Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > January > 14 > Entry
1/15: Steve Craig’s farewell, English Nick in nasty accident
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since former 99X guru and musical encyclopedic mid-day host Steve Craig didn’t get to say goodbye on the air Friday, he posted a note on his myspace page.. He references the end of his noontime show the Retroplex, one of the best features on 99X, and I recall how he tried to be a team player about it at the time and rationalized its departure. But he reveals his true feelings here:
WAVE GOODBYE TO AN ERA…
Current mood: sad
I really wanted to say goodbye.
I remember when Sean Demery got to say goodbye several years back. THAT was a great exit. Surrounded by the entire staff, he thanked, kudoed, wept and said goodbye. Today, the day that 99X ceased to exist, I was in the middle of my show, having been informed that my boss and longtime friend Leslie Fram and her morning show co-host (and a hell of a nice guy) Jenners were both fired. I was trying to keep it together and be the professional music presenter that I am, But you can only go so long wondering about your fate. Some other staff members were being told that they were OK, but no one knew what was going to happen. I wondered why the corporate guy wouldn’t come into the studio and say “Steve, don’t worry, you’re fine, and we’ll talk more after your show”… So I went to him and asked point blank. I was told right then that I would no longer be needed, and they called in Axel to finish my last hour.
After 15 years, all I wanted to do was say goodbye.
Because I loved being with you every day… I love what I do, and I loved what I did at 99X. Taking away the Retroplex was like lopping off a leg, and then being blamed for not being able to run. That really broke my heart. What really hurts, though, is that our corporate guys never really understood what 99X was. And they wouldn’t listen to those who did.
But what the “understanding few” accomplished here, I hope will never be forgotten. Because we did some pretty cool s*!
So I join the spirit of Wil Pendarvis, Leslie Fram, Fred Toucher, Crash Clark, Jimmy Baron, and my best friend of almost 30 years, Sean Demery… and say
I WAS 99X!
Veteran radio jock English Nick (currently on 99X) got in a nasty car accident last night and broke his hip. As a radio part timer, he had no benefits so his buds at Metalsome Mondays, the live band karaoke act he has hosted for nearly five years, is going to help him out with five benefit concerts at 10High. The first will be tomorrow, with four more the next two Sundays and two Tuesdays. He was supposed to sub for Craig in 99X’s waning days but obviously can’t do it for now, according to Curtis Clark, head of Metalsome Mondays. He will also continue to pay Nick until he gets back on his feet. English Nick also worked at 96rock. For whatever reason, he has never gotten a full-time jock post at any station here but has always been Mr. Fill In.
Comments
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By JD
January 14, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
It’s sad to see Steve go. He must’ve made too much money for Cumulus to keep on the payroll. Anyway, his knowledge of everything music is amazing! When the Retroplex was axed, I knew he would next. Hopefully he will get a better gig in town and be able to resurrect the Retroplex.
By gttim
January 14, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I have to say, the Wil Pendarvis final show was one of the best ever! I love the way they killed him of, but damn he was a good DJ. 99X started downhill at that point for me.
The Retroplex was great. Stupid taking it off the air.
By Fan
January 14, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Steve, you were the best talent and the Retroplex was absolutely the best show! I listened and enjoyed it every day. Someone with your talent will surely find a new, better home. I’ll keep checking the airwaves for more Retroplex magic. Thanks, man.
By NFLbelle
January 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Steve you are the bestest…ever! Long live Steve and the Retroplex.
By Steve Z
January 14, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I am a former 99X employee who left when Cumulus took over the station. The day I left was a sad one, but last Friday, January 11th will be “The Day The Music Died” for me when I heard the news about 99X. It is a shame that it has come to this and the legendary 99X is going away. I was honored to work there for a number of years and am saddened to see 99X coming to an end. Even worse is the way that the heart and soul of 99X, Leslie Fram and Steve Craig, is being treated. Let Leslie and Steve say a proper goodbye and do something to commemorate the legacy of 99X. 99X did things that no other radio station in Atlanta could do, both from a programming and a promotions standpoint. 99X deserved a better fate and better treatment from Cumulus. I will always say “I AM 99X”!
By THE MAN
January 14, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
All things come to an end and the era that many late 20’s to mid 30’s people who grew up in Atlanta has done so. Its sad but something that was bound to happen… Many of us no longer live here and in the ealy 200’s began to move to where we live and work now. Buckhead is no longer the same as is little 5 now this last remenant of our past is going to rest in a new place… Steve I know we will miss you. Still I hope you find a new place to have fun with us in Atlanata. In my opinion you would make a great fit in davefm and teach them a few lessons in good music… I would love to hear you at night!!!
Thank you Steve it has been an unforgettable and fun 15 years!!! or is it 16?
By Eric S
January 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
I am still in shock of what i read late friday night that 99x was gone. I kept thinking this must be a dream. The morning X was part of my everyday work routine and 99x has been part of my life since i was in high school in the mid 90s i cant the @$$’s at the coporate level can just kill something that means so much to so many people RIP 99x from barnes, leslie, and jimmy to jenners, steve, and axel We love you guys and you will all be missed and i am will always be 99x
By Eric S
January 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
I am still in shock of what i read late friday night that 99x was gone. I kept thinking this must be a dream. The morning X was part of my everyday work routine and 99x has been part of my life since i was in high school in the mid 90s i cant the @$$’s at the coporate level can just kill something that means so much to so many people RIP 99x from barnes, leslie, and jimmy to jenners, steve, and axel We love you guys and you will all be missed and i am will always be 99x
By Eric S
January 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
I am still in shock of what i read late friday night that 99x was gone. I kept thinking this must be a dream. The morning X was part of my everyday work routine and 99x has been part of my life since i was in high school in the mid 90s i cant the @$$’s at the coporate level can just kill something that means so much to so many people RIP 99x from barnes, leslie, and jimmy to jenners, steve, and axel We love you guys and you will all be missed and i am will always be 99x
By Angie A
January 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
As a native of Ga. (yes we do exist), Power 99/99X was great. Steve Craig was one of the most talented, musically knowlegable personalites in radio..period. I have listened to him from the beginning and appreciated his unique brand of presentations so much. I’ve seen alot of radio stations come and go (Z-93, 94Q, Peach 94.9, 96Rock, etc.) This one hurts the most by far. It’s amazing what this city is becoming. No water, PTree race, Dogwood Fest, Pride, worst traffic in the nation..(as well as worst driving etiquette “Road Rage Hell”.
Best of Luck Steve, you will be missed even if I’m now 4500 miles away from Atl….Thank God!
By Hootie
January 14, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I’ve said it before, when the Retroplex went off the air, someone should have turned out the lights there at 99x. It was the last act of corporate suicide, from a place that has been the Jonestown Massacre of corporate suicides in radio over the past couple, three years. (OK - ClearChannel - you’re right up there too.)
But really - I’ll probably remember Steve best the way his collegues used to describe him on first the Morning X and later the Fred Toucher Show. They used to riff on him like a Hendrix on a white Strat. Arrogant, self-absorbed, hostile to co-workers, intoxicated by the smell of his own farts, etc. Not to the Steve Barnes level maybe, but approaching the bar that Barnes had set for obnoxious and toxic behavior. I know both The original Morning X and Toucher could be merciless to co-workers, but that is part of what made those shows fun.
By BDAD
January 15, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
LONG LIVE THE REGULAR GUYS
By lisa
January 15, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
I AM 99X!! I will now have to find somewhere to find alternative music in Georgia. I have shed my tears for all of my long time “friends” at 99X. You were family to me even though we never met. Maybe you should all get together and buy a radio station of your own?? Now that would kick Cumulous’ behind!
By shannon
January 15, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Things are bad for Atlanta radio and they are dipping from a shallow pool. A radio exec here should look into the Love Doctors (Wzzr/Clear Channel) out of Florida. They beat the pants off of the Regular Guys and they’d be a great mid-day team in the Atl.
By Tanya
January 15, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Dear Steve - This is outrageous. 99x is dead to me. I missed the Retroplex (as you know) and I can’t tolerate the idea of 99x without you. You really and truly WERE 99x. Your depth and range of music knowledge, and your sense of humour and compassion were the backbone of the station. What a loss for them and for your devoted listeners. I am devastated. I’ll listen wherever you go! Tanya
By Christopher Calandro
January 15, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Jimmy - you are too wonderful to be worried about getting a job in this town. By the way, why am I always the first one to chime in when you post something new on your MySpace page? Please post something new soon - I have nothing to do. And what’s all this brown stuff on my nose?
By Bud
January 15, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Well…99Xcrement is being beaten in the ratings by Viva and El Patron. Folks, it’s long overdue. I think we can all be grateful that this patient is finally being put to sleep.
Sayonara, Skeletor!
By Fed Up
January 15, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I’d rather listen to my dog crap than listen to what passes for “top 40” on 100.5. Now more people can hear that station suck!
By WD
January 16, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
It is sad to see 99X go, as there really is not an alternative to that format. I listened all day (commute and at work). The only other station I listen to is 92.9 (aside from NPR), but only occasionally. I’m actually now considering going to satellite radio.
