Paul Shaffer Live from The Hard Rock Cafe, WLS Chicago June 1, 1986 (0:44:42)

The Eric Rhoads Collection
… What would Dave Letterman do, in a situation like this …

[Description by Uncle Ricky, contributed by Eric Rhoads]

Yes, the Musical Director for David Letterman did a monthly radio show from The Hard Rock Cafe in NYC. It was syndicated by NBC, but it was broadcast on Chicago’s WLS (ABC), so it must have been that ’80’s detente thing. Paul Shaffer hosted “Live from the Hard Rock Cafe” once a month, from June 1985 to August 1986. And is that John Landecker doing the live read on the TWA spot, and the unscripted Casey imitation? If this program pre-empted the Landecker show, he would still be the “announcer on duty.”

The late NBC staff announcer Bill Wendell (d. April 14, 1999) sets up the opening gag with Letterman, and his
hearty laughter is heard in the background (just like on TV.) Michael J. Fox and musical guest Lou Reed also join Paul in this nutty, crazy radio show.

Start typing and press enter to search

Welcome to the new ReelRadio!

This site is now operated by the North Carolina Broadcast History Museum. 

We want to thank the board of ReelRadio, Inc. for their stewardship since the passing of the founder Richard Irwin in 2018.  It has not been easy and they have maintained the exhibits for future generations to enjoy.

I met Richard Irwin, aka Uncle Ricky, when we were freshmen at East Carolina University.  We both had worked at local stations in our hometowns.  No one was more passionate about radio, especially Top 40 radio, than my friend Richard. 

Our goals with this site are to preserve the exhibits and make them available free of charge for people to enjoy.  Over time, we hope to add some airchecks to the site.  This will not happen immediately.  Time and resources will determine the future of new exhibits. 

Many thanks to the web folks at the Beasley Media Group for countless hours of work.  Again thanks to the board members of ReelRadio, Inc. for their faith in us. 

Richard Irwin’s hope was that his site would live on long after his passing. He said, “I hope REELRADIO will survive as my contribution to the ‘radio business’. The business is allowed to forget me, but the business should never forget the great era of radio that we celebrate here”.

We remember Richard and we thank him. If you enjoy this new site, we would appreciate a contribution. We hope you enjoy the new ReelRadio!

Board of NCBHP
North Carolina Broadcast History Project