Yo, I'm Harvey "Big Bird" Kojan. I'm the "program director," which basically means when things go right I take all the credit, and when they go wrong I blame it on someone else. If you wanna know anything about FM99, or have a comment or suggestion, I'm your man. Just click on the link below and fill out the brief form. I'll get back to you ASAP. And unless you indicate otherwise I'll most likely post our conversation below so everyone can share in the fun!

Important: Before you ask your question, please check below to see if it's already been answered. Often people wind up asking the same types of things. Regardless, you should find it interesting to see what's on other peoples' (warped) minds!

Click here to post your question/comment.
Just some comments after reading some of the posts below. You do a great job Big Bird. Great mix of music too! I read these comments about the new Motley Crue song. I'm only 18 years old and don't really know much of their music, except for what you play. I have to admit that their new song is the best hummer of the last few weeks! Much better than the Offspring song! An awesome song from the "old" guys!! I might have to check them out in concert!

ROCK ON!

Smitty
Va.Beach

Smitty,

Thanks for the nice email. If you can you definitely want to check 'em out in concert!

Big Bird
I have noticed that you guys very rarely play any Iron Maiden. You guys play tons of 80s stuff and they are recognized as one of the top metal bands of all-time. Any reason as to why they do not get much time on the air?

Bob
VA Beach

Bob,

Depends on how you define "very rarely." There are 10 Maiden songs in our "active" music library, meaning they all get regular airplay ... some songs more than others, of course. "Run To The Hills" is the most popular and gets the most airplay -- I just played it yesterday afternoon, in fact. Just below "Hills" in popularity are songs like "Number Of The Beast," "Two Minutes To Midnight," and "Wasted Years."

When it comes to airplay, our decisions are primarily based on local music research -- meaning we constantly poll our audience (in a variety of ways) and ask them what they do and don't want to hear. Iron Maiden has never been one of the more popular bands. They have their following for sure, but this area has never been huge for '80s metal.

Big Bird
Dude, did someone REALLY call Puddle of Mudd "pop rock"?? That new Motley Crue kicks ***, man! And you don't suck, go to Louisville and listen to some of the people on the radio out there. . .

Chris
Virginia beach

Chris,

Yeah, I don't get the Puddle Of Mudd "pop rock" thing, either ... but as I always say, everybody's entitled to their opinion. I agree the new Crue is cool ... and thanks for saying I don't suck! :-)

Big Bird
Do you guys ever play any Tantric? They have an awesome song out...'Down And Out'...would be a great addition to the 'Hummer of the Week' program.

Tracey
Virginia Beach

Tracey,

We've played Tantric in the past, particularly their first CD. However, they didn't seem to strike a chord with enough of our listeners. We'll give another listen to their new song and see if it merits airplay. It's always tough to try and determine that sort of thing.

Big Bird
Big Bird can you please remind listeners to turn on their headlights in the RAIN!!! I can not see them if they do not have them on, common sense right!? Well A LOT of drivers are out without turning their lights on, very dangerous in this heavy blowing wind and rain!!! Thanks!!!

Jen Wyatt
Norfolk

Jen Wyatt,

As someone who's called for the Death Penalty for anyone who doesn't turn on their headlights under these conditions, I'm obviously with you 100%. Incidentally, I also advocate death for "rubbernecking" -- which is when people insist on slowing down so they can look at accident scenes, or pretty much any scene involving unusual activity of any kind.

Big Bird
Ever since the 70's I remember FM99 always played a certain song at midnight. It was an instrumental song basically, started slow but really got going with drums and guitar as it progressed. I am trying to remember the name of it. I thought it was ELO but I think I am wrong. What is that songs name please ????

John
Virginia Beach

John,

Hey, John. I've only been at FM99 since 1993 ... BUT since you mentioned ELO I'm confident the song you're referring to is "Fire On High" from ELO's "Face The Music" album, which came out in 1975. It's exactly as you describe: an instrumental that starts off slow and spacey and then kicks in. Our sister station the Fox still plays it in regular rotation, just as FM99 did for many years.

If you want to make absolutely sure, contact Mike Arlo at the Fox!

Big Bird
Don't get me wrong, FM99 is my favorite radio station - has been since I can remember. Its just that I hear a lot of pop rock bands like Nickelback, Saliva, and especially Puddle of Mudd - which irritates the hell out me. I know a lot of people like these bands, which is fine, but it seems like FM99 plays those bands after every other song. It seems like you'll play Hendrix, then Nickelback, then LedZep, then Puddle of Mudd, then Metallica, then more Nickelback. I was listening to the OTHER station (yes, I admit it) just the other day and they were playing SLAYER at 7 in the morning. Followed by some LedZep, the Crue, and old school Priest. All I'm saying Big Bird is to pour on the Hendrix, Crue, Sabbath, and Priest a littler heavier and maybe throw in some more Megadeth, newer AC/DC (some Ballbreaker, Stiff Upper Lip stuff), old school Metallica, and even dare I say SLAYER? They don't call you Big Bird for nothing - you can make it happen.

James
Gloucester, VA

James,

Thanks for writing. I get where you're coming from. We do play plenty of Nickelback, Saliva, and Puddle Of Mudd. It may "irritate the hell out of you," but, as you correctly acknowledge, a lot of people like these bands.

However, the "other" station plays just as much of that as we do. And we absolutely play far more hard rock and metal than they do. So it's a perception vs. reality issue.

Here's a two-hour playlist of songs heard on FM99 earlier this week. Please note the variety of styles and genres, and the fact that while there's the "pop rock" you referred to, it's not the dominant sound:

Finger Eleven/Quicksand
Seether/Rise Above This
Rage/Killing In The Name
Van Halen/Best Of Both Worlds
Red/Already Over
Alice In Chains/Would?
Disturbed/Land Of Confusion
Hendrix/Little Wing
Airbourne/Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast
Foo Fighters/All My Life
Aerosmith/Dude Looks Like A Lady
Ozzy/I Don't Wanna Stop
Judas Priest/Living After Midnight
Tool/The Pot
Motley Crue/Kickstart My Heart
Hellyeah/Alcohaulin' Ass
Ted Nugent/Stranglehold
Avenged Sevenfold/Afterlife
Sublime/Smoke Two Joints
Metallica/Seek & Destroy

This is pretty typical for FM99. We appeal to a lot of people with a lot of different tastes, and try to provide a mix incorporates songs representing all those different styles. And it's all based on our continuous listener research, which I've described many times in previous answers below.

I appreciate you taking the time to write. More important, thanks so much for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
Big Bird, I am from the Phoenix area and am really just curious as to where you stayed...to look out over Phoenix...was it one of the casinos? Or the Pointe? Just curious...

Sharon
VA Beach

Sharon,

Ah, you're referring to the company managers meeting I attended last Thursday-Sunday. It was the Pointe ... the Hilton Pointe Tapatio to be exact.

Considering the "open bar/no sleep" theme I've been talking about, I'm surprised I can even remember where we stayed.

Anyway, it was cool, especially the view from the restaurant at the very top ... we had a full view of Phoenix. I'd never been there (except for a "drive-thru" 20 years ago on my way from Houston to L.A.). Wish I could have spent some time in the city itself. But they actually insisted on us working all day while we were there. :-)

Big Bird
Ive never actually been to a lunatic luau yet, even though i used to live in the area for...ever, Any word yet on the bands to be at the Luau? Sorry if its already been posted but down here things are pretty hectic training for deployment and all. Hopefully ill be able to make it this year.

PVT Wiliams
Jacksonville NC

PVT Wiliams,

Never been to a Luau? What the #%$! No, nothing's been posted about the Luau because we're still working on possibilities. Once we firm something up you won't be able to miss it.

Big Bird
hey for the luau this year are yall going to get any local bands and if so you need to check out CHASING CORONA

rob
norfolk

rob,

Hi! We're quite familiar with Chasing Corona. They received a lot of votes in the Rock Awards and I expect the same when we do our Luau Online Battle Of The Bands. Stay tuned ...

Big Bird
B.B

Just wanted to say thanks to you and Chill for doing such a great job , keeping your listeners informed of the insanity of yesterday in Suffolk. Although I work in Chesapeake and Live in Hampton, I know who I can count on in a crisis.
My thoughts are with the people of Suffolk. Give to the local red cross!!!!

thanks again!

chris
hampton

chris,

Thanks so much. Luckily we don't have to switch into "news and information mode" too often, but when something like yesterday takes place it's our job to help keep people informed as best as possible. In fact, serving the public in this fashion is our MOST important job ... and we take it very seriously.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Suffolk as well!