By Nikki
January 19, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Fram used to be a star maker - anyone who got on 99x back in the day would be on the radio in NYC sooner rather than later. For a while, we had probably the 3rd or 4th best rock station in the country. I’m so angry that’s over now. Steve will be missed — no one has the depth and breadth of knowledge of the new wave 80’s and punk that he did. It’s a dark, sad, and honestly stupid day in Atlanta radio.
By Gina D
January 20, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
The Retroplex was the best radio show in Atlanta. Where else could you hear a mixture of Punk Classics, New Wave, SKA and 90s Alternative all within one hour? Steve’s playlists, humor and knowledge of music sustained him as a staple in Atlanta Radio for more than 14 years. I can only hope that Dave FM or some other local station grabs you while they can. I wish you all the best!
By Peter
January 21, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
99x suxed and so did Leslie Fram. The only thing good on the station was Steve and the Retroplex. Other than that show the station said they were alternative, but what they played should have been labeled unlikable drivel. I am glad they pulled the plug on the station, bring back the regular guys……
By Russ
January 21, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Steve’s the best dj/musical encyclopedia that I’ve ever heard. I’m looking forward to his next gig. Until then, I guess 88.5 WRAS is happy; they just became the best radio station in a market of over 4 million people.
By Paula
January 23, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I have been out of Atlanta now for over 3 years, but I still tune in on-line for the Retro Plex. Can’t believe it will not be on the air. Now I have no reason to listen to this radio station…I guess the corporate execs never do like to listen to the fans!
By Sarah
January 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe my ears - what in the hell is happening. Ever since I moved to Atl from Detroit in 1996 I have been an avid listener & can’t image what overpayed suit thought this was a good idea to change the very heart of Atlanta radio.
By Badge
January 23, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Atlanta radio Sucks Now!!!, I grew up listening to 99x in high school and till last week still listened, the station introduced me to many bands I love today and they were not afraid to try new stuf and play different things. Now that 99x is gone there is nothing good to listen to other than Bootz and sports talk radio in this city!
By t.d.
January 23, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Atlanta radio sucks big time. Surprising for such a large market too. If you want a truly great morning show (highest rated morning show in the USA) with a rock & roll format with a large library check out www.92kqrs.com
By kathyb
January 23, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say that all of you guys will be truly missed, and I will missed listening to Steve and the rest of the original 99X crews.
By Sammi
January 23, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
These young punks are funny, talking like they own music. If you didn’t like 99X, don’t listen and shut up, why do you think anyone cares what you think?
Alternative music didn’t start 5 years ago, nor 10, or even 20. I’m 45 years old, and I started listening to alt in the late 70’s…a little station called WBCN in Boston, where I lived then….a little station that has stayed true to ALT and rocks still, evidenced by their afternoon show with Toucher, Rich and Crash (and whoever they dug up along the way). Toucher used to keep me in tears, from laughing. I know some didn’t get it…but not everyone possesses superior intelligence. Rich’s around town stunts were….daring, stupid and so entertaining. And everyone deep down, wishes they could live as honestly as Crash. But, we lost that. Glad a great station took advantage.
To those dissing Leslie Framm, you’re just showing your own juvenilism and lack of knowledge. No, she wasn’t the most entertaining on air, but she never took that role, either. She was however, one of the most influential and powerful people in the alt music radio scene in the country…I’ve lived elsewhere, and the common music scene is what we’re about to get..pablum pop, no alternative. So all you young hardasses thrilled at losing 99X and claiming to be the ones who know music….enjoy the pablum.
And to all the satellite elitests…why so many comments? You don’t care, you don’t listen to terrestrial radio anyway, so you say.
I was 99X….i will miss it all.
Leslie, Jimmy, Toucher, Steve et al …. some of us had taste and intelligence. Unfortunately the masses rule.
Sammi on the Southside
By Karla Jennings
January 24, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Steve, I am so sad to hear that you won’t be on the air, especially for the Retroplex, which I really miss. I’ve always enjoyed your skill and sensitivity at spinning the songs together and admired your deep knowledge of modern music. Like I’ve said before, the way you speak shows you’re a natural writer as well as a savvy musicologist. There’ve been times, listening to you, when the way you put the music together has been perfect for that day for me, and I like your wit as well. Atlanta’s losing a real talent if you leave. I hope you can stay. In any case, I hope that someday you try your hand at a musical. You have the skill, knowledge, and smarts to create something kickass and fun (hey, how about a satire about a radio station?). 99X has been a big part of my inner life and introduced me to some incredible music. Wherever you end up, I hope it turns out well for you and that you’re happy. My best wishes to you.
By Chad
January 25, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Steve - Here’s hoping another station in this town comes to their senses and snatches you and the Retroplex up as quickly as possible. You, sir, are the man.