WLAV Inks Verve Pipe’s Brian Vander Ark

• Cumulus Classic Rock WLAV (97 LAV)/Grand Rapids, MI has tapped radio “Freshman” Brian Vander Ark as its new afternoon drive personality, starting Monday. Oct. 30.

Vander Ark (left), a native of West Michigan, is best known as lead singer and songwriter of the band The Verve Pipe, which enjoyed major radio success in 1997 with the Vander Ark-penned single, “The Freshmen.”

Derek Falter, VP/Market Manager, Cumulus Grand Rapids, commented, “I’m excited to add such a dynamic talent to our team right from our own backyard! I see Brian collaborating with our stations in West Michigan in many ways in the very near future.” Gregg Henson, PD of WLAV, remarked, “I’m happy Brian has decided to join the LAV team. He matters to Grand Rapids, and this is a natural platform for him to continue to engage West Michigan music fans.”

Vander Ark began his music career as a guitarist for the band His Boy Elroy and later formed Johnny with an Eye with his brother, Brad Vander Ark. In 1992, Vander Ark launched The Verve Pipe with Brad, drummer Donny Brown and guitarist Brian Stout. After releasing two independent albums, I’ve Suffered A Head Injury and Pop Smear, the Verve Pipe’s major label debut, Villains, spawned “The Freshmen,” which became their highest-charting single and one of the most successful multi-format tracks of 1997. “Never Let You Down,” the lead single from the band’s 2001 follow-up album, Underneath, was one of the Top 50 Most Played songs for Adult Top 40 and Modern AC radio in 2001.Vander Ark went on to release solo albums in 2003, 2006, and 2008, and in 2016, he released an album of story songs with actor/songwriter Jeff Daniels.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at WLAV,” Vander Ark said. “I look forward to not only playing the best in Classic Rock, but also to sharing stories from my humble beginnings in West Michigan, all the way to my rise to Rock stardom. I’m proud to be a part of the WLAV legacy.”