Big Bird
OK, maybe its me or my old age BUt besides Disturbed has the quality of new music/hummers gone down hill fast??? I know not everything will be good but the amount of new songs released the last few months has truly sucked or is it just me???

Also, I hope everyone will do anything and everything possible to help those in Suffolk affected by the tornado's.

david
Hampton

david,

This is all subjective ... what's "good" or "bad" is opinion. No, you're definitely not alone in your opinion. On the other hand, there are plenty of people, including me, who believe there's been plenty of good-to-excellent new music released in the past few months.

Big Bird
Bird,

I listen to Tommy and Rumble because they're hysterical. Does it bother you that Tommy rags on you? I think he's totally insanely funny as hell, and I know that he's kidding when he says your show is the WORST ever. Are you offended? I think you are excellent on the radio.

Jimmy
Vagina Beach

Jimmy,

I'm not offended in the least. I'd rather be the "worst" at something than merely mediocre.

Seriously, I think most people realize Tommy is indeed kidding -- it's just a fun way of using "reverse psychology." I actually encourage them to make fun of me. People actually sympathize with me (!). Plus, most people know I'm their boss, and who can't relate to how much fun it must be for people to so blatantly make fun of their boss ... on the radio ... in front of literally thousands and thousands of people?

As for Tommy being "insanely funny," I'll agree with the "insane" part ... :-)

Big Bird
When are you going to put a link to download your Led Zep "Whole Lotta Love" remix, that thing is awsome!!! Can't wait to put it on the phone. Love the show, keep it up and keep rockin'.

Roger
Emporia

Roger,

Thanks so much! My plan is to have a contest the next time I play it to see who can come up with the most songs that are in the remix. After I do that I'll post it on fm99.com so you and anyone else can download it.

Big Bird
Hey, are you guys aware Whitesnake released a killer new album yesterday?!? Heelllooooo....

How long has it been since you guys played any Journey? Not "hip" enough for ya?

Check out a new band called Eden's Curse. I challenge you...double dare you to play it.

Keith
Norfolk

Keith,

Actually, yes, I knew Whitesnake (with Coverdale) had a new album coming out but to be perfectly honest I forgot the release date was yesterday. You know, the record biz is so screwed up these days that I can't even tell you if we got the CD. I'll check.

Last time we played Journey was in the early '90s when Arlo was still with us. Then we partnered with the Fox and determined Journey was one of the bands we'd bequeath 100% to 106.9. Ditto for Boston, Foreigner, etc. They're all judgment calls, backed by researching our audience.

Haven't heard of Eden's Curse but I'll check 'em out when I get a chance.

Big Bird
The new Motley Crue song is awesome, just a great track.

I have been trying to figure out who is not coming through here that might play the Luau. Perhaps Poison? Perhaps Marilyn Manson? Perhaps Def Leppard? Perhaps the return of Tommy and The Rumblers?

mike heuneman
chesapeake

mike heuneman,

Reading just the comments here you'd think everyone loves the Crue song, but reaction has been a bit more "mixed" than that.

Regarding the Luau: Perhaps none of the above? :-)

Seriously, this is gonna be an especially challenging year to put together a Luau, given the fact that so many potential Luau bands are already part of other tours that are coming here. But we'll keep plugging away and hope something good pops up. We've still got plenty of time. Please keep your fingers crossed!

Big Bird
A vote for the new Crue song! Has the vibe of the old Crue songs. I'm a Crue fan, but is one of their songs sucks I will say so (see "Afraid" from Generation Swine and the two songs from the 2005 Greatest Hits CD.) But, this song has the riff, hook, chorus, etc. Great energy! Should be an awesome live song! KEEP IT!

John
VIRGINIA BEACH

John,

As you can read by the others who've chimed in below, you're certainly not alone in your opinion! Thanks for writing ... and for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
Hello! My husband and I are soo excited to hear the line up for the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. My question is we would really really really really love to go, but my husband was just laid off from his job, my mother-in-law recently had to move in with us, she is not financially able to live on her own! So we have our plate extremely full and would love to be able to go to the show! Can you be of any help? We love your station, I have been listening since I was tiny with my dad and now I listen!!!!!!! Music is the one outlet that my husband and I have. There is not one band on the bill that we do not like! Thanks for whatever help you maybe!!!!!!!! KEEP ROCKIN!!

Melissa & Jack
Edenton, NC

Melissa & Jack,

Thanks for writing. We of course would love to help you out, just as we'd like to help the other thousands of our listeners who would like to see concerts but are struggling financially. That's obviously not feasible.

What we CAN and WILL do is give away as many free tickets as we can, both on the air and through the FM99 E-Force. Hopefully you'll win some that way. And perhaps you can start a special savings fund today that you specifically earmark for this show. If you start right now you've got 14 weeks to save. I don't have the specific prices yet but saving just $5-$7 a week should be enough to buy two tickets.

Good luck ... and thanks for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
We're having a Big Rugby Tourney this weekend hosted by the Virginia Beach Falcons and we are taking donations of Purina One Dog Food for the Va Beach SPCA, which is located next to our field at 3040 Holland Rd. People can email me at vbrugbymatchsec@yahoo.com. The only thing we do harder then play rugby and hit is party afterwards.

Virginia Beach Rugby
virginia beach

Virginia Beach Rugby,

Good luck with your event!

Big Bird
The new Crue song is the best hummer i have heard in weeks... i say keep it in the playlist and i cant wait to see the Crue fest this summer!!!

Kyle
Newport News

Kyle,

Well, as you can see if you read below, you're hardly alone in your opinion!

Big Bird
The new Crue song is GOOD! Keep it!! I have no idea how anyone could not like it! It has the vibe of their older stuff, but doesn't sound like some lame 80's band comeback song! I'm really suprised at the "Kill It" votes! Please don't yank it off after a week! I predict that this song will be a hit on Rock Radio, even if it isn't in this area!

Marc
Norfolk

Marc,

I'm with you, Marc. Now if someone doesn't like the old Crue there's no reason for them to like this, so there will be plenty of people who give it a big thumbs DOWN. But for a bona fide Crue fan not to like it ... that I don't get.

Big Bird
The 'Hummer of the Week' by Motley Crue gets off! Vintage sound...nice to know these guys can still kick it after all this time. Looking forward to the concert!

Tracey
Virginia Beach

Tracey,

I agree 100% ... if you like the Crue, how can you not like "Saints Of Los Angeles"? It's the best thing they done in YEARS!

Big Bird
peen nat. those guys that have the really fast tractors should be put in a class all by themselves, they said thier tractors could reach speeds of 60 plus mph, they are really to fast to compete against any one but themselves no matter what size engine they have, any way ill see you friday morning

johnny
suffolk

johnny,

That's always the plan -- putting the tractors into separate "classes" ... and that's what we'll be doing again. See you on Friday!

Big Bird
Big Bird,

That new Crue song ROCKS!! Please keep it in the rotation for a bit! I see it listed on the Playlist! Great song IMO! Has Nikki Sixx actually come back from the dead! He hadn't wrote a good song since the Dr. Feelgood album and in the last year he writes this song and the SIXX AM stuff! He got his groove back, I think!

Thanks! And, keep up the great work!

Jay
Va. Beach

Jay,

I agree -- great song. It'll be our Hummer Of The Week next week (starting Monday, 4/21).

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird... I was thinkin that it would be awesome if you could get Daughtry to headline the Lounatic Loau this year... its just an idea

Kyle
Newport News

Kyle,

I'd love to have Daughtry at the Luau. However, he's off the road and has no tour dates at all scheduled this year. If that changes you can be sure we'll try and get him.

Big Bird
when are we gonna hear any queensryche beacause we hear too much metallica and nickelback
i mean really we should call fm 99 home of metallica instead of the home of rock

missi
newport news

missi ,

Hi, and thanx for writing. We actually play Queensryche all the time. But you can never compare them with Metallica in terms of popularity. Metallica is the #1 hard rock band of all time. We do play lots of Metallica ... loudly and proudly!

As for "the home of rock" ... wow, you must be a longtime listener ... we haven't that slogan in 20 years! :-) Thanks for the loyalty years!


Big Bird
You guys hold a lot of great contest although lately, you've been doing a lot of contests strictly for women. What about the rest of us? I mean, what about the guys that don't golf, bowl, or drive a riding lawnmower?

Anubis
Virginia Beach

Anubis,

Only the photo contests have been limited to the women. The vast majority of our contests are open to everyone, and most don't involve golf, bowling or lawn mowers ... not that those are truly "contests" anyway.

