Ask anyone in the northeast, "Who's the biggest Beatles expert?"
and chances are you're going to hear the same name over and over
againAndre Gardner. Andre is the host "Breakfast with the
Beatles", a Sunday morning radio show that's based in Philadelphia
on WMGK and can be heard on KSLX in Phoenix, AZ and KFOX in San
Jose, CA. The show can also be heard anywhere in the world via
the internet.
Andre Gardner's love of radio started after visiting a radio station where his brother Bill worked. He knew then that he wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting. His family even went so far as to set up a short wave radio in his bedroom from which he broadcast Top 40 hits within a 34 mile radius of his home in Medford Lakes, NJ. With the birth of WAVG radio, Andre Gardner started his career as an on-air personality at the age of 8. It wasn't long before he was the official morning announcer at Shawnee High School and DJ at the school dances.
Over the span of more than 30 years, Andre has worked extensively across the U.S. in the radio and music business. Everything from being a fact checker for Larry Kane's book "Lennon Revealed" to being Howard Stern's censor (a job that earned him a place on the website www.AmIAnnoying.com), no job has seemed to be out of his limits. Andre is also known worldwide as the guy who single-handedly discovered that the wrong masters were used in the Beatles Capitol Albums Vol. 2. causing Capitol to have to re-press the CDs in 2006.
I decided it was time to turn the tables on this self-appointed "Card carrying Beatles Freak" and interview him to gain a little more depth into what makes him tick.
·Explain the name "The Baby Beatle"
My parents gave me that name, after seeing me react so positively to Beatles music at the age of 3. Every time they'd put Beatles music on in the house, I'd dance around like crazy.
·Do you remember the first Beatles song you ever heard?
One of my earliest memories was dancing around to "Please Mr. Postman" at our house in Olney. My parents also put me in front of the TV for The Beatles Ed Sullivan appearance, and I vaguely remember seeing them, but I don't remember the songs they played.
·What was the first Beatles album you bought?
My brothers and father used to bring me home all The Beatles releases, so I definitely did not buy any myself. In fact, when "Revolver" was released, both by brother Alan AND my father brought home a copy. The one my father brought home was the mono version, and my brother brought the stereo version, so at that early age I recognized the difference between the two mixes. I think the first Beatles-related piece of music I bought with my own money was "RAM."
·Favorite Beatles song?
I tend to waffle between "Helter Skelter" and "You Know My Name (Look Up My Number)" as my all-time favorite. "Strawberry Fields Forever," "I Am The Walrus" and "Mother Nature's Son" are also in my top 5.
·Favorite Beatles album?
Definitely The White Album.
·Any secret meaning behind the call letters WAVG?
No secret at allthey're my initialsAndre V. Gardner (V is for Valentin, a Russian name, to go along with my heritage.)
·How many listeners did WAVG have?
HA! I'll never really know the answer to that one, but I'll estimate "not many." We did used to get calls quite often from the kids in the neighborhood requesting songs. My mother had the patience of a saint with that phone ringing all the time.
·How old were you when you got your first real job in radio?
I was 16 years old, and started at WPST in Trenton. When I first got the job, I didn't have my driver's license yet, so my Dad had to drive me to the station. Of course, the other DJs used to bust on me for that!
·As a collector, what is your most prized piece of Beatles memorabilia?
That's hard to say, I have so many cherished items in my collection.
·Favorite book about the Beatles?
Until Mark Lewisohn's definitive biography comes out in a few years, I'll stick with the anthology book, told by the band themselves. Hunter Davies' book on them from 1968 was pretty good, too.
·Best biography about Paul?
I like "Many Years From Now" by Barry Miles. There is some great stuff in that book.
·Book about John?
Not counting "Lennon Revealed" by Larry Kane, "Lennon" by Ray Coleman gets my vote.
·Book about George?
It would have to be George's autobiography, "I Me Mine."
·What's missing from your collection?
Oh, there's always something I'm trying to get that eludes me. I'd love to get the 27-minute take 3 of "Helter Skelter", but so would every other Beatles collector!
·What is the biggest day in Beatles history?
I'd have to say it was June 6, 1962, when they first auditioned/recorded for George Martin at EMI. Just think what would have happened if they didn't pass!
· In the picture on your website of you playing the piano in Studio 2 at Abbey Road, what were you playing? And on guitar?
We were playing a song my brother Alan and I had written in the 80s called "That's A Fact." I played guitar, piano, and sang on it. It was just a goof, really. I thought maybe we should go in there and do something really serious, record a real big number, but I decided to do that silly one because there'd be absolutely no pressure to perfect it, and we could just enjoy the experience of actually recording in Studio 2. I tell you, that was one of the most fun days of my life! And it was all thanks to my wonderful wife, who arranged the trip for me.
· Any chance of your listeners ever being able to hear the final copy of "That's A Fact"?
That's highly doubtful!
· Did the McCartneys influence your decision to become a vegetarian?
It certainly had something to do with it. I received a copy of Linda McCartney's vegetarian cookbook shortly after it was published, and Linda signed it for me. Inside she wrote, "For Andre...GO VEGGIE!" How could I NOT try it? That, plus the fact that my mother was a vegetarian, definitely influenced my decision. I've been veggie for almost 20 years, and I'd never go back to meat!
· Did you actually apply to be the censor for The Howard Stern Show?
No. I had been working at K-Rock in New York since 1993, in a variety of capacities, and the General Manager, Tom Chiusano, thought there should be someone to back him up on "the button" in case he was sick or on vacation. He chose me, and I trained on the button for a few years. In 1998, Tom fell ill, and I stepped in for him, which turned into a fulltime position.
· Howard Stern: Friend or Foe?
