From the Desk of CLASSICKONG | WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting
Bat Out of the Madhouse: Halloween Eve at WTSG-DB
Good morning, friends, and welcome back to WTSG-DB!
It’s Friday, October 30, 2026, and we’re officially one day away from Halloween!
The pumpkins are glowing, the bats are circling, and somewhere in the distance, something is making a noise that sounds suspiciously like a heavy-metal guitar solo.
Naturally, we’re investigating.
Today’s musical journey has a little bit of everything: Pink Floyd taking us into the shadows, George Michael asking us to have a little faith, Grace Slick inviting us down the rabbit hole, Anthrax opening the doors to the madhouse, and Marvin Gaye hearing things through the grapevine.
And then there’s Meat Loaf.
Friends, you simply cannot have a Halloween Eve rock-and-roll celebration without inviting the man who practically turned rock music into a Gothic Broadway production!
We’ve also got Elton John, some wonderful birthday celebrations, and enough Halloween mischief to keep CLASSICKONG and Honey busy until November.
So grab your coffee, turn up the volume, and keep an eye on that refrigerator.
Apparently, something in there has developed a personality.
Welcome to This Day in Music History!
Salute to Service
Before we get rolling, a heartfelt salute to our veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and everyone who serves their communities.
Your courage, commitment, and sacrifices are appreciated.
From one veteran to all the others out there, thank you for your service.
And to our WTSG-DB family, thank you for being part of this little corner of the music world.
Great Music. Great Radio. Great Community.
National Days: Frankenstein, Candy Corn, and Haunted Refrigerators
October 30 has some wonderful observances, and this year the calendar has handed us a Halloween jackpot!
Frankenstein Friday
Celebrated on the last Friday of October, Frankenstein Friday honors Mary Shelley’s famous creation and the enduring legacy of one of literature’s most recognizable monsters.
Of course, technically, Frankenstein was the scientist, not the creature.
But try explaining that to a seven-foot monster who’s already having a bad day.
Over at the WTSG-DB Diner, CLASSICKONG has been practicing his best Frankenstein walk.
Honey watched for a moment and said, “Darling, are you impersonating Frankenstein’s monster?”
“No, Honey. I just finished leg day.”
ROFLMAO!
National Candy Corn Day
Ah, candy corn.
One of the most controversial candies in American history.
Some people love it. Some people hate it. And some people have had the same bowl sitting on the coffee table since 1987.
Personally, I say enjoy what you like!
Just don’t confuse candy corn with actual corn. One belongs in a candy dish. The other belongs next to a nice plate of mashed potatoes.
Haunted Refrigerator Night
Now THIS is a holiday I can appreciate!
Ever open the refrigerator, discover a mysterious container in the back, and realize you have absolutely no idea what’s inside?
At the WTSG-DB Diner, CLASSICKONG found something green behind the leftover pizza.
“Honey! I think this thing is alive!”
Honey looked inside and smiled.
“Well, darling, if it starts singing, we can put it on the radio.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m calling an exterminator.
Or a record producer.
National Breadstick Day
Finally, a holiday everybody can get behind!
Warm breadsticks, a little garlic butter, maybe some marinara sauce.
Now we’re talking!
And if Frankenstein’s monster shows up at your door tonight, offer him a breadstick.
He might just be hungry.
Pink Floyd: Meddle and the Sound of Something in the Shadows
1971 | Harvest Records | 55th Anniversary
Before Pink Floyd gave us The Dark Side of the Moon, there was an album that helped point the band toward that extraordinary achievement.
Its name was Meddle.
Released in the United States in late October 1971, with the British release following in November, Meddle marked an important step in Pink Floyd’s development.
The band was moving away from some of its earlier experimental wandering and discovering how to turn atmosphere, sound, and musical ideas into something cohesive.
And what an album it became.
On one side, we have “Fearless,” “A Pillow of Winds,” “San Tropez,” and even the amusing “Seamus,” featuring a howling dog.