Most of our contests involve concerts, which everyone likes. Just in the past few weeks we've given away tickets for at least a dozen concerts, including huge shows like Pearl Jam and Linkin Park.

So quit yer whinin'! :-) Just kidding ...

Big Bird
When is Lanutic Luau? Do you know who all is going to be there? I need to request the time off. Thanks

Melissa
Roanoke, VA

Melissa,

Thanks for writing. We have no info at all about the Luau at this time (4/11), which is not at all unusual. The month varies every year based on who's touring when. As soon as we know anything we'll let you know!

Big Bird
When is the "Golf" tournement?

Joe
Virginia Beach

Joe,

The T&R Who's Yo' Caddy golf tourney is Wednesday, June 11th. Full details coming very soon!

Big Bird
Help! My phone Number has changed, but my email address hasn't! How do I update my phone number with my eforce registration??

Ashes
Norfolk

Ashes,

Thanks for writing. There's a link at the bottom of EVERY E-Force email to update your profile. If you still have the Linkin Park email I sent yesterday just use that link. If not, you can update your number when you get the next email. Good luck!

Big Bird
yo, i cant find the hummer of the week anywhere on the site? i just heard it around 4:15-4:45pm on 4/08/08?

what was it?


Kevin
virgina beach

Kevin,

The Hummer is "Beautiful" from the band 10 Years.

Big Bird
I am trying to locate Liz Gillette AKA Vicky Gracey. Do you know of her whereabouts?

Jeanne
Norfolk

Jeanne,

No, I'm sorry, I haven't seen nor heard anything about Liz, who was a longtime FM99 personality, in at least 10 years. (Liz left FM99 in the early '90s.)

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird my name is michael and i need tickets to the Projekt Revolution 2008 in va beach can you hook me up ? i need 2 tickets lawn if thats all you got thanks!

michael
chesapeake va

michael,

Thanks for writing. I get the impression you're asking me to simply give you free tickets. While I'd love to hook you up, I'm sure there are thousands of other listeners who'd love the same treatment. Obviously we can't do that ... we only receive a limited number of tickets to give away, which is why we have specific contests to win. We've got to make it fair for everyone.

So if you want free tix you need to listen to FM99 as much as possibly, especially this week, since we're doing "win 'em before you can buy 'em" all week. Plus make sure you're a member of the FM99 E-Force.

Good luck, and thanks for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
Big Bird, my name is Jason. We are raising money for a girl that was in an accident in mich. Her father was insured threw nationwide insurance company in portsmouth where my girlfriend and her fellow employees found out about it. The family are Chesapeake natives. The father name is Jeremy Planer and the child that was injured is Allyssa planner.

The reason i am writing is we are holding a yard sale/bake sale/raffle on Sat, Apri l26 and i was wondering if there was a way that fm99 could help us with letting the listeners know what we are doing for this family. We have been FM99 fans for a really long time and we know you guys do great for the Tidewater area when someone needs help. If you need more information you can call Nationwide Insurance @(757) 484-6500 ask for Rehannon or Lainie and also you can look at www.caringbridge.org/visit/allysa.

We have raised a lot of money so far but we are looking to raise a lot more.

You will be in our hearts for ever if you could help us in any way possible.

Thank you for taking time to read this letter. FM99 rocks!

jason
chesapeake

jason,

I've posted your email on our website. Lots of people read this section and hopefully this will help get the word out. Good luck!

Big Bird
Is there going to be a Lunatic Luau this year? I have been looking everywhere and have not seen anywhere they says if there is or not.

Matt
Elizabeth CIty

Matt,

We're working on Luau possibilities and as soon as we have something confirmed you'll definitely hear about it. We're never "shy" when it comes to the Luau! :-)

Big Bird
B.B.
Although I enjoyed listening to the tommy and rumbowl this morning, maybe you can showcase some of the other crew...and other charities.
ex. Chill in the CHILL-I-BOWL(cause hes hot--chili cook off)(OR CHILL-EE-BOWL(cause he wants hot chics in bikinis??) or shelleys biker bowl etc. you get the idea---

chrissy
just a thought........

chrissy
hampton

chrissy,

Like the way you think, Chrissy!

Big Bird
Bird,

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for pulling that Coheed and Cambria garbage. I knew the second I heard it on Monday that it was going to be an epic failure with the FM99 audience. For the love of all that is holy, never let that abomination hit the airwaves again.

As for the replacement, you definitely get two thumbs up from me. 'Given Up' is easily my favorite track off the Minutes album and, in my opinion, should see more playtime following the week.

Seriously, though...thanks again!

Steve
Virginia Beach

Steve,

It may me sad to have to do it -- heck, I was the guy who chose "Feathers" as the Hummer to begin with -- but it was mercy killing. As for "Given Up" I definitely agree ... best rocker on the CD.

Big Bird
Hey Bird,

With the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival coming to town this summer, please tell me that there are going to be awesome bands left for the Luau. It just seems to me that great bands are eather not touring, making a record, or are in fact on that tour...

Jamie
newport news

Jamie,

You just decribed why it's always such a challenge to come up with a Luau. Throw in the fact that bands continue to escalate the prices they charge and it's tougher than ever. Oh, and don't forget that Projekt Revolution is also coming, which swallows up even more potential bands.

All that said, we've got one very interesting possibility we're looking at, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that either that one or something else will work out.

Big Bird
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE no more Coheed and Cambria. Possibly one of the worst bands ever. You are not the right kind of station for that garbage. They fit more into the Emo/Punk Rock genre.

Bob
VA Beach

Bob,

Well, you're certainly not alone in your opinion about our Hummer Of The Week. I haven't had a single positive phone call or email. In fact, the reaction's been so negative that we're doing something we've never done before: pulling the Hummer mid-week! Listen for a "replacement Hummer" Thursday! :-)

And I thought there was no such thing as a "bad hummer" ...

Big Bird
This weeks Hummer is exactly that. It SUCKS!!! That Wilford Brimley tune is so much better then these English pansies. You trying to scare off listeners?

Anthony
Virginia Beach

Anthony,

Scaring off listeners is never the intention but apparently that's what "Feathers" did ... so much so that we felt compelled to switch Hummers mid-week!

Big Bird
Big Bird, I just wanted to thank you for fm99 on line I just moved to SC after 30 years of VA, having you guys come with me is so great. at least I don't have to adjust to the music here,I know what I like."fm99" Rocks South Carolina (they will by the time I'm done)!
Thanks


michael
clover SC

michael,

Thank YOU for listening ... and for continuing to listen online!

Big Bird
Hey Bird. Unfortuantely I have left the Tidewater are for Pennsylvania, but I still listen online at work. I feel obligated. You guys did a X_mas wish for me years ago (sailor didn't get paid). Thanks again BTW. Love the station. Anyway I can get someone to mail me a sticker? Or even have Shelley ride her bike up here and give me one?

Ed
Carlisle, PA

Ed,

Great to hear from you. I certainly hope you "replaced" yourself with another listener when you left ... that IS the rule, you know. We can't afford to simply lose listeners.

More important: So glad we were able to help you out with an Xmas Wish. Hope things are going well.

Of course we'll send you a sticker. Just email Bo Jackson, one of our promosexuals, your mailing address and he'll get one to you. His email address is bjackson@tciradionet.

Big Bird
I just wanted to let the listeners know that our Vice President is Dick Cheney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! duh!!!!

Marc
VB

Marc ,

As opposed to who?

Big Bird
big bird I'm posting this with you, because I could not find a way to send this on to any of the TV news chls. or to the pilot. do with it as you will I trust it will be in good hands.

Tonight I saw on the TV news that “two children were run down by a car with one child trapped underneath”. Now I do not want to sound as if I am defending the driver. Again according to the report the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, inexcusable! Nor am I here to preach about dinking or drugging and driving also inexcusable.
What I would like to address is why are so many of our children playing in the street? Inexcusable!!!! Admittedly this is a different time and place from when I was growing up. That being said, still I was never allowed to play in the streets; as I see so many children playing now. When I was little all games and play took place in my yard, my house, my friends house or yard or in the park. Not in the street. There were no basketball hoops at the edge of anybodies driveway, we didn’t run and play tag on the lane, we were not allowed to ride our bikes down the middle of the road. When we played tag it was in a yard or across adjoining yards or the park. Basket ball was played at court at the schoolyard or in a driveway, not in the street. We found empty lots or fields to play football and baseball; here in Virginia Beach we have a multitude of parks for these activities. The likes of which I never saw as kid. Virginia Beach code requires a park per x-number of homes, and we have many fine small neighborhood parks. Plus we have Mount Trashmoore with all it has to offer(a fantastic playground, a skate park, etc.), and the list goes on.
I digress. I did not start this to tout our many parks in Virginia Beach. My intent was to address my concern with the numbers of our children playing in the street. It is wrong and dangerous to allow our children to play in our streets. Streets are build for one purpose and it not for our children to play. Streets are built for cars to travel on and even the most careful driver may, God forbid, hit a child playing in a street. We as adults, as parents, as caring citizens need to keep our children safe and out of the streets. Teach our children the street in front of the house is not a play ground!!!


Ross Scott
Virginia Beach

Ross Scott,

Thanks for writing. In contrast to you, I grew up in the big city. We all played in the streets, every day, as did millions of our peers. We also walked the streets daily to and from school, to friends' houses, the candy store, etc. It was our way of life.

When my children were too young we did not allow them to play on the streets unsupervised, and they didn't. Once we felt they could negotiate our neighborhood streets responsibly -- we instructed them to look both ways, be cautious, etc. -- we allowed them. Like when I was growing up, our kids and their friends always inherently knew to look for cars. The classic shout "car!" remains a part of childhood.

Bottom line: You can make a case for some inherent danger in kids playing on streets. But unless you're talking about MAJOR roads (I assume you're not), the danger is minimal. If kids have been brought up with a healthy regard for streets, they should be fine. If this were truly a major problem we'd be hearing about deaths/injuries all the time. But more often you hear about that when people (adults and children) simply try to cross dangerous intersections, like the infamous Shore Drive.

It's also far more dangerous to ride bicycles on streets than simply play on them. Yet I assume you're not suggesting we insist our children only ride their bikes on secure, designated bike paths?

Bottom line: While I don't know the circumstances behind the specific incident you cited below, it's tragic. But I simply can't see using it as a blanket indictment of children playing in the street. It all depends on the ages of the kids and how responsible they are (it's not just simply about age). But playing in the street is a way of life.

There's danger inherent in much of what we do daily in life. We can't protect our kids from every possible danger. We all have to make our own choices. If you choose to forbid your childred from ever playing on a neighborhood street, I support that decision 100%.

Big Bird
thanks for posting my question, the 1000 yr concert. The answer comes from my like of 80s at 8. My idea started with a concert dedicated to 80s at 8. 8 bands would play, Dio, Dokken,so on. Then I thought of date 08-08-2008. It would be a 1000yrs before another three zeros in front of 8. 08- 08 -3008.

james
vb

james,

Wow, you DO have too much time on your hands! :-)

Big Bird
Big Bird,

I have more of a comment than a question, i was just wondering if you guys can shuffle more new music in to the rotation. I am a faithful 99 listener, i listen to T&R at work and at one point i found myself not listening to my ipod because i just loved the station mix so much, but lately it just seems like the same ol' crap. i have heard a couple of good new songs like the saving able song, that red song a couple of weeks ago. Avenged Sevenfold has at least 3 singles out on there new album and you guys aren't touching them. you played their old album, whats up with that? I think i only heard mention of their concert on your station once and it was after the concert when sonja play atreyu. but it seems like once the new songs are the hummer we are lucky if we ever hear them again unless it is a very popular band like the foo. i understand people call up and say whether or not they like the songs but it is always a mixed reaction or a favorable reaction. i find myself gravitating to my satellite radio to hear new music. don't get me wrong, i like the classics but there is only so much zepplin, ac/dc and aerosmith i can take in one day before i cant take it anymore, they are just played out they are 25-30 years old and they are in regular rotation like they just came out! plus you guys have all but phased out metallica... if you going to play old stuff at least play that. i rarely if ever hear a metallica song anymore, bring them back! thank you for reading my opinion and i hope to see some newer music in rotation.

Andrew
Chesapeake

Andrew,

Thanks for the thoughtful email. I've answered emails like yours many, many times over the years, and if you scroll down you'll eventually find detailed explanations of how we determine our music mix. The bottom line is that our mix is a constantly evolving reflection of our listeners' current tastes, which we measure primarily through constant research right here in Hampton Roads. There are times when we rock newer and harder, others when we lean more on the classics. But overall we're pretty consistent, and have been for a long, long time.

Often a lot of this comes down to perception vs. reality. For example, your perception of us "all but phasing out Metallica" doesn't reflect reality, since we're playing just as much Metallica as we ever have. In fact, Metallica is one of the bands we receive the most complaints about us supposedly playing TOO MUCH of! :-)

Another perception vs. reality: We actually promoted the hell out of the Taste Of Chaos tour. We talked about it hourly for weeks and gave away tons of tickets. We also spotlighted new songs by both Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu as Hummers and both are still getting regular airplay, especially the Atreyu. And the Saving Abel song is destined to be a hit. In fact, if you look back at the list of Hummers Of The Week you'll find most of the wind up receiving tons of airplay for many weeks after.

Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to write!

Big Bird
what is the name of that song (i think its by Saliva) but its like " if your soul could not be found "?

Mike Hunt
757

Mike Hunt,

It IS Saliva. It's "Your Disease," which was their very first hit.

Big Bird
What would you say if I knew of a concert you could do that could only be done this year, and couldn't happen again for 1000 years, or 100 depending?

james
vb

james,

I'd say it sounds as though you have too much time on your hands.

:-)

Seriously, what's the scoop?

Big Bird
Big Bird--
Chill can no longer take vacation!!!! I am so use to hearing his beautiful voice (which gives me chills, in a good way) throughout the day, that anyone who replaces him...... well it's just not the same. I like the interaction he has with T&R, he makes me laugh!!!! So, no more vacations for him!!!!!

thanks for listening---keep up the awesome job.

chrissy
hampton

chrissy,

I agree -- no more stinkin' time off for Chill!

Big Bird
Just wanted to say FM99 Rocks and your smokin HOT!! Oh and how long does it take for the boobs to appear on the site after you submit? Thanks sexy!

For the Boyz!

Shannon
surry

Shannon,

Why, thank you! I'm blushing. As for the "racks for Iraq" ... there's no set time. Just depends how busy Jason The Web Wrecker is. Since this particular contest isn't actually a competition they should go up pretty fast.

Big Bird
Big Bird whats up. I went to the Rockstar taste of chaos concert last thursday and it was awesome. It would be awesome if one of those bands could come to the lunatic luau 08.

Dan
Suffolk

Dan,

I agree ... depends on what their summer tour plans are. If they're available and we can afford 'em we'll definitely book 'em for the Luau.

Big Bird
Dear Big Bird,

A few points to make:
1) Did you know your name is synonymous with "Giant Middle Finger?" If not, just thought I'd let you know. It's great.

2) I called and talked to you a few weeks ago about your pimping method when you pimp Chill out. Are you making any money off of him? I know you went on vacation, then he went on vacation, but that should have refreshed him a bit so he can make you more ho-money. Just some friendly advice.

3) Why do you not have a webpage like the other jocks? Since you are now on the air (and doing a damn fine job, young man!), I believe that you should share some information about yourself with your wonderful fans. What is your full name? Where were you born? Do you prefer a back hand slap or closed fist when you beat Tommy and Rumble down? Inquiring minds want to know. That, and I wouldn't mind making some money selling some information to the tabloids. Can you help me out?

4) Nice job with the 5 o'clock Funnies. You're pickin' some good comics. I almost wreck my truck every day on the way home at 5. Thanks for keeping me laughing and keeping the roads safe.

Shake it easy!

Adam
Chesapeake

Adam,

1) Wow, "Giant Middle Finger," huh? I like it ... although not as much as Chad Kroeger referring to himself as "a walking penis."

2) Haven't made a dime off Chill yet. I just tried some fresh pimping ... we'll see what happens.

3) I actually have Bird Droppings where I exchange emails like this with wonderful listeners like you. As for personal info, I'm not at all averse to posting it. Until I get around to adding it to our website you can read a bit about me at my MySpace page: myspace.com/bigbirdfm99

4) I can take no credit for the Funnies. Chuck The Intern chooses all the comedians. I'll let him know you approve!

Big Bird
Are the "My Rack for Iraq" pictures posted on the page yet? I have not been able to find them at all. everything I click on leads me to the info from or the submit form.

Jeddidiah
Hampton

Jeddidiah,

Thanks for writing. I actually answered this exact question right below yours. This is why I wrote above: "Before you ask your question, please check below to see if it's already been answered."

Anyway, we haven't posted any photos yet because the contest just began. Jason The Web Wrecker will start posting photos once we get a bunch in house.

Big Bird
My family and I have been listening to FM99 since I was a kid. I'm a senior in high school and trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up..and I was thinking, maybe radio would be cool. I love communicating, i'm pretty fun and can talk a lot. I just don't know how'd I'd get to be on radio one day? How did you and the crew get on radio????

