Please accept my gratitude for the many, and I mean many, kind words and thoughts anent me and my show with respect to the recent cessation of Air America Media. I am in the midst and
throes of a number of very interesting projects that will be announced when such is ready and appropriate. Hint: Think small engine repair. 'Nuff said.
In the meantime, let me reiterate my thanks for your most appreciated and (for the most part) true paeans and billets doux of sorts.
I am also posting myriad miscellany on my Facebook page at
LIONEL LIPSHITZ. It seems Facebook requires a surname.
Stay tuned.
Nice to see this. Free from the re-direct.
ReplyDeleteSmall engine repair is not the way to go, an entire new engine retails for less than the rebuild kit.
ReplyDeleteLIONEL,
ReplyDeletePlease get back on the radio soon... You are/were the best voice and greatest entertainer on radio, hands down. Never doubt that.
Dream show would be you and Pete Conlin Beverly Hills, plus bring back Dermot McCallscreener and Juice. Those were the days. Maybe Dubie shows up once in a while for the Upstate New York perspective.
Can't wait
ReplyDeleteSmall engine repair, hmm... sounds like a certain three-letter station that likes to air oompah bands.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait till you are back. I don't always agree, but you sure do get the brain enzymes cranking. And then I feel alive. I will be looking to hear from you. Larry
ReplyDeleteHello Lionel. I wrote you an extensive email but was unable to find your address. Since I am unable to transfer the text, I'll make my brief point and move on.
ReplyDeleteYou bad mouthed the Ramones. These were your words: "if you really like the Ramones, you are simple."
I had to laugh. It's one thing to not like the Ramones--in fact, I wouldn't expect a person like you to be a Ramones fan--but quite another to call them "simple." Being a history enthusiast, you should know that "simple" has always been a common word of choice for those claiming "high, civilized tastes" while demeaning the low, "simple" art of the unwashed masses. It is a class issue. It always has been.
And for the Ramones specifically, this "simpleness" was the point. Simpleness was part of a reaction to the over produced, over staged, over priced, and over the top grandstanding of '70s arena rock. The Ramones started a little thing called punk rock, something that changed the nation and world. I wish I had time to go into it, but in short, a lot of music is "simple" in the way you mean the word--early rock and roll, early Beatles, much of the country genre, most pop, top 40, mainstream, etc. etc.--but only specific types of music are criticized for it. As any musician can tell you, simpleness can be extremely misleading. There are a great many talented musicians in the world, people who can do just about anything with their instuments, but only very few talented song writers. For this reason, complexity in the music world is a subjective idea. The simple beauty of a catchy, moving tune is a lot more difficult than you would expect. Try it some time. The rock world is filled with bands who tried or still try to sound like the Ramones, all of them failures. Don't ever underestimate raw, youthful, energetic, urbane, subversive, and unique working class rock. It may speak in a language you do not understand, but there is a reason for its simple power.
I have listened to you for years - even during the webshows. I am sorry you are off the air but air america was not the best place for you. It cramped your style and it was impossible to get your podcasts. I long for the days of you and Pete on the air. Keep us all posted as to your where abouts and when you will be back on.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the best shows you ever did was when you told us the situation between your father and the pens by the phone (laughed my butt off) and the one when the guy told you about the septic tank cleaner and eating his sandwich with out washing his hands.
I am comfident you will be back better than ever.
Lionel - the best story you ever told was the one about your fateful wheelchair ride after your hamburger surgery. I both laugh and whince in pain every time I hear it. That, my friend, is quality radio...."theater of the mind", if you will. Don't keep us waiting too long - we're looking forward to your return to the airwaves!
ReplyDeleteLionel - I've been listening for a long, long time and am disappointed you got the rug pulled from under you. Juice (from the early AAR days) is a personal friend of mine and I'd love for you to have him back wherever you end up, but I long for the days of WWOR when it was you and Pete at night (along with Dennis "Veal Cutlet" and Dr. Antoine Atwood sometimes). The callers were great, especially the chronics (Johnson, Ed, Steve-a-rino, etc). AAR was mediocre but I think only because of the environment. But, it's your show ultimately.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get back on soon. Your show IS free speech. We need it back.