Definitely friend. He is a great guy and whether or not you agree with what he does on the air he is a genius.
· 3.5 years as Stern's censor, really?
Oh yes. It seemed like 25 years, in hindsight. It was extremely stressful.
· How old is Breakfast with the Beatles?
I have been doing Beatles shows on the radio on and off for 20 years. I started this incarnation in April 2002.
· With web-streaming being all the rage, what faraway lands have you heard from that are listening to BTWB?
I get emails from listeners all over the place, but I'd say Japan, India, Dubai and Australia are the most faraway places.
· Did you get the opportunity to interview all the Beatles?
So far, I've been lucky enough to interview Paul (three times) and Ringo, and also Linda McCartney, Yoko Ono, Pattie Boyd and Olivia Harrison.
· Did you get the opportunity to see them perform while they were together?
I wish I had, but I was too young! I didn't see my first concert until I was 11, in 1972. It was Chicago! I did see Wings in 1976, and was blown away. I've seen Paul live 8 times.
· Did you get the opportunity to see them all perform solo?
Just Paul and Ringo.
· The best Beatles solo show?
No question: Paul's 2005 shows in Philly. He was simply amazing.
· Is there any chance in the future that we may be hearing you interview the S.O.B.s (sons of the Beatles)?
Who knows what will happen in the future.
· Is there still any Beatles related interview you're waiting to get? Non-Beatles interview?
Thanks to a flight delay arriving in Las Vegas a few years ago, I missed my opportunity to interview Sir George Martin. I'd love to chat with him. I met Giles a few years ago in New York, and he is a class act all the way. As far as a non-Beatles, I'd love to sit down with Andy Partridge of the band XTC (see below for my second favorite band).
· Is there a Beatles song that still makes you say "Wow!" every time you hear it?
Too many to mention!
· Any comment about Michael Jackson owning the Beatles catalog? Who do you think the catalog rightfully belongs to?
He was the highest bidder, so it's definitely his to own, that is, what part he still controls. Sony owns most of it, now.
· How do you feel about the songs becoming public domain in 2012?
Thank goodness for Public Domain!!
· Yoko Ono: Friend or Foe?
Friend. Every time I've chatted with her, she has been nothing but gracious and charming, and always answered all my questions. She gets a really bad rap.
· What's your opinion on the songs being used in commercials?
It doesn't bother me, probably because I watch so little TV and don't see them very often. I do remember initially being incensed seeing the Nike "Revolution" commercial in 1988, but I got over it!
· Favorite Beatles cover song?
Wow - there are so many. Right now it'd have to be "We Can Work It Out" by Stevie Wonder.
· You've never held back on admitting that you walked out on the movie "Sgt. Pepper's" after 45 minutes. What was it about that film that you didn't like?
Did I last 45?? Haha. I thought it was a joke, really. It really had nothing to do with the Beatles or their story, just some meaningless drivel made to capitalize on the Beatles name and get the Bee Gees some publicity.
· You're also not shy about the fact that you haven't seen "Across the Universe". What's keeping you away?
Basically, the same reason as Sgt. Pepper. It has nothing to do with the actual Beatles story. I guess I'm not a fan of the Beatles as fantasy. I want the facts! Haha. I did like some of the music on there, like the Sgt. Pepper movie.
· What was your first thought when your realized the mistakes made on the Capital album Vol. 2?
At first, I thought there was no way I could possibly have been the first person to discover the errors, but I quickly found out that I was. Immediately, I contacted Chris Carter and told him (he hadn't even gotten his copy yet) and Chris put me in contact with Bruce Spizer. Bruce hadn't even heard the set yet, because he was en route to the Fest for Beatles fans in New York. It was just one of those random bits of luck that fell into my lap.
· Do you think Capitol sees Andre Gardner as a friend or foe?
You'd have to ask them, but I hope its 'friend!'
· Chris Carter: Friend or Foe?
Anyone who hosts a Beatles show is a friend!
·How did it feel to be nominated for "Personality/Show of the Year" in 2006 by the R&R Individual Achievement Awards? And named "Best of Philly" in 2003?
Both were extremely shocking for me when I found out, both were a great honor.
· Is your brother, Bill, still in the radio business?
Yes he is. He recently left KOOL in Phoenix and is getting ready to announce his next move.
·The second greatest band in the world?
A very talented British band called XTC who had a few minor hits over here. Their songs are brilliant, their lyrics are very clever, and their playing is superb. I have been a fan since 1979. I had tickets to see them in 1981, but the lead singer, Andy Partridge, suffered a nervous breakdown and the tour was canceled. I still have the unused ticket somewhere! Sadly, it looks like they've broken up for good.
· In your opinion, will there ever be another band to match the success and longevity of the Beatles?
I don't think it's possible. That kind of reaction would be hard to occur again, particularly in light of the changes in the music business. Now bands are getting promoted via their MySpace pages, and I don't think there could be a global convergence of awareness and adoration like we saw with The Beatles. Plus, I'm still waiting to hear a band that single-handedly changes the course of music like they did.
· After helping with the editing and fact checking on Larry Kane's book "Lennon Revealed", is there any chance you will someday write your own book?
I don't think so. I certainly wouldn't try to write any type of definitive biography of the band, as Mark Lewisohn is going to do that, and quite well, I might add. Maybe after 20 or 30 more years of fun and exciting things happening in my life, I'd think about it.
· If Paul McCartney called and said he needed a live-in sheepherder for his estate in Scotland, would you drop everything and move your family for that job?
Not with a family, though I'd give some thought to being offered a job as the tape librarian at Abbey Road Studios!
*If you want to know more about Andre Gardner, check out these websites: