What’s happening Loopers? It’s Mike, your 2008 Loop Rock Girl Roadie. I probably shouldn’t say that too loud though. In the back of my mind I still see the other Roadie contestants chasing me through a dark alley. It’s OK—my doctor said I can still attend all the Loop events in a full-body cast—still worth it.
It’s a true honor to be the first ever Loyal Looper selected for this amazing contest. I’ve been comfortably numb since the moment Erin Carman and Byrd read my name off the card at the finals event at Austin’s Saloon. Though the process was just blind luck, I promise you no one appreciates classic rock and 97.9 more than I do. I’m often described as a classic rock junkie who grew up in the wrong era. If I could push a button that sent me back to live in the ’60s and ’70s, I’d do it in a heartbeat. (After these 12 months are up, of course.) Given my age, I feel that I missed out on the golden era of classic rock, so I’m constantly trying to make up for it by spending every dime I earn on concerts. I’m the guy on Ticketmaster’s Web site waiting for that very second when tickets go on sale—and I still get stuck with 200 level seats. You can only imagine how I feel now with my Roadie privileges. I was content with the gift bag I received just for showing up to the finals event, which included a Loop T-shirt and a Deep Purple concert DVD—but now this? I could not have received a more precious gift.
In my personal life, I grew up—and I still live in—a tiny suburb called Westchester. I’ve spent the past 2 years working as an EMT and just recently graduated paramedic school. I always tell everyone if I had two lives, I’d love to be the guy at the radio station who picks all the songs to play on the air. I’m very passionate about my music selection. I will put my iPod against yours any day of the week—so, BRING IT!
When I’m not in the ambulance, I spend most of my time rocking out on my Fender Strat, Blondie, and shredding my bass, Babe. Yep, I name my guitars—don’t judge me. I’m a super laid back guy who can easily make a night out of burning a fat stick of incense and jamming out to some Pink Floyd. I have also been known to spend gratuitous amounts of time searching old concerts on You Tube. I’m a quiet guy by nature, but once you start me up on the right topics I’ll never stop.
If you have any interest in contacting me about anything, you can reach me on my MySpace. Come check it out. I’ve posted a ton of killer concert footage that will leave you thunderstruck. You can also stop by the Loop’s Web site to check out my blog where I will leave a detailed and interesting perspective of every event I attend throughout the next year. It will be like you were there with me all along. A special thanks again to the BEST radio station in the world, 97.9 the Loop, for organizing the Roadie contest. This will no doubt be the best year of my life.