Iris Harrison Podcast - KGON - The Classic Rock Station

Ray Manzarek of The Doors talks to Iris about the 40th Anniversary of L.A. Woman

iharrison — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:50:03 -0800

I've lived in Oregon since 1974, so my feet are webbed at this point in time, but I was created by two crazy Angelino teenagers and growing up, The Doors were OUR band! The quintessential California band and for the time they were evolving, more so than the Beach Boys ever were. Because it wasn't all about beaches, surfing, and fun...it was the darker side. The danger. The Doors embodied it. L.A. Woman still is the theme song of that place in SoCal.

Iris talks to Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Paul O'neill about the 2011 show

iharrison — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:12:44 -0800

Paul O'neill is the person I'd most like to have dinner with. He's smart, creative, has boundless energy and is one of the most giving and kind rock stars I've ever heard of. Here's his view of TSO 2011 and beyond.

Iris Talks to Al Pitrelli of Trans-Siberian Orchestra about the 2011 tour.

iharrison — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:00:38 -0700

Amy the KGONsider and I are maybe just a little too excited about this, because it's like waiting for Christmas when you're 8 years old. In fact that's exactly what it's like...because the TSO show is the one thing that signals the start of the holiday season for me. This year, they are coming the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 27th, for two shows, 3pm and 7:30pm. If you've never seen the show, PLEASE for the love of all that's good in the world, do yourself a favor and go. Take the family. Take your friends.

KGON Alumni, Bob Ancheta, will be inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame

iharrison — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:17:36 -0700

He's known as "The Big BA" around Portland. We've worked together at a couple of different radio stations, and twice here at KGON. BA hired me to work at KVAN in 1976 thus starting my Portland odyssey in radio, and I was able to return the favor when I hired him back to work at KGON in 1987.

Iris talks to Ronnie Montrose while he's driving from Ashland to Eugene! 9/15/11

iharrison — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:16:00 -0700

I first heard the Montrose album while at a kegger in college and will never forget the impact it had on me at the time. Here we are decades later still rockin' out to songs like "Bad Motorscooter" "Rock Candy" and "Rock the Nation." Ronnie also worked with Northwest band Rail in the 80's, worked with everyone from Van Morrison and Edgar Winter to Boz Scaggs and more. He's a wonderful interview, smart and kind. Plus MONTROSE ROCKS!! Enjoy the chat.

Deen Castronovo, drummer for Journey, talks to Iris Harrison

iharrison — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:49:18 -0700

Let me just say that when it comes to interviews, I'm a fan first, and then a radio geek, and some people have a problem with that. I can't help it when it comes to Journey. This band has provided the soundtrack to decades of great times in my life, and when it comes to Deen Castronovo there's a very special place in my heart for him. Deen was in the band Wild Dogs and they were on the KGON Album 2 with a song called "Born to Rock" which we played on the air when the album was released. Deen was just a pup then. Seriously, very young.

Michael Brewer of the famed duo, Brewer and Shipley talks to Iris Harrison of KGON

iharrison — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:33:27 -0700

Since my first job at KFMY in Eugene, Oregon, I've been proudly playing "One Toke Over the Line," an anthem for the time it was written and still very appropriate in today's world. It's amazing that 40 years later it still has that punch. Michael talks about what happened after the song was released and climbed up the charts, being on Nixon's enemies list, what Spiro Agnew had to say about them, having the song done as a "modern spiritual" on the Lawrence Welk show, and the years between which find the duo still performing.

40 Years of Aqualung-Ian Anderson talks to Iris Harrison

iharrison — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:44:07 -0700

Ian Anderson calls Iris from London to talk about the upcoming concert at McMennamins Edgefield on June 17th. I must confess, Ian is such a brilliant man and I am such a fan that I'm surprised that I can form a complete thought when in his presence, either in person or on the phone. We discuss his favorite venues around the world, Facebook, why he doesn't want to write a biography, Aqualung, and more.

Iris talks to Tommy Shaw

iharrison — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:37:50 -0700

Styx rocker, Tommy Shaw, has taken a bit of a turn with his newly released "The Great Divide." The album is a celebration of bluegrass, the music he grew up with, and a collection of songs that he wrote or co-wrote. With guest mucisians including Dwight Yoakam, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and more, the album is number two on the bluegrass charts, right behind banjo virtuoso, Steve Martin. It's always so great to talk to Tommy, and hear his passion for music. SO...rockers, open your hearts and minds to Tommy's "The Great Divide."

Iris talks to John Elder Robison, author of "Be Different: Adventures of a Free Range Aspergian."

iharrison — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:18:28 -0700

I had just finished reading John Elder Robison's first book "Look Me In The Eye" and was delighted to hear that he was about to release another book, somewhat a more practical guide to living with and dealing with people diagnosed with Aspergers. I found it was just a great read, and a fine guide for anyone who is deemed "different" in our society. John designed the exploding fire guitars for Ace Frehley, and was at the forefront in video game design. His story is an amazing journey of triumph and I recommend it highly. He will be appearing at Powell's on April 20th. Enjoy the interview.