Katy
Virginia Beach

Katy,

By far the best way to break into the radio biz is via an internship sponsored by your school. Since it's the middle of March it may be too late for you to try and arrange one through your high school -- I'd investigate that right away.

If you're planning on going to college (which I'd highly recommend regardless of whether radio's in your future), work on your college radio station and arrange for an internship.

If you're not going to college, apply for a parttime position in a radio station's promotion department. We're always looking for bright, reliable, and enthusiastic people to help us, particularly in the busy summer months.

Good luck!

Big Bird
How can we click on to see the BOOBIES? Are we allowed to see the entries? When i click on it it tries to make me sign up. Could you at your convenience hit me back and let me know please. Thanks again for such a fantastic station.

Dennis
Norfolk

Dennis,

You're undoubtedly referring to "My Rack For Iraq" and as I write this (Wed, 3/12) there are no "boobies" to see yet since we just started the contest. It takes a few days for the photos to start arriving, and we like to wait to get a few before we start posting them.

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird!
I was just wondering, how do I claim that FM99 Beer Mug from the Super Bowl game yall had a few weeks back? I was one of the winners, and I got an email saying I would get another email, and that was pretty much it, lol. I'm stoked I actually won something, and cant wait to pour some brew in that mug!

-Long time listener,
D

Dustin
Portsmouth

Dustin,

Yo! First of all, congrats! Unfortunately, we were promised we'd receive the glasses and then we were "back-ordered" ... meaning we're still waiting for the company to produce and ship them to us. The moment we get them we'll definitely let you know. I appreciate your patience, and thank for you being a "long time listener" of FM99!

Big Bird
hey b bird, what happen to tim parker and where did he go and is shelly really that hot

ron
elizabethcity

ron,

Tim Parker, who's been off the air since last June, was an unfortunate victim of budget cuts. If you scroll down you can read what I wrote back then about Tim.

As for Shelley, I'm her boss, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment. If I wasn't her boss my answer would be, absolutely, she really is that hot, and I wouldn't hesitate for an instant to rip off her ... er ... never mind.

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird, first off just wanna say I've been listening to yall since I was a kid, love the station and the music yall play. That bein said, I'm leavin the area soon and the ONLY thing i'll miss is the station. I know I can listen online which is AWESOME and i can get the highlights of Tommy and Rumble's shows in the morning on my iPhone but would it be possible to do not only the highlights (keep those of course) but maybe make the full morning show available? Or would the file sizes be too large... Even if they were only available the day they were recorded (each day the file is updated with the newest show) I'd download them every day and listen to the whole thing! If not, that's ok, I'll just have to settle for the highlights and the occasional early morning laughs. Keep up the awesome work everyone at FM 99! You guys rock!

Doug
"Nawfuk"

Doug,

Thanks for the suggestion. It's one we discussed here ever since the podcasting thing really started taking off. We're not ready to go that way yet since we're talking about a 4.5-hour show, but eventually I do believe we'll make the whole thing available. Could be soon, could be next year ... just not sure.

Big Bird
You guys used to have a video libary on the website and then it suddenly left. do you have a ink to the video libary that was once on the website?

Kenny
Virginia Beach

Kenny,

Thanks for writing. The link is back on the home page. Here's the direct link as well:

http://www.fm99.com/videocatalog.asp

Big Bird
i heard on one of your shows you talked about some bats in south america that can tie a cherry stem into a knot with it tongue...that's pretty wierd??? i am the current GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER in that event...4 CURRENT TIME RECORDS...please see my web site WWW.TONGUETYED.COM well if you ever get a hold of any of those bats....please let me know and i will come on your show and try to beat them in a tie off...lol...

al gliniecki
pensacola florida

al gliniecki,

Wow, I was on vacation when this bats discussion occurred so I missed it. I forwarded your email to Tommy & Rumble ... maybe they'll take you up on your offer!

Big Bird
I would like to hear new music, more often. Lately you guys have been throwing in some new music like hellyeah and avenged sevenfold. I would just like to hear more, like Nonpoint. I really like the Homegrown. Thanks

JOSH
virginia beach

JOSH,

Thanks for writing. We've always played a mix of old and new (including Nonpoint, who played at the Lunatic Luau a couple of years ago) and will continue to do so. Glad to hear you like Homegrown!

Big Bird
when will your lunatic luau be this year? :-)

charlene
toledo, ohio

charlene,

I'd love to tell you but I have absolutely no idea at this point. It'll be weeks, maybe months, before we know. All depends on who's touring when, how much they're charging, etc.

Big Bird
hi, i just came back from camp bucca, iraq. the armforces radio out of europe playes on the radio. the air force that runs the programs are very boring. i dont know what was worse the detainees that i was watching or the dj's. my suggestion is , if you and the gang get with the uso and take over the station there and get dj's from around the country to host a show i think about 2 weeks out of each month and play, talk entertain the troops to keep there moral up and teach the air force on how to realy dj.

joel miller
norfolk

joel miller,

Welcome back, and thanks so much for your service. Sorry you had to endure the sub-par programming. We'd love to help out but I don't think the Air Force is interested! :-)

Big Bird
I see you forgot to call my name for VH.I thought me and you was alright.HAHA.Just kidding.I just wanted to thank you for asking my opinion,about your radio station.Ive said it before and ill say it again,FM99 is by far the best station.Hands down.Thank you also for all you do for our communities.I want you to know that the Christmas Wish gets me every year.Ithink you all should win a Grammy just for that alone.

Dennis
Norfolk

Dennis,

Dude, emails like this make it all worthwhile. Thanks so much for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird,
The new picture of you on the web site looks much better than the one before. Glad you were able to get out of the office and get some sun, you looked a little yellow. :)

Steve
Virginia Beach

Steve,

Gee, Steve, thanks for noticing. Wait'll the next one of me in a tiny Speedo ... er, maybe not.

Big Bird
Ok Big Bird, I know you guys aren't responsible for my computer getting digitally raped EVERY time I try and look at the bad tattoo pictures, but what gives? Is the voting going to start today and if so, how do we do it? From what I saw, before my program quit responding...7 times today, looked like Virginia Beach has some lousy prison artists. I'm just sayin...

Brandon
Virginia Beach

Brandon,

The digital raping ... er, I mean voting began as scheduled this afternoon (Mon, 2/25) at 5pm and will continue thru Thursday. I hope you computer can handle it! :-)

Big Bird
What was the hummer of the week last week? played it today 2-25-08 at 3:44 pm

chris
virginia beach

chris,

It's called "It's Not My Time" and is by 3 Doors Down.

Big Bird
Hey, Big Bird. Hope you are doing well. I like your radio promos for the Big Bird show. You need to do some more. Have a great weekend.

tom
portsmouth

tom,

Thanks for the nice email. If you're referring to the little "It's Big Bird" things that I just started playing in between songs, all credit goes to Chuck The Intern, who produced them all!

Big Bird
Big Bird,

Why don't you offer your Whole Lotta Love special mix as a download for $2 to $10 to help the Christmas wish fund?

Charley
norfolk

Charley,

Wow, you think people would actually pay for it? That would be cool. I'll definitely consider it. Glad you like it. Have a great weekend!

Big Bird
The new 3 Doors Down song rocks!

Heather
Virginia Beach

Heather,

Glad you like it!

Big Bird
hey man. i just have a couple things i wanted to ask you. first and most importantly, there is a song i have by a band called Aztek Trip and they fuckin rock. if i gave you a mp3 copy of one of their songs would you please for the love of god play it on the radio? it means alot to me. and i promised them i would try my best to get it played on the radio. and the other thing is the band The Exies....could guys maybe play them....alot. or hell just at all. they are a hell of a band and i think they deserve alot more success than they have gotten. i would ask the other "rock" stations up here but well....they suck ass. anyway, any song by the exies other than "ugly" would be awesome. maybe some older shit like "feelin lo-fi" off the self titled or "kick out" off inertia or "what you deserve" off of head for the door or anything really off of their latest and greatest "a modern way of living with the truth" anything by them other than "ugly" or "my goddess" would be fuckin awesome. they have so much good shit and i think people should here it so they can keep puttin out music that gives me a reason to wake up every day. thanks if you can and thanks anyway if you cant. hope to hear some awesome Exies shit on your kick ass station soon.

