How did you meet BOB?
Well, I first heard about BOB several years ago, before he got into radio. My girlfriend at the time worked in an auto parts store, and this guy kept coming in for shocks and struts. I figured he made up the problem with his car's suspension as an excuse to hit on my girlfriend. I decided to confront him one summer afternoon. Into the parking lot of the auto parts store pulls the lowest 'low rider' I'd ever seen. In fact, it was scraping on the ground. I knew immediately that this guy wasn't making up his car problems. When I looked inside, the entire car--including the passenger seat--was filled with CD's. All kinds of 'em, too--pop, metal, R&B, country--a little bit of everything. And the trunk was filled with old vinyl. The car simply couldn't handle the weight of all that music. Feeling sorry for the guy (who, of course, turned out to be BOB), I told him that if he bought a radio station, he could listen to all of his music without having to lug a billion CD's around. No need to sift through all those CD's; just turn on the radio. He seemed intrigued by the idea. I also hinted that I'd love to work at that kind of radio station.
So, now, many years later, BOB's car is scrap metal, my old girlfriend left me to follow Johnny Depp around Hollywood, and I have a job at the coolest radio station in the world.
What's it like working for BOB?
BOB's one of those 'absent-minded geniuses'. He put together an amazing radio station, but he's always asking me about his new projects. Like 'pizza-flavored antacid', or the 'DVD rewinder', or 'the dog-years clock'. OK, so maybe ALL his ideas aren't brilliant, but when he hits, he hits big. Seriously, I don't know when the guy sleeps, although he does power-nap during commercial breaks.
What are some of your favorite artists in BOB's collection?
Well, any Pennsylvanian has to give props to Christina Aguilera; representin' for the Keystone State! I always go a little crazy when BOB plays "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's. If you've been in the Boston Store hallway, at the time, I apologize. BOB's working on flashing "Allan Forgot His Meds Again" sign for such outbreaks. I've loved REM since my days back at Mercyhurst in the 80's. Plus, I love one-hit wonders like T'Pau. Did they actually think lifting their band name from "Star Trek" would help their career?
What are some of your favorite Bob's throughout History?
Bob Dylan. Erie's own Bob Sanders, of course. How about Bob Hope, who supposedly got married in Erie? Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan I never missed on Channel 35 growing up. Bob Barker--love me some "Price is Right". Bob Marley. Bob Ross--I love 'happy little trees'. Spongebob, of course. We won't mention Bob Saget, now, will we?
Allan Carpenter
