Always Trust A Station Over 50
• Beasley’s legendary Philadelphia Rock station WMMR celebrates 50 years of broadcasting on Sunday, April 29! WMMR was born on April 29, 1968, and the first song played was “Flying” from what was The Beatles’ brand new album, Magical Mystery Tour.
Leading up to next weekend’s big golden anniversary, WMMR’s 50th Birthday Week officially kicks off today with legendary personality Pierre Robert (pictured), who has been a fixture at WMMR for all but 13 of its 50 years. Each day this week at noon, Robert will host a 90-minute feature focusing on WMMR’s five decades of music — Monday: 2018 to 2008; Tuesday: 2008-1998; Wednesday: 1998-1988; Thursday: 1988-1978 and Friday: 1978-1968.
On Saturday, April 28, the station will play back the top 50 live performances culled from the MMaRchives — shows recorded at WMMR studios, as well as local venues and the venerable Sigma Sound recording studio. These include early performances from Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, America, Billy Joel, The Go-Gos and Robin Trower to more recent private performances from Chris Cornell, Bon Jovi, Cage the Elephant, Smashing Pumpkinsand many more. On Sunday, April 29, Pierre Robert will celebrate WMMR’s actual 50th Birthday with a rare weekend show counting down the top 50 rock songs played on WMMR, one from each year backwards from 2018 to 1968. The celebration culminates with a big-ass 50th Birthday concert featuring 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Bon Jovi at Wells Fargo Center, hosted by Pierre Robert, ‘MMR afternoon host Jaxon and night jock Jacky Bam Bam.
“To have a radio station go 50 years without changing format is remarkable… and for a rock station, it is unprecedented,” said PD Bill Weston. “I’m humbled by the talent and hard work of WMMR’s current staff, plus all the alumni who have walked these hallways and the listeners who have supported this amazing rock station for over the past five decades. Thank you!” Complete details for WMMR’s 50th Birthday Week can be found at wmmr.com.