Billy
Norfolk

Billy,

Thanks for writing! The great thing about technology these days is that recording and distributing songs is so easy. The challenge for us is that there are just way too many songs to accept random mp3s sent to us. As it is we get literally dozens of CDs/songs from the "established" channels, meaning record companies both big and and small. Those are songs from bands that for the most part have been scrutinized by pros and had an opportunity to record in top studios with veteran producers. When you realize the vast majority of THOSE songs don't make the grade, you understand how slim the chances are for random, unsolicited songs sent by friends, listeners, etc., actually being good enough to merit airplay.

The Exies, of course, are a different story. They have a major label deal and the advantages that come with it. They have a good, accessible sound, which is why we've played them in the past and look forward to doing so again when they release their next CD.

Thanks again for taking the time to write ... and for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird! I just have a quick question for you this morning... Will you guys be giving away tickets to the PBR Hampton Invitational? Possibly through the "bass ackwards" contest or during the T & R show? That's my question, thanks for taking the time to answer! BTW, I love your show. It's really the only one that I fully listen to. And I think I would have to say that "bass ackwards" is my fave contest. You Rock Big Bird!

Susie
Chesapeake

Susie,

Thanks for the kind words. They mean a lot, especially coming from a PRO BULL RIDER fan! :-)

Yes, we will be giving away tickets to the PBR event in Hampton. To be perfectly honest I don't remember off the top of my head the specifics, i.e., what feature(s) we'll be using (it's Saturday morning and I don't have access to that info ... but we definitely will have free tickets. I'll have one of our "promosexuals" get back to you ASAP on that.

Good luck ... and thanks for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
That old lady you had on Friday morning was great! You need to get her back on more often. Keep up the great work T,R and Team!

Brian
Virginia Beach

Brian,

I agree! Sounded to me like an act she's honed for years ... which, of course, it just may be. Since I've never seen "Ellen" I'd never heard of this woman. We'll definitely try to have her on again!

Big Bird
big bird - are u guys doing the basketball brackets??? i played it on one of the other stations and it was awsome....i had such a blast with it and picking the games, for a person who really does not follow collage basketball, i did great.

thks!

janet
norfolk

janet,

Absolutely. Big Bird's $10,000 Bracket Challenge will hit the website in March. It's actually two games in one, because you get to pick the entire bracket in advance, plus you get to pick each day/round.

Big Bird
Just a comment from one die hard Giant fan to another.........HOOORAH! And everyone who had any doubts about the Giants winning, you can ki$$ my big fat Giant A$$....New England was the best 18-0 team....damn.......I would go 14-6 and win the super bowl, than going 18-0 and losing the super bowl....hahahaha!!!

mike velez
Yorktown

mike velez,

I hear ya -- an amazing game! I still can't really believe the Giants are the champs.

I'm actually not much of a "gloater" ... I don't even really know any big Pats fans. I do think there was a lot of smugness coming from that team and its fans ... but I couldn't help respect what a great year they had, and how good they've been the past few years. Then again, there's the whole "cheating" incident.

Heck, all I know is that I've legally changed my name to David Tyree!

Big Bird
i am wondering what the title and artist is of a song but i only know part of the lyrics....could you please help me...the lyric i know says "i like your pants around your feet" "while you look up at e and say please" ....it is something to that effect thank you!!!!!

Amanda
moyock

Amanda,

That's an easy one! It's "Figured You Out" from Nickelback.

Big Bird
I won 2 place in the Football picks.
Back on thanksgiving weekend.
Will I every get my prize?Whats the DEAL!

Gene
Virginia beach

Gene,

My wife won 1st. Place that weekend too. But no one has contected me or my wife.I called around xmas and was told a third party handled the prizes and Iwould be contected.But nothing yet, now what?

NOT HAPPY

Big Bird
i got this list from reading all the comments (thats a long page!)
http://www.fm99.com/etr09.asp

and i can't remember but are those also the bands on the second stage? I also gotta say my taste in music has been changing so i don't listen to you guys like i used to but i always support everything you do and everything you guys stand for!!

keep up the good work.

rob
virginia beach

rob,

Yes, that's the complete list of every band that's played at the FM99 Lunatic Luau (which is why the page is so long).

As for your changing listening habits, we'll take whatever we can get! :-)

Big Bird
is the NASCAR pool going to happen as in the past?

kevin
Virginia beach

kevin,

Ab-so-f-in-lute-ly! It'll be ready to go no later than Monday (2/11) ... hopefully sooner. Good luck!

Big Bird
What dictates how long a song gets played on the air, and what dictates a song that continually gets played after it’s acceptance versus a song that is played for a few weeks, does well, and then is never heard from again? For example Paralyzer by Finger Eleven did really well, so does that mean it will continually get played in the same manner that (insert great song here) gets played, or will it go the same route as Caught In The Rain by Revis or Open Your Eyes by Alter Bridge did?

Richard
Newport News

Richard,

Good question! Whether a song ultimately becomes a "keeper" -- a permanent part of our on-air music library -- depends entirely on how much the audience likes it. We do a variety of research to determine a song's popularity. It's certainly not rocket science, since it all involves playing the recognizable part of a song (the "hook") and asking people to rate it. The songs that do well receive continued airplay ... the songs that don't, don't. It's democracy at work! :-)

One key is that we never research a song until it's received enough airplay to become familiar. We've learned that when you ask people to rate songs that they're not really familiar with, the results are unreliable.

We really liked both the Alter Bridge and Revis songs you mentioned but our subsequent research indicated that most listeners just didn't care that much about them. They didn't necessarily dislike them, which is why you'll still hear them from time to time. But there just wasn't enough "passion" for them. That's really what we're looking for -- the songs lots of people just LOVE.

As for "Paralyzer" ... the jury's still out. All our airplay to date has been based on our gut feeling that the song's a hit. Great sales, tremendous requests, universal airplay on stations throughout the country (including a variety of different formats) -- all of those are indicators that it will be a keeper. But you never know until you get some solid, objective research. Check back with me in a few weeks and we should have our answer. I'll be real surprised if it doesn't test really, really well ... but you just never know.

Big Bird
i can't call you about the hummer of the wk - but man it f@#$ing rocks!!!! i love it....i hope the whole cd is like that.....keep up the great work big bird and btw you don't suck....it is everyone else who does...LOL

love ya!

janet
norfolk

janet,

Thanks for the support!

To anyone else reading this: She's referring to "Falling Down" from Atreyu, which is our Hummer Of The Week for 2/4-2/10.

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird, what's up with the Obama ads? Hate to say it, but I actually turned off my radio for almost ten minutes when I heard it the first time.

I'd prefer my favorite station not to sell out to political agendas...

Debbie
Virginia Beach

Debbie,

Apparently you're not an Obama fan, but please understand that what you're hearing are indeed "ads" ... meaning paid commercials. We are required by law to run them. It's not even remotely a question of "selling out."

Think about it: Who are we to decide what candidate does or doesn't get to advertise on FM99? What if you were a candidate for public office and wanted to advertise but we prohibited you from doing so simply because we didn't like what you stood for? That's the very antithesis of the democratic process.

Big Bird
How the hell can I get a job working for you guys? It been my dream as a kid!

Matt Klass
Gloucester

Matt Klass,

Wow, if that's the case, then by all means put together a cover letter and resume and email it bigbird@fm99.com. We don't necessarily have a specific opening right now, but we're always interested in smart, reliable, and passionate people to work here!

Big Bird
when is the Luau?I am already stoked!!!

mike
D.C.

mike,

Glad to hear you're stoked, but you'll also have to be patient. We don't usually know about the Luau until months from now. All depends what bands are touring and how much they're charging.

Big Bird
What's up with all the Obama ads, shouldn't the others get equal time also?

Rick
va beach

Rick,

It's simply a case of the Obama campaign being the only one to buy commercials thus far on FM99. It has nothing to do with "equal time" -- that refers to non-paid programming. For example, if Tommy & Rumble were to interview a candidate they'd be required to offer the same opportunity to other candidates.

Frankly, with the economy the way it is, I'd like nothing more than to see ALL the other candidates spend lots of money advertising on FM99! :-)

Big Bird
Dude you want to put a bet on the Pats for next year to win it, I hear they are 18 to 1 odds to win.
HAHA I enjoyed watching them go down in flames last night!

AL
ORLANDO, FL

AL,

You're certainly not alone -- lots of people rooting AGAINST the Pats this past Sunday.

Big Bird
so who won the thousand bucks from super pool? I am at work and been unable to hear the radio.

nate
chesapeake

nate,

Justin McWilliams from Chesapeake was the big-ass winner!