But for our Halloween Eve celebration, two tracks stand out.
First, there’s “One of These Days.”
That relentless bass line, the eerie wind effects, the growing tension, and the sudden explosion of sound.
Friends, that recording could make an empty hallway feel haunted.
And then there’s “Echoes.”
More than 23 minutes of extraordinary musical exploration.
The piece begins with those mysterious, sonar-like piano notes before developing into an enormous musical journey.
There’s beauty, mystery, tension, and eventually a sense of release.
David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason were beginning to create the musical language that would help define their next great chapter.
We recently celebrated The Dark Side of the Moon, so revisiting Meddle is a wonderful reminder that great albums rarely appear out of nowhere.
Sometimes the magic takes years to develop.
And sometimes, apparently, it sounds like something moving around in your attic.
Must-Have Discogs: Pink Floyd – Meddle (1971, Harvest Records). Essential tracks: “One of These Days,” “Fearless,” and “Echoes.”
George Michael: Faith, Talent, and a Remarkable Solo Triumph
October 30, 1987 | Columbia/Epic Records | 39th Anniversary
On October 30, 1987, George Michael released Faith, one of the defining pop albums of the decade.
And friends, what a remarkable talent this man possessed.
George had already enjoyed tremendous success with Wham!, but Faith proved that he was much more than a handsome young pop star with a catchy song.
He was an exceptional vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer.
And he had the musical instincts to bring everything together.
Consider the songs:
“Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” “Monkey,” and “Kissing a Fool.”
What an extraordinary collection!
The title track had that infectious rockabilly-inspired guitar groove.
“Father Figure” showed his soulful, atmospheric side.
“One More Try” delivered an emotionally powerful vocal performance.
And “Kissing a Fool” demonstrated his appreciation for jazz-influenced songwriting.
Four singles from the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
That’s an incredible accomplishment.
But what impresses me most is how natural George sounded across so many styles.
He never seemed like he was simply trying to imitate somebody else.
He understood the music, and he had the voice to make it his own.
George Michael was born June 25, 1963, and passed away December 25, 2016, at just 53.
Gone far too soon.
But that music?
Still absolutely wonderful.
And on Halloween Eve, we can appreciate a little “Faith.”
Especially when somebody tells us the strange noises coming from the basement are probably just the furnace.
Must-Have Discogs: George Michael – Faith (1987, Columbia Records in the United States; Epic Records in the United Kingdom). Essential tracks: “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “Kissing a Fool.”
Grace Slick: The White Rabbit and a Rock-and-Roll Pioneer
Born October 30, 1939 | Celebrating Her 87th Birthday
Happy birthday to the remarkable Grace Slick!
Born October 30, 1939, Grace became one of the most recognizable and influential female voices in rock history.
And buddy, when you talk about the pioneering women of rock and roll, two names immediately come to mind.
Grace Slick and Janis Joplin.
Different voices. Different styles. Different personalities.
But both were fearless performers who helped establish that women could command the rock-and-roll stage with every bit as much authority as their male counterparts.
Janis brought raw emotion, blues, and a voice that sounded like it had lived a thousand lives.
Grace brought power, precision, mystery, and an unmistakable stage presence.
Neither woman was content to stand quietly in the background.
They helped set the table for the generations that followed.
Grace first came to prominence with the Great Society before joining Jefferson Airplane, bringing along two songs that would become classics.
“Somebody to Love.”
And, of course, “White Rabbit.”
Now there’s a song for Halloween Eve!
Inspired by the strange imagery of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, “White Rabbit” builds steadily toward one of the most memorable climaxes in psychedelic rock.
And that voice!
Grace could make a song feel mysterious, dramatic, and commanding without losing control of a single note.
Her career continued through Jefferson Starship and Starship, giving us memorable recordings across several decades.
And let’s not forget songs like “Miracles” from Jefferson Starship’s classic period, along with Starship’s “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
For me, though, that original Jefferson Airplane period remains especially powerful.
