One of the all-time classic moments of my career! We could NEVER get away with this now. At the time “assh*le” was still OK to say openly. (I think?) My boss at the time Ted (his real name) pulled me in to his office to talk to me about making fun of the music we played, and then proceeded to discuss a health issue. He had an “anal fissure,” and felt the need to explain to me the entire situation. So, I felt the need to tell all of New Orleans about it. This is another in my continuing “for your health” series…for the kids.

Sometimes, my lack of compassion can be really creative. This was one of those things that came together spontaneously in the studio. Had I asked permission, I’m sure it would’ve been denied. And rightfully so. I didn’t intend for Leo to be a half-assed, Joe Pecsi knock-off. Just worked out that way. Not one complaint. New Orleans was a fun time!

This entire show was faked. New Orleans is notorious for throwing parties for anything. The Mardi Gras parades are considered tradition. So, we decided to throw a parade for April Fools day. Our midday guy John Marty and I chose this little town called Lyons, Louisiana. Which is pretty much a blinking, yellow light. We weren’t even there. We set up in the back parking lot of the station, and sat in director’s chairs for 4 hours. Our production guy Bart Melton did an amazing job with putting together audio. We had no idea what he was using, or how it would go. Bart told us to cue certain events. John, and I adlibbed 100% of this show. We made up everything. Throughout the day, the station switchboard was slammed with people calling, looking for directions.

Radio stations give away “autographed” items all the time. Rest assured they are legitimate. But, I absolutely pissed off the boss with this little quip. He spent a good few minutes ripping me after this break. And yes, we always play with the autographed guitars if they’re left out.

This was (I believe) Blues Traveler bassist Bobby Sheehan’s final interview. Bobby passed 6 months later in New Orleans. This was a side-project band with John Popper and a group of local musicians. You might notice they sound like an Applebees commercial. That’s because the guy singing, does those “good in the neighborhood” songs.