Big Bird
CONGRATS TO YOU AND YOUR GIANTS!! ALTHOUGH IVE NEVER CARED FOR THE G MEN...EVER....I WAS PULLIN SO HARD FOR THEM IN THE BIG ONE AS I AM SO OVER THE PATS!! I CANT STAND THEM!! THE GIANTS EPITOMIZE WHAT A GREAT DEFENSE SHOULD BE. I LOVED WATCHING BRADY GET UP OFF THE GROUND AFTER GETTING HAMMERED SO MANY TIMES!! KEEP ROCKIN US!! FROM A 99 LOVER FOR LIFE!

Andy
Chesapeake

Andy,

Thanks, dude! I still can't freakin' believe they won!

Big Bird
no question, just a comment - HOW ABOUT THEM GIANT'S!!!!!!! NOW THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!!!! THAT WAS ONE HELL OF A GAME AND I LOVE MY GIANT'S!!!!! i know you r a little hungover, but it is soooo worth it......keep up the great work big bird and i will be listening to you!!!!

Janet
Virginia Beach VA

Janet,

Luckily I'm not hungover -- just completely drained by the emotional ups and downs of the game. I could barely shout when Plaxico caught the winning TD pass. And I still can't believe DAVID TYREE was the hero -- incredible!

Big Bird
Where can I get the "Who's Yo' Daddy" cd?

Skip
Virginia Beach

Skip,

Sorry, that old Tommy & Rumble CD is out of print. It sold out when we first released it in the mid '90s, and again when we re-released it a few years later.

Big Bird
Hey, Just got back off Deployment from the Persian Gulf. Anyway, Are we doing Fantasy Racing this year or what?

Floyd
Suffolk

Floyd,

Welcome back -- and thanks so much for your service!!

Yes, we'll be doing our Fantasy Racing Challenge again. Look for signups to begin next week at fm99.com.

Big Bird
hi bird any idea when the squares will be ready and how do i get mine thanks

jim nieder
hampton

jim nieder,

You're worrying me, my friend. The $1,000 E-Force Super Pool -- "the squares" you refer to in your email -- have been ready since last week! We've been promoting the hell out of this on the air. Plus there's a HUGE link right on the fm99.com home page. Not to mention the E-Force email I sent out last week with a link to the contest. :-)

Anyway, please go to www.fm99.com and click on the big, fat graphic that says "$1,000 E-Force Super Pool -- click here to play!"

Good luck!

Big Bird
Are you going to promote Godsmack on their next trip back to our rockin' city? LET'S BE HONEST - Godsmack is getting better and better, just look at 10 years of Godsmack. That's not even all of their best, simply the ones with the most airplay. I would like to hear your input please-and so do my friends and lord do I have alot of them!!!! Thanks!

gregg
norfolk

gregg,

Glad to hear you're so popular!!!!! :-)

Of course FM99 will promote Godsmack, just as we have since we were among the first stations in the country to start playing "Whatever" back in 1998.

Big Bird
I really liked the Merry Kissmas thing you all did and am glad I got around to telling you that after all this time. I really would like to hear more themed days once in awhile. Maybe Halloween could be Black Sabbath/Ozzy day or something. Later!

Mike
chesapeake

Mike,

Glad you enjoyed Kiss-Mas! I do like your Ozzy idea ... we'll keep it in mind.

Big Bird
I love tommy & rumble but screw those guys. You might be a total goon but your show plays the best music.

beth
conway

beth,

Thanks ... I think. Seriously, I love T&R as well ... they're just having fun at my expense. How many other people can bash their boss in such a public way?

Oh, and I may be many things, but "goon" isn't one of them. :-)

Big Bird
Hey Bigbird, Your show & all of the fm-99 crew from the am to late pm hours are great. I have been a fan of WNOR -FM-99 since mike arlo was a dj there. With my new hours I can listen from 7am to 530pm. A great show to enjoy on my way to and from work. And I enjoy fm-99 on the weekends also. Remember old guys rule.

Tom
Portsmouth, Va.

Tom,

Thanks for all the loyal years of listening, you old guy! :-)

Big Bird
thanks for forever tainting my radio experiences!

i'm a transplant from virginia beach, va and i can not get over how much the radio stations out here SUCK! none of them come close to comparing to fm99. [cue sinead o'connor]

any way, could you guys flex some muscle and help these schmucks out here? show them what rock radio is SUPPOSED to sound like?

brandi
victorville, ca

brandi,

Wow, a Sinead O'Connor reference!

I feel for you, but unfortunately we have no influence in the Victorville area. So you'll just have to listen to FM99 as much as possible over our internet stream.

Big Bird
Hey Big Bird,

Your show is awesome i always listen to it on the way to work and it's hella funny just to get woken up in the morning cause of comedy Keep it up! oh and then my question - Ok well dont you think it would be pretty cool to put some of the bands that are unknown? some of them are pretty good......... some great music is out there not discovered you just have to listen the the requests.

Kyle
Yorktown

Kyle,

Thanks for the nice email. (My son's name is Kyle, by the way.) You know, we actually do play bands that are unknown. In fact, we do it all the time. Most bands we play are unknown when we first start playing them.

Think about this: Nickelback was unknown when we first played "Leader Of Men" a few years ago. Linkin Park was unknown when we first played "One Step Closer" ... Godsmack was unknown when we first played "Whatever" ... Finger Eleven was unknown when we first played "Quicksand" ... etc., etc.

Recently we started playing Airbourne, Endeverafter, and Red, just to name three. All were completely unknown when we added them to our playlist.

So the reality is that virtually all of the bands we play start off as "unknowns" ...

You're right when you say there's some great music out there that never gets played. It'll always be that way because there are literally thousands and thousands of bands. There's absolutely no way to listen to everything.

Thanks again for writing, and for listening to FM99!

Big Bird
BIG BIRD

Bottom line man, if you weren't doing your show b/t 3 and 6 i think i'd be dead already. Some days when I'm stuck in traffic on Hampton Blvd. on weekday afternoons, listening to your program is the only way i can get through the frustrtation. That "$#@%&*^" who said that you "sucked" must stay at home all day and think which DJ he's going to tick off today. Don't worry about him man! Take it easy ...

Matt
Suffolk

Matt,

Thanks so much for the support, Matt! I'm glad Chill and I can help you get through your commute!

Big Bird
hey guys, just a note to let you guys know how much your show means to me and thousands of other people .As im driving to work in the early a.m i cant help to notice that the people that are having a good laugh because i know that they are tunin in to your show, thanks for making our day start off good, God knows we all need a good laugh to start off our day.Thanks tommy and rumble, keep up the good work.

greg
va bch

greg,

Thanks so much for writing ... I know T&R really appreciate it!

Big Bird
Hey BIG BIRD i have a question for you i have been a HUGE fan of this station since i moved to Hampton Roads back in 1998 while in the NAVY and in 1999 a band named GODSMACK came out and got a new drummer and i just want to know why Shannon Larkin is never in the category for drummer of the year on your rock awards? i mean look at the drum solo from the GODSMACK movie changes and you tell me what you think...keep rockin' the 7 cities!!!

Diego
Norfolk

Diego,

Thanks for writing. Actually, Larkin WAS nominated for an FM99 Rock Award -- LAST YEAR!

Big Bird
I totally disagree with that jacka** who called you yesterday afternoon and said your show sucks; your show rocks! I listen at work during the day on the internet. Unfortunately I get to hear Tommy and Rumble babble all dam morning and play like no music. That show, in my opinion, is the worst show on the radio. You keep doing what you do. And tell Jason to get your pic up!

Jessi
Reading, PA

Jessi,

Thanks so much for the support. I actually love Tommy & Rumble, even if they bash me.

As for the pic: JASON, GET MY PIC UP!!

Big Bird
BIG BIRD, I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU - YOUR SHOW DOESN'T SUCK. LOVE YOU EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T LIKE THE COWBOYS.

ADRIENNE
VIRGINIA BEACH

ADRIENNE,

Thanks -- especially coming from a Cowboys fan! :-)

Big Bird
I would be compleatly happy with an ALL Hard Rock/Metal Format!! Everything else to me is pure bullshit Top 40. The worst thing is, is that all that Bullshit gets played All day, Every day. I can't get Satellite radio at work. (Which is where I listen to the radio.) Jeeezus, would it be too much to ask to add alittle Dream Theater (And not just "Pull Me Under") and Iced Earth into the mix for a most pleasent change? I mean..C'mon..Your killing us with generic clone alternitive bands. They ALL sound identical..It's not just FM99, It's "Both" So called Rock stations..I mean..if you're gonna play Priest, at leased play "Hellion/Electric Eye" instead of "You've Got Another thing Commin'" if you insist on playing Priest ONLY from that era. Iron Maiden is cool and I know you play a few from Maiden...but the way you guys play them, one would think they only have an EP out..Dig DEEP..play something where we will sit up and say.."Now THIS is cool!"
Actually, no need to answer. You are just gonna feed me a bunch of stupid stuff which you claim is just my oppinion and no one else and something about survey's. Who are they surveying? NERDS?? Definatly not me.