Grace Slick wasn’t simply part of the music of her generation.
She helped change what rock and roll could sound like.
And somewhere tonight, Honey is holding a little white rabbit.
CLASSICKONG asks, “Honey, why does that rabbit have a pocket watch?”
She smiles.
“Darling, we’re late.”
“For what?”
“HALLOWEEN!”
Must-Have Discogs: Jefferson Airplane – Surrealistic Pillow (1967, RCA Victor). Essential tracks: “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.”
Meat Loaf: Bat Out of Hell II Returns to the Top
October 30, 1993 | MCA Records | No. 1 on the Billboard 200
OH, BUDDY!
Somebody open the castle gates, fire up the motorcycles, and tell the neighbors to brace themselves.
MEAT LOAF IS BACK!
On the Billboard album chart dated October 30, 1993, Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell reached No. 1 in America.
And what a glorious return it was!
Meat Loaf and songwriter Jim Steinman had already created one of rock music’s greatest theatrical spectacles with the original Bat Out of Hell in 1977.
But recreating that magic more than 15 years later?
That’s a tall order.
Unless, of course, you’re Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman.
These two didn’t believe in doing anything halfway.
Their songs had enormous arrangements, dramatic lyrics, soaring vocals, and enough emotional intensity to power a small city.
And Bat Out of Hell II delivered all of it.
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” became the album’s signature hit.
“Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through” reminded us why music matters.
“Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back” brought a healthy dose of frustration.
And “Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are” demonstrated Steinman’s remarkable ability to turn an ordinary phrase into an epic musical story.
But for Halloween Eve, we’ve got to talk about that music video for “I’d Do Anything for Love.”
A mysterious mansion. A frightening Beast. A beautiful woman. Gothic romance.
It was practically a miniature horror movie!
And underneath all that theatrical spectacle was a surprisingly tender idea: someone who appears frightening on the outside may have an enormous capacity for love.
Sound familiar, CLASSICKONG?
Our big gorilla has been standing outside the WTSG-DB Diner holding a red rose for Honey.
He’s wearing his finest KONG CREW shirt, trying to look mysterious and romantic.
Honey opens the door.
“Darling, what are you doing?”
“I’m giving you my best Meat Loaf impression!”
She smiles.
“Well, sweetheart, you certainly have the muscles for it.”
HAHAHAHA!
And there’s something else worth remembering.
Meat Loaf wasn’t merely a powerful vocalist. He was a tremendous performer who understood how to tell a story.
Steinman’s songwriting gave him extraordinary material, but Meat Loaf brought those songs to life with an intensity few performers could match.
We recently celebrated the original Bat Out of Hell and discussed Desmond Child’s contributions to Bat Out of Hell III.
Now we’re back with the second installment.
What can I say, friends?
You simply cannot talk about great rock and roll without talking about Meat Loaf!
Meat Loaf lived from September 27, 1947, to January 20, 2022. Jim Steinman lived from November 1, 1947, to April 19, 2021.
Two remarkable creative talents whose musical partnership left us an extraordinary legacy.
Must-Have Discogs: Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell (1993, MCA Records). Essential tracks: “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),” “Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through,” and “Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are.”
Anthrax: Spreading the Disease and Entering the Madhouse
October 30, 1985 | Megaforce Records | 41st Anniversary
Well, friends, here’s an album title that probably wouldn’t go over too well at your local health department.
Spreading the Disease!
ROFLMAO!
On October 30, 1985, Anthrax released their second studio album, Spreading the Disease.
And what an important record it became for the development of thrash metal.
This was the first full-length Anthrax album featuring vocalist Joey Belladonna, whose powerful, melodic singing helped give the band a distinctive sound.
The album featured Dan Spitz and Scott Ian on guitars, Frank Bello on bass, and Charlie Benante on drums.
Together, they delivered an aggressive but remarkably musical collection of songs.
“A.I.R.” opened the album with tremendous energy.
“Armed and Dangerous” demonstrated the band’s melodic side.