Well, it was because of Air America's reach (as sucky as they were) that I discovered your show. Loved it/you! Hope you get back on the air soon and talk about SARAH PALIN in that outraged tone of yours. We have to hear what you think about her now. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDelete-a listener in Japan
Lionel, You Will Come Baaaaack!! Cannot start my day without my morning podcast of your show. All the best to you and the crowd (Melissa, especially).
ReplyDeleteChris from Tokyo
Lionel gone again. Well, know you'll be back. At least this time they didn't destroy all hope by replacing you with someone lacking every quality that makes you so good.
ReplyDeleteThe three worst replacement hosts in history:
3)Jimmy Fallon replaces Conan O'Brien (NBC - Late Night)
2)David Gregory replaces Tim Russert (NBC - Meet the Press)
AND THE NUMBER ONE WORST
1)Steve Malzberg replaces Lionel (WOR)
Lionel,
ReplyDeleteI have been listening to you since your first days on WABC. I remember your last day on EYADDA (like it was yesterday). I'm looking forward to your next media adventure.
Huh. There you are. You cannot hide from me. Small engine repair is very good, my dad made his living at with, with ~his~ dad, and to this day (and I am your age) the smell of grease and oil brings memories of my dad. It is an honorable living. But we really need to back on the radio, with podcasts for timeshifting. Love you.
ReplyDeletePlease come back soon! You made my evenings for years after a long day at work. We miss you already!
ReplyDeleteI miss you, Lionel.
ReplyDeleteIf WABC would take Bob Grant back,there's hope for you, too! You're the BEST!
ReplyDeleteYou are truly the best radio program I was listening to, hope to hear something soon.
ReplyDeleteCater Joe
You are sorely missed, Lionel. Get some rest, recoup, recharge, catch up on reading, WHATEVER before you then spontaneously combust. THEN! Get back on the Air and kick butt like always. When the Lionel-Phoenix arises from the ashes, only then will all be well on the funway. Hey Dude! I got your small engine RIGHT HERE!
ReplyDeleteI steal all your jokes. Hurry back 'cuz now I'm a dull bastard.
ReplyDeleteHey Lionel -
ReplyDeleteCan't you do a once a week deal on Radio or Not? We miss your sarcasm and witt (or at least I do. Can't you do it for me? :-)
thought my favorite "Bright" would appreciate these bumper stickers:
ReplyDelete"Jesus loves you, but everyone else thinks you're an asshole."
"Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet Him."
p.s. I really miss you!
ReplyDeletePanicking out here. Need child support $...
ReplyDeleteLionel, any word on developments? No need for specifics, just want to know if you'll be coming back anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI liked the "drunk line", Sure do miss the show though, disagreed sometimes, but you did make me think. The "baby Bush" years were something to get through .. Air America line up was what got me through and Lionel had a different take, a different perspective. Very unique show.
ReplyDeleteLionel;
ReplyDeleteOn 12/23/05 at 11:55pm over radio station WTKG am 1230 (Grand Rapids, Mi) you said:
"I've got a true story about Rush Limbaugh which I can document- but my producer is violently shaking his head "NO" !!"
Would you like to share that story with us now?
Mike Corman
misterfact@yahoo.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHere are some links to recent WPIX clips with Lionel:
ReplyDeleteLink 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
Link 5
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ReplyDeleteI just listened to those posts above. thank you! they were great. are there more? is lionel a regular on kpix? please post more or where can i get them. lionel you are pure genius and we all need you!
ReplyDeleteLionel
ReplyDeleteI heard you on the radio this morning and was laughing so hard I almost swerved off the LIE. We really need you back on the air in NY. Getting that Crypt Kicker "Anus in the Morning" off the air would do the world a service and Rambling with Gambling could tranquilize a herd of mustangs. Air America was[in my opinion] poison by association.
Best regards,
Bob in Southampton