Let’s take a peek inside the mind of Hack Hammer, shall we?

 

If you could be one Rock star, who would it be and why? – It would be Sir Paul McCartney, he has seen more change in the music business, he has affected more change as a musician and has the respect of other musicians worldwide. He is the active grandfather of rock and roll!

If you could go back to a decade of music, which one would it be and why? – I would go back to the 1970s. I think the music had MORE imagination and there was a spiritual awakening through rock’n’roll. The music was fresher, the groove was harder, I was skinnier, and I didn’t make noises when I got up from a chair.

Favorite cover band of a classic rock band?  – Right now, it would have to be Whoa, Man! from right here in Fort Wayne. They celebrate the iconic women of rock’n’roll and they do a great job doing it.

Coolest thing you’ve gotten to do or place you’ve gotten to go because of your job in radio? – I have to admit that in the 30 plus years of doing radio I’ve got to do some amazing things. The things that I think I’ve got to do that have meant the most to me are things that have to do with performing music with my friends. Over the years we’ve had the chance to share the stage with Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Journey, and tons of other great acts.

What got you interested in Rock music? – First of all, my dad played piano and sang in a men’s group, so I guess my love for music started right in our house. Influence from the radio? It was most definitely The Beatles! They got me interested in rock’n’roll and as I grew older so many other great bands expanded what I listened to! Every birthday and Christmas I received a guitar and finally I took some lessons. The lessons didn’t last long, but my love for the guitar made me learn more songs and my love for music grew and grew. In 5th grade I started playing trombone and continued to play in band, orchestra, jazz band and many other musical projects through graduation. Trombone players always get the chicks, right?

If you could be one drink, which one would it be and why? – I think I would probably be a rum drink, something with Malibu, yea, something fruity with a paper umbrella piercing 4 pieces of fruit! I know…I’m a grown man, my family says I’m drinking like a 22-year-old woman on her birthday.

What would your warning label say? – I think I would probably be a rum drink, something with Malibu, yea, something fruity with a paper umbrella piercing 4 pieces of fruit! I know…I’m a grown man, my family says I’m drinking like a 22-year-old woman on her birthday.

What is your favorite concert story? – It was my first concert in 1975. It was The Guess Who and Johnny Rivers at the Memorial Coliseum. At that time The Guess Who was my favorite band! I just couldn’t believe how awesome it was when they started to play, how loud the music was and the feeling in the air. What a show! I knew all the words to the songs and we got right up front close to the stage.

When it was over, we went outside to wait for a friend’s mom to pick us up. As we were waiting for our ride all of the members of The Guess Who walked out the stage door and headed our way to their bus. We were able to meet the band.

Burton Cummings asked my name and what was my favorite song that they had performed that night. I proudly told him, Running Back to Saskatoon. He then pulled a leaf off of one the trees that lined the driveway and said, “Look a Canadian maple.”

When Burton dropped that leaf, I grabbed it off the ground. I was so happy! I just wish now I could remember what book I put the leaf in to keep it safe?

What a great first concert, I met the band and got a souvenir!