Johnny Grant presents Rodney with Walk of Fame Plaque

Bangles on the Podium with Rodney

Johnny Grant congratulates Rodney

Henry Rollins was in the crowd of well-wishers

Former KROQ-jock Richard Blade waves for the camera

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Johnny Grant presents Rodney with Walk of Fame Plaque

The reception continued at you guessed it, Canters on Fairfax, home of Rodney’s famous nightly soup where fans and radio wanna-bees gather like bees around a daisy. Rodney was so overwhelmed by his admirers and friends that he needed time to compose himself, a sign of an honest, passionate groundbreaker. Emotion that doesn't come across as genuine in Hollywood was felt throughout his adoring clique. Being surrounded by rock royalty was only a preview of things to come later that night. Rodney's devoted deli was stormed with stardom and loyalty that only his diehard followers can strive to achieve.

The celebration concluded at the Henry Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. Coincidentally "the Jane Fonda" by Micky Avalon was a favorite amongst his loyal listeners back in '04. My jeers go out to the commuters in traffic that prevented me from enjoying openers, the outrageously appetizing Channel 3. The acclaimed LA punk pioneers garnered a cult craze in the 80s that remains intact to this day thanks to an admiring audience.

Up next to pay his respects to his ageless buddy was none other than Dramarama frontman John Easdale. Lately the band has more than lived up to their namesake with drama surfacing around inaccurate portrayals of Rodney edited into his "mockumentary." Despite the friction that Mr. Easdale had NO part in, his praise for Rodney was dead on and deee-liteful. They were a diamond in the rough that Rodney saw the utmost potential in. This led to their American 80s staple "Anything, Anything." A keyboard-free masterpiece.

The criminally underappreciated Nymphs dazzled as controversial vocalist Inger Lorre treated fans to a fashioned fueled fantasy. The devilish diva draped in faux fur glam, glittered with a feathery halo used as a headband. The pissed off performer received well deserved notice for using her record label’s desk as a urinal. This wet dream and bandmates were here to show their devotion to their friend and mentor. Covering classics as the appropriately titled Frank Black biographical "Los Angeles" and their after-hours take on Bad Company's "Come and Get it." Get it! Got it! Good!

Sadly Rodney has lost quite a few friends in the music world such as members of the Runaways, the Go Betweens, the Wonderstuff, the Knack, Shonen Knife, Boston and hometown hero Arthur Lee. Respects were paid on several occasions. Fortunately neo-hippies Redd Kross remained in good health and ready to liven and electrify. In the 30+ years of Rodney’s award winning show few groups in retrospect have skillfully succeeded in evolving into such adventurous territory that Redd Kross have acquired. Yes,15 year old boys and punk rock go together like Shaun Ryder and KFC but hearing the old epics and the progression of Redd Kross is what to this day is making LA pop rock a golden gift. Although lacking the budding good looks and charm of such Rodney faves as the Donnas, Redd Kross continues to inspire to new and old alike. Equipped with grinding guitars and barefoot Michael Stipe look-alike, Red Kross played a diverse array of chronological craft. Each song under 2 minutes but by no means any less Godhead.

Clem Burke from Blondie was up on the mic next, introduced by a punk rock princess from the Dollyrotts. Dollyrotts are getting heavy rotation on the ROTR show with their rendition of Melanie's bubblegum treat "Brand New Key."

If pretty girls make graves the Donnas are sure to knock em dead. With each record beyond exceeding both sales and critical acclaim expectations, the VH1 vixens previewed future frat favorites sweetened with charisma and flirtation. The spiky set concluded with yet another cut the mayor made an airplay anthem, "Take it Off." Some girls may rock to riot but the Donnas simply rock. These lovely ladies have mastered their lavish looks and slick glam grind that pulls together with tight fury.

And finally the audience embraced the man himself with a reception warm enough to give Al Gore his second Oscar. The circus is leaving town because the ringleader of the rock radio revolution is emerging as the greatest show on any planet. I'd like to thank all his friends and supporters for making this happen. If good things come to those who wait Rodney's destined for the history books. The legacy speaks for itself. But this time the fans spoke for Rodney. We're eternally dedicated to your loyalty and ability to keep music where it really belongs. In out hearts!
 

For more on the Saga of Rodney's Star -SEE:

Tim's earlier story on the 'Inside Story on Rodney's Star

and June Caldwell's Interview with Rodney

Tim Estrada 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.