is doing well.
I live in Naples, FL now and I'm a teacher (sick and on chemo at this time, but all is good).

My dad still wears the briefs, but I don't think he could quite manage to get out of the house that quickly anymore!

Like...OMG, it’s “Glen the Phone Man”!!! Wow, this is a blast from the past. I didn’t even LIKE metal music, but all of my friends did. I would call the station and be the valley girl and answer phone calls and take requests. LOL I loved you two. You came to my parent’s house thinking I was MUCH older than I was (and it was at 2am in the morning when you got off your show) and my dad came out in his whitey tighties and told you to get lost.

Do you remember that, Glen? I was like 15, but claimed to be 18 (stupid antics I know). I had such a crush on Scott. Not for his music or DJ persona, but I knew he went to UM and stuff like that and thought he was sexy smart. LOL I was such a bratty girl back then and terribly shy but you wouldn't know it. My friend had a crush on YOU. She somehow found your parent's home in, I think it was Skokie, at the time and wanted to go say hi to you. I can't remember if we did or not.

I hope you’re doing well and it’s good to hear Scott is doing well.
I live in Naples, FL now and I’m a teacher (sick and on chemo at this time, but all is good).

My dad still wears the briefs, but I don’t think he could quite manage to get out of the house that quickly anymore!

Chris, I don't remember any father in underwear but I'll take your word for it. We did some crazy shit back then. I remember my mom saying some girl named Shalonge came to her door once and asked for me. I kept telling her I don't know any Shalonge. This had to be 24 or 25 years ago. I don't know how I remember that. I think it was the name Shalonge. I'm sure it was a made up name. But sometimes goofy things stay in your head. Good luck with your chemo and say hi to Shalonge for me, or what ever her real name is.

high glen
Greg here,I owe you Glen and Scott a big thanx for all the memories of metal filled nights in my youth, so hats off to you and anyone else in the v v x army! I used to listen every chance I got. I also agree with Christine in that a reunion via internet radio would be worth lookn into.
Funny how all these people searched Scots name around the same time. As did I.
Although i was looking for a song and not having any success. I thought well maybe I should turn to the only place I've ever heard the song b4 VVX, which happens to be the first place i ever heard -master of puppets -suicidal tendencies -corrosion and the list goes on and on. So thanks again Glen
...Now about this song. I talked to you guys on air one night and said id been listening since the beginning and i could prove it by the song i wanted to request. You guys said you would play it so I ran to my radio and recorded the only copy of sucker "i m the smoking gun" I ever had. I hung onto it for years but now its m.i.a. and i dont remember the bands name. so any help or info would be greatly appreciated.
here are some of the lyrics
down in d c did you see me shooting up saint petersburg
reagan knows me gorbechev? owes me
sucker i m the smoking gunn

THE ROCK CHICAGO WANTS...AGAIN!!!!

www.vvxlive.com

www.facebook.com/vvxlive

The band VVX has one mission: Recreate the greatest rock and metal playlists from the greatest rock and metal station during the greatest rock and metal era.
It's this musical timeline that made a lot of interestingly hairy people wear now-questionable clothing choices, play ridiculously loud instruments better than ever before, and write some crazy good songs (that most kids can now only play on fake plastic instruments)!
Depending on where you were after 8 O'clock, and what kind of reception your radio got, this station and these songs could get turned up loud enough to make any party of friends get a whole lot better.....nothing wrong with adding some BONGSKIS and BREWSKIS to the mix...
After all that, how are we left with all the "rock" bands in town playing the same 30 prepackaged lifeless tunes over and over????
Time to WAKE UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!
We honestly have the greatest players in town (and lots of special guests too), and we are going to take those songs, and the spirit of the ONLY STATION THAT REALLY ROCKED, and deliver it on a heaping plate for your ears to feast on like they haven't in an unfortunately long time!!!
These will be events, not just concerts, and we hope to have the priviledge to exceed your expectations.

Greg, I vaguely remember the album cover. I think, but I'm not 100% sure the name of the band is also Smokin Gun. I also want to say that I think they are a Chicago band. I hope this helps you.

