Pa^e Six COLUMNS May 1979 Columns Features Daniel, Not A Talking Head Eddie Woodhouse How would you like to have private phone number of Bruce Springsteen; or the number of several other rock-and-roll stars? Well, if you listen to WQDR-FM on weeknights, you will hear a disc-jockey who does. Daniel Brunty, who would like to be referred to as just Daniel, is probably one of the most knowledgeable individuals when it comes to the rock scene. There is not a rock artist or group that this guy doesn't know anything about. But that is not what makes him such an interesting DJ. He is fascinating to watch as he goes through the motions of running his 7-12 p. m. shift. Daniel is a perfectionist in every sense of the word. He is constantly adjusting the dials on his radio control board, with each one having to be positioned just right. When it comes time to introduce his next cut, Daniel goes about it in a unique way. His voice is just a hair above a whisper, never making a mistake. His listeners stop what they are doing as to not miss a word his soft voice has to say. Mr. Daniels' background in radio began in Pittsburg, Pa, where he originally came from. He had several jobs in the business, and even stakes claim in a movie that was filmed there. Before he moved to Raleigh, Daniel worked for WRPL-AM and 95 WROQ-FM in Charlotte. He was a smash in the Queen City. WQDR heard about him, made an offer he couldn't refuse, and the rest is history. Daniel doesn't keep it a secret that he is a "Bruce Springsteen fanatic". If Springsteen is to be anywhere in the area, Daniel would be there. He is sometimes a backstage regular with Bruce, and he can call him that because they are such good friends. Even though Daniel can easily obtain free concert tickets, he refuses to take them. He would rather pay, so he could be just like everyone else. And Daniel always has the inside scoop on Springsteen, as he does on many other rock stars by way of his informants. He can always find the latest rock news; and by very reliable sources. Daniel said Springsteen will release a live album before long, and this album will push Bruce into the top 40 AM radio catagory. Even though Bruce is tops on his list, Daniel enjoys the music of Tom Rush, Janis Ian, Southside Johnny, and Bob James. Of course there are artists that Daniel dislikes; some he hates with a passion. He can't stand Peter Frampton, Led Zepplin and "Stairway to Heaven" are the pits, and he uses a picture of Fleetwood Mac as a dart board. In fact, one of the highlights of his life was to personally insult Fleetwood Mac's lead singer, Stevie Nicks. He was backstage at one of their concerts, when Stevie Nicks happened to walk by. It was too much of a temptation to tell her what he thought of her and her group. So Daniel proceeded to tell her that her addition to the group ruined their music, because it shoved former lead vocal Christie McVie aside, and that he did not like her turning herself into a sex object. Daniel's job just doesn't include a 7-12 p.m. shift. He assumes many other responsibilities as Station Sound Manager. He is Music Director, Program Coordinator, and promotion Director. He must filter through all the rock music he can get his hands on, and report back to his friends at Billboard Magazine, Cash- box. Record Sheets, and to a dozen other record review authorities as to what people are listening to. m Daniel COLUMNS/Eddie Woodhouse It is interesting to hear the people that call him up night after night. A listener in Greensboro will call about an upcoming concert, right before an obscene caller phones in. Daniel frequently hears from a kid in the hospital, and from some guy named "Bucko" He has a group at N. C. State University that call him every other night. They have made him an honory fraternity member. Why do people call to just talk? Daniel thinks it is because a "disc-jockey is always available". Of course, he hears from lots of ladies. And speaking of ladies there is one woman that Daniel doesn't mind seeing. It's his secretary, Elizabeth, his "close friend". Daniel is also the host of T. V. 8's "After Saturday Night", a weekly one a.m. show. "I love the show. It gives me the chance to cut loose," Daniel states. He shows movies, has rock specials, and has a popular guest on occasionally. Daniel played high school football, and is still built pretty rugged. He is a junk-food specialist, because that's all he has time for. He comes in between 9-12 and doesn't leave the office until after 1 the next morning. So for any aspiring disc-jockey to-be, Daniel has this to say; "Think twice. You work when you're sick, you work on the holidays, i can't see many rock concerts because I have to work. It's glamorous, but not like people think. You can sit by yourself for several hours straight. It can be very lonely". To compensate for the lonely times, Daniel will sometimes pick on a guitar. Another regular on 94FM is John Van Pelt. Van Pelt is very self-assured, and a very mtelligent young jock. It is a shame that the public is somewhat deprived of being able to hear more of him. This is due in part to his attendance at N. C. State, where he majors in communi cations. Van Pelt has created Music Media, a traveling disco show. He has engagements at some of the most popular nightspots in the Raleigh area. What does John like about his work at the station? "The best thing about WQDR is the people; the people I work with. And the people I talk to (on the air) are the best!" And after listening to him perform, there is no doubt he will go a long way. It's jocks like John and Daniel that make WQDR a nationally famous radio station. They put their listeners first. But like Daniel says, "You have to give your life to it". Call him up.. Ask him what he's up to. He'll probably say, "I'm just rockin' and rollin', playing the hits, and eating my grits". STEREO ROCK 94 Vmi've Got A Fnend i.' John Van Pelt