Eddie
Trunk has absorbed all things "metal" since 1976, when at the age of
twelve he picked up his first KISS
album, Destroyer, from the local
record store (seemingly not a big deal, until one realizes that
Ace Frehley himself attended
Eddie's wedding many years later). Thus began a nonstop, passionate
relationship between Trunk and his musical genre of choice.
As a young teen in the late seventies, Eddie continued listening to and
learning about every metal/hard rock band he could find, including acts
like Aerosmith,
UFO,
Rush and
Black Sabbath. Like many of us
today, he has a special place in his heart reserved for the days of
metal past, and quickly admits that if he had a time machine to take him
back to three past concerts, he'd love to see, "KISS in a club after
releasing their first album, UFO during their 'Lights Out' tour and
Van Halen in a club after
releasing their first album."
It was Eddie's love for music that landed him his first radio intern
job, while still in high school, at a local college station. "My home
town in New Jersey has four colleges, none of which I attended except to
use their radio studios," he says with an ironic tone. "I just started
hanging out at the stations and helping them out, for free, and trying
to get them to play metal. I finally got the chance to develop a metal
show around 1983, and the syndicated show I do today from
Q104 in New York City remains
very similar."
Trunk didn't always pay the bills solely as a radio personality. Whether
as a clerk at a record store, or an executive with
Megaforce Records, he never
strayed far from the music he loved -- but being behind the microphone
seems to be his first love. "I was always passionate about music and did
all kinds of things with it," Trunk states today, "but it wasn't until I
got into the New York City market in 1994 that I made OK money. People
started to take notice, and I thought maybe I could make a career doing
what I love."
And what a career it has been thus far. Known by music fans and artists
alike for hosting incredible and honest interviews,
Guns and Roses frontman
Axl Rose walked right into
Trunk's studio -- unannounced -- in May of 2006 and gave his first
legitimate interview in almost fifteen years. Other mortals must wonder
if even an experienced interviewer like Eddie gets a little nervous when
he meets rock royalty like Axl Rose or
Paul Stanley. He admits, "Paul Stanley was always my favorite
member of KISS, and for a long time he was the only artist I was
actually a little star struck around. But that ended years ago. If you
treat any celebrity as an equal, you can get much further and develop a
mutual respect." He goes on to say, "I've been doing this for 26 years
now, and the truth is that many of these guys are friends or people I
know well. It gives me a comfort zone with the artist and usually
results in a better interview for the listener or viewer." Certainly,
much has changed since Eddie first met KISS at a
Sam Goody music store around
1983, which he claims was his first live contact with a musical
celebrity.
A while back, someone (a smart
someone) at XM Radio decided
that Eddie Trunk was a perfect match for their metal channel,
The Boneyard, and convinced him
to come aboard in July of 2004. Eddie left the channel in August of
2005, in the midst of a much-publicized disagreement with management,
but returned in December of 2006 and hasn't looked back since. When
asked about the size of the active music library of The Boneyard, Trunk
simply states, "I have no idea... I never counted. I mix my own stuff
every week from home, and because I have a live show, it allows me to
work in songs that might not be at XM -- including new music as well."
Satellite radio metal fans may also be wondering if Trunk is truly able
to play the songs he wants to play. His reply is, "I have 100% control
over the show I do. That was the deal I made when I first started with
XM -- to do my own show, call my own shots musically, and do interviews
and talk as well if I want. These things are important to me, and I'm
lucky to have the autonomy to do so. Sirius/XM respects what I do enough
to leave me alone and let me do my thing.
Eddie Trunk Live is a specialty
show for The Boneyard, but it caters to that audience for sure."
When asked if he has ever added songs to the XM music library, Trunk
says, "Over the years, sure... But now I just bring in my CDs and play
selections from them. I'm only there four hours a week, so messing with
the database is not my job. I worry about my show, and that's all I can
control. I would love to do more for them one day, but that's up to
Sirius/XM, not me."
Of course, metal master Eddie Trunk does much more than broadcast radio
shows from the studios of Q104 and Sirius/XM. In late 2008, classic rock
and metal fans were treated to the first episode of
That Metal Show, which airs
weekly on VH1 Classic. Though
Eddie has been on staff with VH1 Classic since its inception in January
of 2001, many of his admirers have long awaited a television show that
allows a more candid look into Eddie's opinions on hard rock and metal.
Alongside comedic sidekicks Jim
Florentine and Don Jamieson,
Trunk and That Metal Show has enjoyed two successful seasons thus far.