Glen

Glen,I have always been a fan of yours and the radio shows that you and Scot have shared,(Is it weird to be a fan of a phone man? LOL)I have always admired how down to earth, respectful, articulate and considerate you are when talking to people. I think that if we all looked to you as a shining example of how to treat people the world would be a better place for it.
Now you have gone and taken that admiration to a new level,By coming to this blog and taking the time to speak with us and try to answer some of our trivial and vague questions,You Glen are AWESOME!
so here's a big double devil horns to you my friend!

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This band was definitely from Chicago. I first
heard them on the late showcase 4 Chicago bands
on V V X. (I forgot the name of the segment---Night People?)
thanx again for the info Glen

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my txt art was supposed to look like hand crosses?

I think I have found Scott Loftus. This sounds so much like his voice. If someone can please check out this link to verify that it is him and that it's nut just in my head? Here is the link. http://www.myvirtualshow.info/

Here is a link to a youtube interview Scott is doing with Life Sex & Death. These voices sound freakishly similar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFQFqdVEyqs

Makes me sad that on a site discussing the great memories of VVX, some total whore coverband is trying to cash in on its memories by playing tired old '80s music and branding it 'VVX' as though it's endorsed by the original VVX vets or something. Pathetic.

Greg, I thank you for your kind words even though my wife was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. She said she never heard someone who makes as much fun of people as me described quite the way you described me. I told her perhaps she doesn't know me as well as my former listeners do. Thanks again! I can't say how much fun it is checking this site every once in a while and hearing what people have to say.

Glen

Lighten up Francis. If you like your past locked up inside your head fine, but the memories we in have had of WVVX are just as valid as yours. We listened to this show for 10 years too. We loved the music, the jocks, and the influence it had on our playing.
We totally slugged it out in the scene in both original and cover bands since that time, and up til now. Instead of writing how much we loved WVVX on a blog for all to see - we are going to go out and play it (for all to see). What's the difference?
If we sucked, that would be a different story (and you can come up to me and tell me so/not so I can tell you to F'off, but to buy you a beer and hand your 5 bucks back), but we don't suck, so we are going to honestly EARN our pay playing our asses off.
We think VVX was an appropriate name as a respectful TRIBUTE, as it is intended - and that all the songs are directly from the playlists WE ALL ENJOYED.
Was the Thirsty Whale tribute night even remotely like the way the actual Whale was like? Not at all. But it got the people who liked that music together again with the "old tunes" playing. Was there both nights and had a great time.
We put this on here cause we are proud of this band, the influences, and just like you - are expressing how we feel about the mighty WVVX.

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dammit still didnt work!
IGIVEUP

Glen,LOL
My wife stands behind me and laughs at the things I say all the time. I get used to it. lol
speaking of wich I was also going to go on to say that you also didnt take any crap from anyone like the guy callin himself the phone man,but I thought that was getting a little to long winded(kinda like now).
I just wanted you to know that though i dont know you personaly the part of you I do know is pretty cool.
Dont get me wrong though I really was listening from the beginning and I heard you and scot ripp into a many a phone caller...but they had it coming!As did I on the 20 or so occasions that I called in 2 or 3 of those times
I said something really stupid as soon as I got on the air. and at least one you and scot spent the next few hours bustin on me.as did my friends. but I had it coming.My friends and I laughed our asses off all nite and a good time was had by all. so no harm no foul
oh yea,and i obviously miss vvx and i still talk about you guys all the time.
so thanx again for taking the time.

p s still no luck with smoking gun need more info

I had a copy of the album with the song Smokin gun. I remember the cover of the album. It was a drawing of a guy leaning on a car. One of my brothers probably has the album. give me a couple of weeks. I think I can get you all the info you need. I have to figure out which brother has it. If it's my older brother I can get him to look through all our old albums. If it's my little brother we may be out of luck. Getting him to do anything that doesn't reward him is very tricky.

that was swords and tequila by riot...

Hey everyone, don't forget to visit my new WVVX blog on Posterous. Check it out at http://wvvx.posterous.com/!