TW
Va. Beach

TW,

Since you said "no need to answer" I'll keep it brief. Given how incredibly NARROW your musical tastes are -- "everything" that doesn't qualify as hard rock/metal is "pure bullshit Top 40"??? -- you and I both know that no commercial radio station can satisfy you.

You're perfectly entitled to your opinions -- but it doesn't make them "right." As I've written over and over and over again, there is NO "right" and "wrong" when it comes to musical taste. The fact that you think there is and that you can so easily and cavalierly dismiss anyone who doesn't share your tastes as "stupid" and a "nerd" merely brands you a snob.

Big Bird
Dear littel turd I didnt like your comments on monday about the cowboys. Now I know why t@r say you have the worst show ever. I will not listen to you or your show anymore however I will still listen to everybody else show but when you come on I change it to 106.9. a hateful cowboy fan

Shawn
williamsburg

Shawn,

It's bad enough you're a Cowboys fan. Can't you at least learn how to SPELL? Or is that a by-product of rooting for "America's Team?"

"Hateful Cowboy fan" ... that pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

:-)

Try not to listen to my show ... just try. You won't be able to succeed. It's like trying to avoid looking at an accident scene. You can't resist!

Big Bird
Big Bird/Chill,

I can't believe the two of you are talking like two little old ladies about the Patriots and Giants Superbowl....give me a break! I grew up in Massachusetts, and I am an avid Patriots fan. Not too much else to say, besides the fact that I am also a Red Sox fan! When was the last time the Pats and Sox won the Superbowl and World Series??? I'll let you figure that one out on your own. If you were willing to watch figure skating, rather than football no matter who played, I think you need to seriously reconsider if you would want to be Tom Brady or Brian Boitano..however his name is spelt. I wear my Pats uniform every Sunday, or Saturday. This uniform consists of Patriots: hair srunchy, socks, earrings, jersey, pants, underwear and pin. Oh by the way, a lot of people might think New Englanders are smug, however, we DID win three Superbowls and two World Series in the past 5 years. It's good to be a Patriot and New Englander! Enjoy your day. We'll see who's better on the 3rd of February!
Dedicated listener.

Heather
Virginia Beach

Heather,

Success is no excuse for being smug. In fact, there IS no excuse for being smug. Let the Yankees fan be smug. Try a dose of HUMILITY instead.

:-)

I don't expect the Giants to actually beat the mighty Patriots, but if they did it would be SWEEEEEEEET!

Big Bird
I just wanted to say from one Giants fan to another, they said we couldnt get past the Packers. But let me just ask Who's GOING to the SUPERBOWL and who's going home? GO NY GIANTS!!!!

Sophie
Virginia Beach

Sophie,

I'd like to believe I was confident the Giants would beat the Packers, but if I claimed that I'd be lying. I thought they COULD win but didn't expect them to. But they shocked everyone yet again. What an amazing, bizarre year. Can they beat the Pats? Sure. Will they? Not likely ... but nothing would surprise me anymore! Go, Giants!

Big Bird
I recently invited a special little lady over to my place for dinner. I spent over an hour cooking for her. We sat down to dinner, she took a bite, spit it out, then screamed at me that it looked like there were toenails in the main course. Well, there were some in there-but not many. I realized after she slapped me and left, that one of the toenails came from the toe that I had the fungal infection from. Does this mean that she will get it, too? Also, I lost a blue sock with white pin striping on it. Has anyone seen it? Thanks.

Eugene Darwin
Suffolk

Eugene Darwin,

Thanks for putting everything in perspective!

Big Bird
Just wanted to say that if your listeners (eh hem, Brandy, eh hem) wanted to know what Chill looked like, maybe they should have looked through the FM99 website a little better first. I found plenty of pictures of the sexy traffic reporter. But then again, I guess I'm a more dedicated Chill fan. I could not, however find any photo's of you... or at least stating it was you....

Jess
Norfolk

Jess,

Yeah, that Chill's a looker, isn't he? :-)

I actually have sent Jason a photo to post (to replace the Sesame Street photo) but for some reason he can't seem to get it done. I'm starting to get a complex. I think he's just jealous because I'm so much better-looking than he is! :-)

Big Bird
I just wanted to let you know that "Let Go" by Red is one of the most awesome songs ever. You should definitely play it more often. You're on the air right when I get out of school, so it's great to hear them driving home.

Kaitlyn
Gates

Kaitlyn,

Glad you liked our latest "Hummer Of The Week" (w/o 1/13). Initial reaction was mixed at best, but it definitely improved as the week went on.

Big Bird
How can I get the mix you made with pink floyd,jimmy,led zep. I want to put in on cd.

frank
smithfield

frank,

Glad you like it. I will eventually make it available. First I'd like to get a couple of more plays out of it on the air.

Big Bird
Was wondering what a girl has to do to get to see a picture of Chillus Maximus? My gal pals and I think he has a sexy ass voice!!! Can you help us?
Thanks so much U ROCK!!!

Brandy
Newport News

Brandy,

Hopefully you were just listening (Fri, 1/18, 6pm) when I read your email on the air to "Chillus Maximus." Unfortunately he resisted the photo request, but we'll have to wear him down. I can't say I'm the best judge of men's looks (I'm extremely heterosexual), but I'm pretty confident in saying that Chill's a good-looking guy. Have a great weekend!

Big Bird
Big Bird,

I'll make this short and to the point.

AC/DC is played WAY too much. I understand they're one of the most popular rock bands of all time and they've developed a strong fan base. It just really, really seems like they are overplayed on the station.

Steve
Virginia Beach

Steve,

Thanks for writing. I totally get where you're coming from, and I'm sure there are other people who feel the same.

Please realize that "overplayed" is a subjective term. The amount of airplay for a band or song that's "too little," "too much," or "just right" differs for every person. There are several research methods we use to determine how much airplay to devote to a band/song, but they all have one thing in common: They involve soliciting opinions directly from our listeners. The only exception is with brand new music, where we initially use our experience and gut to decide what songs merit exposure. Once new songs become familiar enough for listeners to express an "informed" opinion about them, we turn the ultimate decision on what songs are "keepers" and which ones disappear.

There's a lengthy answer to a "short" question. Hopefully it makes some sense!

Big Bird
Just wanted to comment on the rubbernecking conversation between you and Chill. You're absolutely right, you have to tell yourself not to look and just keep rolling. I "LOATHE" rubberneckers. I have seen more accidents caused by them and as they drive off, the poor bastard behind them gets the blame! I am certainly for the death penalty. Don't lose faith bro.

Paul
Va. Beach

Paul,

Unfortunately I think the guy who called and said it's just "human nature" to look is correct. Apparently you and I have some sort of "superpower" that enables us to resist the temptation to turn our heads and look at accidents! Mere mortals are too weak. :-)

Actually, as I said on the air, it's not the rubbernecking itself that drives me nuts -- it's that people invariably SLOW DOWN when they look. Ugh ...

Big Bird
What's up, Big Bird? Man, ima HUGE Giants fan and cant wait till Sunday to see the game. I was so hyped when they beat the Cowboys.

Anyways, man, was wondering if U could play that new Hummer by Red. Love that song! BTW, I saw them back when they were here with Three Days Grace and have been listening to them for about a year before that -- great band and I was pretty psyched when I heard that was this week's Hummer.

Thnx, man ... GO GIANTS!!!!!

Joe
Norfolk

Joe,

Ah, a fellow Giants fan -- LOVE it!

Glad to hear you like the Hummer!

Big Bird
I have to take exception with your theory that one never determines a favorite song on the first listen - I LOVED "Enter Sandman"by METALLICA the first time I heard it, and it's still one of my all time favorite songs.

Susan
Va Beach

Susan,

Actually, I amended my initial statement and said, "There are songs that grab you right away, but usually you need to hear them a few times before they become favorites." And my main point was that with a brand new band like Red it's almost essential that you hear it multiple times.

Incidentally, I agree with you 100% on "Enter Sandman." I'd never cared much about Metallica in the '80s but when I first heard "Sandman" I said, "Whoa!" After a few listens I was hooked, and a few more I'd determined it was one of my five favorite songs of all time!

Big Bird
I heard a song I realy liked, but not the title or artist. Is there any place on the site that lists what songs were played and when?

it was on at abo