Every episode seems to feature at least one guest that is bona fide rock
royalty -- Geddy Lee and
Alex Lifeson,
Angus Young and
Brian Johnson,
Vinnie Paul,
Lemmy Kilmister and
Lita Ford are just a few
musicians who have appeared on the show, each giving a very candid and
entertaining interview.
With Florentine and Jamieson in tow, hijinks are guaranteed to ensue
each and every taping of That Metal Show. During one hilarious segment,
Eddie Trunk is unwittingly lured into a tattoo shop by Florentine,
Jamieson and Mike Portnoy
(drummer for Dream Theater).
Despite the peer pressure hurled by such a raucous ensemble, Trunk
manages to slink away from the shop with no permanent ink on his skin.
On another episode, the three hosts enjoy interviewing several women for
the position of "Box of Junk Girl." The chemistry among the three works
very well, and according to Eddie, it was no surprise. "We're good
friends, and they were frequent guests on my radio show. We're all the
same age, all from New Jersey and all mostly into the same kind of
music. When I pitched the idea for TMS, VH1 Classic didn't want a
straight interview show. I introduced the network to Jim and Don, and
showed them what the guys did as comics. We did a pilot and it took
off." In response to the jokes and barbs tossed back and forth among the
three, he adds, "We break balls but truly are friends -- long before we
did That Metal Show together."
It's safe to assume that Mr. Trunk prefers working in radio over
television, but you never know until you ask. Hell, he's a nice-looking
fellow who seems quite personable on the small screen, and VH1 Classic
has done well for years with Trunk as their go-to guy. So maybe he
prefers the TV camera after all? However, when asked whether it is
harder to perform in front of the camera versus the microphone, he
explains the obvious, "Yes. There is no cosmetic element in radio.
Nobody sees you, so it doesn't matter what you wear or look like. The
elements of wardrobe and makeup are removed, as well as camera angles
and lighting." Trunk then expands upon a point he mentioned earlier, "In
radio, I have 100% control over what I say and play. With TV, you have
producers involved and have to bend to work with others -- not a single
vision like the radio is for me. That being said, I love doing TV and
especially working with friends on That Metal Show. Whether or not you
agree with what is said on the show, we try to be a voice for the
rockers."
"Knowledge is power" may be the truest cliche ever spoken by human lips.
While the concept of knowledge being valuable and powerful may be easy
to understand on the surface, one probably has to remember the ancient,
pre-internet era to fully appreciate these words of wisdom. There was no
quick and easy way to find the name of the new Vice President of
Indonesia; your parents' circa-1985 home computer offered no help. These
dark days were a time when musical knowledge was gained from the reading
of magazines, album liner notes and word of mouth. Eddie Trunk gained
his musical knowledge doing just that, and is considered by many to be
the best-informed metal/hard rock historian in the business today.
Time stands still for no man, however, and Eddie does have an impressive
internet presence thanks to his personal website (www.EddieTrunk.com).
Loaded with interviews, podcasts, a message board and even
up-to-the-minute metal news, there's much to be found tucked in the
pages of this incredible resource. And, because the site is
so complete and such a labor of
love, Trunk says very matter-of-factly, "EddieTrunk.com is the only 100%
official place for me, and is the only site I'm active in. I don't do
MySpace,
Twitter or
Facebook, because I don't have
the time. I keep things focused just on my site. We just launched a
'member's side' there, and I'm very happy with the huge leap the site
has taken over the past year."
EddieTrunk.com is a fitting online home for a man who has spent the vast
majority of his life listening to, learning of and teaching the unique
musical genre known as metal. "I am blessed to have been doing this
business for 26 years and love what I do," he states without remorse.
"It's a challenge, no doubt, to piece everything together and support a
family on it, but it's what I do. The TV stuff has been awesome and I'm
excited to see where it goes. My terrestrial show just added some
affiliates, and I'm now reaching a new satellite audience with the
Sirius folks on board from the merger. I sincerely thank everyone who
connects in some way with what I do. It's a great time for me."
6020 Sports: Bill King, Vince Gennaro, Dave Zirin, Olivia Manning 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert begin this special edition of 60/20 Sports focusing on how the ailing economy will influence the changes in sports business activity in 2009 and beyond. Bill King, Senior writer for Sports Business Journal, examines the economics of sports, and how sports organizations and businesses are responding to the lack of revenue. Vince Gennaro, author of Diamond Dollars, consultant to the Cleveland Indians, and former executive at Pepsi, analyzes the economics of baseball, sports marketing, and how the recession has changed the game. Dave Zirin, author of "A People's History of Sports in the United States" and host of Edge of Sports Radio, discusses the historical context of this recession's effect on the sports industry reflecting on sport during the depression and throughout America's history. Olivia Manning, NFL's number one mom to both Eli and Peyton Manning, wife to Archie Manning, and proponent of making Mardi Gras a national holiday, discusses her campaign to bring national attention to the Cajun festivities celebrated with respect to Mardi Gras.
