In the Bay Area of San Francisco Greg Kihn is equally famous as an 80's rock star (Jeopardy, The Break Up Song) and as a DJ on classic rock station KFOX where he's led the #1 rated morning show for more than ten years. As if that's not enough, Greg has also put on a series of "Kihncerts" around the bay area attracting bands such as The Who, Boston, Eddie Money, Pat Travers, George Thorogood, Foghat and others along side his own Greg Kihn Band (GKB). On Saturday September 22nd, KFOX will host the "Summer Sendoff" concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre featuring Greg Kihn Band, The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band and more. Tickets start at under $20 which is a great deal.
Q: You've played a lot of gigs and shared the stage with a lot of bands. Do you still get excited about playing big venue concerts like Shoreline?
Greg: I haven't been nervous since 1967, but I still get a major kick walking out in front of a big audience. The Shoreline is extra special because of all the great music that has been played there.
Q: I saw several of the Kihncerts and was totally blown away with the show you did with The Who at Shoreline in 2004. I think that was one of their only US shows that year. How did you manage to get them on board?
Greg: Well, I still owe the Who money from 1978 from when I recorded at their studio Rampart in London in Battersea Park. Maybe Pete figured he could collect. Actually I go way back with the Who and they are one of my favorite bands of all time. It's a great honor to open for them.
Q: What should fans expect from GKB this time around at the Summer Sendoff?
Greg: I always try to come up with new material every year. This year I'm working up some of our older songs from the GKB catalogue. People always seem to request them.
Q: What's it like having your son Ry in the band? He's such a awesome guitar player.
Greg: I am so proud of him. I'd like to point out that we've had many great guitarists in the GKB and Ry is the best of them all. He can play any style. He's even got a college degree in Jazz Guitar! Look out for Ry's solo CD sometime soon!
Q: As a DJ who has been the most interesting musician for you to interview? Do you get nervous interviewing someone like Paul McCartney or Maria Holly?
Greg: I love talking to people and I always try to make it conversational. I try to not ask the standard questions. I never get nervous. Ever.
Q: I've read and enjoyed your books (Horror Show, Big Rock Beat, Mojo Hand). Can we expect any more rock 'n' roll fiction any time soon? How about a tell-all about life as a rock star?
Greg: You read my mind. I just finished my latest novel DEAD AIR and I am going to write my memoirs next. A collection of short stories based on my years being a musician.
I couldn't find any good live footage of Greg Kihn Band, so instead here's a link to Weird Al Yankovic's parody "I lost on Jeopardy." Whatch for Greg Kihn driving the convertible in the last shot.
- KFOX: Main, Summer Sendoff, Morning Show
- Greg Kihn: Official site, Calendar, Music, Books, Syndicated Show
- News: SF Chronicle, Examiner, Yahoo
- Amazon: Kihnsolidation, Big Rock Beat, Mojo Hand
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