Arizona State University - Sun Devil Spark / Sahuaro Yearbook (Tempe, AZ)

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A lice Cooper made it. Stevie Nicks i n made it. Fee Waybill and the Tubes made it. They all got a start here in the Valley, and reached the pinnacle of national stardom. It was this dream that kept the many area bands playing night after night, making the circuit of Tempe nightclubs. Many bars around campus strove to attract local talent. Edcel ' s Attic, located in downtown Tempe, boasted groups such as Walt Richardson, the Strand and Gin Blossom. The club owner, Ed Chiongdian, said the criteria for a band to play there was its potential growth, following and professionalism. We ' re unique in the Valley in that we are cul- tivating the local music scene, Chiong- dian said. Other clubs take mature bands. We ' re more of a training ground. Owners of another nearby spot, the Sun Club, sought a variety of sounds, but mostly college and modem music. According to Joseph Ricci, the booking manager, the club ' s policy was to take a demo tape, and see where else the band had played. Audience appeal was an- other im- p n t CRANKED up Garner- i ng local support was a requirement for any band to make it big. One of the most promising local bands this year was Chuck Hall and the Brick Wall. This group consistently drew large crowds in Valley bars. The Brick Wall consisted of Chuck Hall on lead vocals, Scott Andrews on drums and Mark Riggs on bass and back- OM Hark up vocals. Because the trio had been together as part of an earlier band, the group managed to avoid much of the struggle for a following. Playing in local bars was the way to increase the exposure that the Brick Wall needed, but it could take its toll on any band. We have to make a living, but we don ' t want to play in bars all our lives, Hall said. It ' s a real gamble. The band members hoped to sign on with a record label in the near future. We ' re looking for a situation that will nurture the band and our style of music, Riggs said. Until that magic moment would come with the big break, the lives of many Valley musicians were filled with several bills and few dollars. But in the words of Chuck Hall, they continued to soldier CAROLYN PYE DARRYL SMITH Local bands rock Tempe and ASU old and LP new, Walt Richard- son, one of the longest surviving local musi- cians, plays with the Morningstar Band at Edcel ' s Attic. This pop- ular night spot suited most every taste by booking many diverse acts Into one place.

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for the Brick Wall, guitarist Chuck Hall blazes through another set at Tony ' s New Yorker. The band ' s self- produced album de- buted earlier this year. reggae favorites Azz Izz catered to a largely col- lege crowd, with ap- pearances at such events as MUAB ' s Rock and Reggae Feat . Azz In could al- so be seen frequently at Out Of Water on Sunday nights. Photo Sokol Layout by Darryl Smith 26 esaa

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personality and fun were the key ingredients to creating a hit radio sta- tion, according to Jima of KZZP, 104.7 F.M.. Pu blicity was also an important part of staying on the air. ASU was a prime marketing target for many stations. Our demographics cover RADIO WARS How far will the competition go? young adults aged 18 to 34. Campus activities are one excellent way to reach that group, Jima said. We also use features such as the Fresh New Music Hour, Top Eight at Eight, and our ' sticker squads ' to keep our audience listening. KUPD, 97.9 F.M., relied on the con- cept of their music alone to attract lis- teners. We sponsor concerts providing what listeners want the most music, said Dana Nelson, KUPD was the only station in the country to do a live on-the- air interview with U2. Dave Pratt, KUPD ' s popular morning DJ, performed with his Sex Machine band at Springfest last March. The col- lege crowd is an important piece of our market and I feel that Dave is definitely an attraction for that group, Nelson said. You either really like him or you really don ' t like him, and we ' re willing to take that risk. KOY, also called Y95, participated in the Student Alumni Association Oozeball tournament that was part of orientation festivities. Getting involved in the action was a lot of fun. ASU is a super crowd to work with, one Y95 disc jockey said. It was even worth covering myself with mud from head to toe! The Morning Zoo, Y95 ' s waking crew, also visited campus to promote the Busi- ness College Council. However, Jessica Hahn ' s presence was the main focus of student interest, which caused an uproar with several university women ' s groups A JENNIIt KARR b Hemath celeb- U rity Jessica Hahn signs her autograph for an adoring fan. The Y95 employee was part of the Business College Council ' s recruiting program. Photo by Irwin Dougherty