6020 Sports: Sal Paolantonio, Larry Fitzgerald, Sr., Chuck Esposito 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert discuss their lack of interest in the Super Bowl teams because no players are talking trash during media week. James and Luke debate the firing of the High School women's basketball coach who pummeled a neighboring high school team 100-0. Larry Fitzgerald, sports columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and father of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., analyzes the two teams in the Super Bowl, the relationship that his son and Kurt Warner have on the football field, why Kurt Warner's career already merits a Hall of Fame induction, and explains how he began his career in journalism by rejection from pro football. Sal Paolantonio, ESPN NFL reporter, explains why Arizona actually has a chance to win the Super Bowl despite the notion that defense wins Championships. Sal also stresses that Kurt Warner is not yet a Hall of Fame quarterback, and that with a Super Bowl win, he will seal his fate in Canton, Ohio. Chuck Esposito, Head Oddsmaker for Fountaine Bleau Race and Sports book, delivers the betting line for James and Luke to make their picks on the Super Bowl including a slew of proposition bets. James and Luke wrap the show by questioning Joe Torre's decision to include such private details in his book possibly smudging a stellar coaching career in Major League Baseball.
6020 Sports: Bob Costas, JC Watts 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert discuss Alex Rodriguez' positive steroids test. Bob Costas, NBC Sports and MLB Network anchor, talked about Alex Rodriguez' positive test and subsequent admission, the Hall of Fame requirements and how each case should be judged separately, and Hank Aaron's 75th birthday party and the fact that his legacy has grown as the details of the steroid era continue to be revealed. JC Watts, former congressman (R'OK), 2-time Orange Bowl MVP quarterback for the University of Oklahoma, discussed Alex Rodriguez' human fallibility, his belief that congress should not interfere in sports, Tim Tebow's uphill battle to find success in the NFL, and JC's college career at Oklahoma.
6020 Sports: Jack Ford, David Aldridge, Rob Dibble 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert begin the show debating the stupidity of the South Carolina court which issued 11 indictments in relation to the picture of Michael Phelps holding a bong. Jack Ford, Co-Host of Banfield & Ford Courtside on In Session on TruTV, talks about the number of indictments doled out in South Carolina in relation to Michael Phelps' use of marijuana, Alex Rodriguez' positive test and subsequent admission, Bud Selig's self-defense, the latest on Barry Bonds' perjury, Roger Clemens' defamation suit against former trainer Brian McNamee dropped by the court. David Aldridge, TNT Broadcaster, courtside reporter at the NBA All-Star Game, discusses the reunion of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neil, the Slam Dunk contest, All-Star weekend in general in Phoenix, and a preview of the 2nd half of the NBA Season. Rob Dibble, Color Analyst of the Washington Nationals and Analyst on 'The Show' on MLB Home Plate, calls out Alex Rodriguez for lying to the media and praises Adam Dunn for his approach to his new team taking young players under his wing. James and Luke wrapped the show with a new segment examining the "Worst Person in Sports" for the week.
6020 Sports: Frank Deford, Steve Sabol, Jon Wertheim 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert debate the stupidity of Michael Phelps getting caught smoking marijuana. Frank Deford, six time US sportswriter of the year, commentator on NPR's morning edition, contributor to HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and senior contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, discussed the cultural event that is the Super Bowl, and his affinity for the color purple. Steve Sabol, Emmy award-winning President of NFL Films examines where Super Bowl XLIII ranks in the history of the game, and Sabol's art exhibit. Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated columnist, analyzes Roger Federer's tearful defeat to Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.
6020 Sports: Morgan Ensberg, Tim Cowlishaw, Chuck Esposito 19 December 2008, 2:57 pm James Carville and Luke Russert discuss Plaxico Burress' decision to bring a handgun into a nightclub, and what punishment fits the crime. Morgan Ensberg told his story of being held up at gunpoint as a minor leaguer, his decision to buy a gun for protection, and eventually to get rid of the weapon prior to having his first child. James and Luke talked about Sean Avery's offensive comments about his former girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. Tim Cowlishaw columnist for the Dallas Morning News and frequent contributor to Around the Horn on ESPN discussed both Avery's punishment from the National Hockey League and the fact that the Texas Longhorns will not compete for the Big XII Championship, and consequently, a National Championship. Fountain Blue Casino Executive Director of the Race and Sports book Chuck Esposito provides the betting line for James and Luke to make their weekly football picks.