THE INSIDE STORY OF RODNEY’S STAR ON HOLLYWOOD BLVD!

It was the year of the metrosexual.  These were men dedicated to grooming themselves beyond belief.  Nobody personified the look more than American Idol host Ryan Seachrest.  By the end of 2003 Ryan had won the world in his palm.  With legendary radio personalities Rick Dees and Casey Kasem taking a permanent leave into semi retirement this left the radio department seeking a fresh face who represented what was happening in entertainment. 

What turns into tragedy for one person turns into gold for another. 

When solid gold icon Dick Clark was put into the emergency room from a stroke Mr. Seachrest was waiting in the wings.  This kept the Hall of Fame committee in a frenzy to get Ryan that star before this star soon fades.  This reception was not without consequence. 

Dubbed Mayor of the Sunset Strip Rodney Bingenheimer has been breaking bands and making Los Angeles the marketable empire it is with numerous clubs and magazines that would make the movie "Almost Famous" look like the Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Despite the fact that Rodney and the LA Weekly hadn't seen eye to eye since he graced their cover, a website was promoted to help Rodney get the recognition he deserves.  Rodneyonthewalk.com was a petition to get Rodney those signatures to seal his legacy in concrete.  It certainly got KROQ's attention as morning shock jocks Kevin and Bean hosted a benefit show to raise money for Rodney with alum stars like Deborah Harry, Joan Jett and John Doe of X keeping the spirit of the English Disco in all the listener's hearts. 

Unlike KXLU during fund drives, KROQ actually reached their goal of the establishment of the Walk of Fame Committee. While fans' hearts sank over the exclusion of Rodney in this year's Walk of Fame ceremonies, fellow honorary Mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant told petitioners to keep their heads up as he saw a promising future for Rodney and his loyal fans.  And the rest is history.  Rodney will be inducted alongside fellow LA visionaries and friends, the Doors. 

This is only the beginning in a long chapter to get Rodney a decent time slot amongst his brainchild KROQ, a station that he first gave exposure to the likes of Nirvana, the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Ramones, X, the Sex Pistols, Concrete Blond, No Doubt, the Artic Monkeys, Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, the Strokes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Oasis, Blur, the Smiths, Hole and Weezer to name less than maybe 1%.  And Jim Ladd says good radio is dead?  Eat your heart out! 

Turn the dial to your local college radio station and you'll swear you're listening to a cheap Rodney impersonator.  There is only one and LA has the best music in the world because of him.  Congratulations Rodney.  Fans worked their butts off and borrowed your dedication and love for music while doing so.  You are the heart and soul of this entire industry.  Let's keep the his Godhead devotion alive.  It's all happening because of Rodney!

-by Tim Estrada
 

Tim Estrada - UGM Staff Writer

is an intern in radio promotion hoping to one day walk in the footsteps of such oddball music personalities as Dr. Demento and Rodney Bingenheimer by bringing funloving poppy music to the states.