“Medusa” brought a little mythology into the mix.
And then there’s “Madhouse.”
BUDDY!
What better song could we possibly find for Halloween Eve?
The music is intense, the atmosphere is unsettling, and the accompanying video features a psychiatric-hospital setting.
Not exactly the kind of place you’d want to spend your Halloween vacation!
But the album represented an important step toward Anthrax becoming one of thrash metal’s most influential bands.
We recently talked about the group and its latest musical activities, so it’s especially fitting that we find ourselves celebrating this particular anniversary.
And here’s another reason to celebrate.
Joey Belladonna was born October 30, 1960, making this his 66th birthday!
Happy birthday, Joey!
Now, over at the WTSG-DB Rock & Roll Madhouse, CLASSICKONG has discovered a large warning sign:
“SPREADING THE DISEASE!”
He turns to Honey.
“Darling, should we be worried?”
Honey flashes her vampire fangs.
“Only if they start charging admission.”
Below the warning is another sign:
“NO REFUNDS. NO EXORCISMS.”
Well, that settles it.
We’re going home.
Must-Have Discogs: Anthrax – Spreading the Disease (1985, Megaforce Records). Essential tracks: “Madhouse,” “A.I.R.,” “Armed and Dangerous,” and “Medusa.”
Marvin Gaye: I Heard It Through the Grapevine
October 30, 1968 | Tamla Records | 58th Anniversary
Now, friends, let’s change gears and visit one of the greatest voices in soul music.
On October 30, 1968, Marvin Gaye’s recording of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” was officially released as a single.
And what a recording!
That unforgettable opening, the driving rhythm, the mysterious atmosphere, and Marvin’s extraordinary vocal performance.
There’s tension in every phrase.
You can hear the suspicion, the heartbreak, and the disbelief.
And here’s an interesting piece of Motown history.
The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
Marvin recorded his version before Gladys Knight & the Pips released their hit interpretation in 1967.
But Marvin’s recording remained unreleased as a single while Motown explored other possibilities.
Eventually, it appeared on his 1968 album In the Groove.
Radio stations began playing it, listeners responded, and Motown finally released it as a single.
The result?
Seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The recording became one of the defining achievements of the Motown era.
And what I love about Marvin’s interpretation is that he didn’t need to overpower the song.
He let the emotion do the work.
Marvin Gaye was born April 2, 1939, and passed away April 1, 1984.
His contributions to popular music remain extraordinary.
Now, you know we couldn’t get through this story without a little Halloween humor.
CLASSICKONG has noticed some mysterious grapevines growing around the WTSG-DB Diner.
He asks Honey, “Darling, where did all these grapes come from?”
Honey smiles.
“I heard it through the grapevine.”
CK looks concerned.
“Well, tell whoever planted them to stay away from the refrigerator. We’ve already got enough things growing in there!”
HAHAHAHA!
Must-Have Discogs: Marvin Gaye – In the Groove (1968, Tamla Records), later reissued as I Heard It Through the Grapevine. Essential track: “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Elton John: Tumbleweed Connection and the Art of Storytelling
October 30, 1970 | DJM Records | 56th Anniversary
On October 30, 1970, Elton John released Tumbleweed Connection in the United Kingdom.
And friends, this is one of those albums that reminds us just how remarkable the partnership between Elton John and Bernie Taupin really was.
Rather than simply chasing another hit single, the pair created an album filled with stories and imagery inspired by the American West.
And here’s the fascinating part.
They wrote and recorded the album before either had visited America.
Talk about imagination!
Songs like “Country Comfort,” “Amoreena,” “My Father’s Gun,” and “Burn Down the Mission” helped create a musical landscape filled with characters, conflict, reflection, and emotion.
Elton’s piano playing was magnificent.
Bernie’s lyrics were vivid and thoughtful.
And producer Gus Dudgeon helped bring the arrangements together beautifully.
Unlike many major albums of the period, Tumbleweed Connection didn’t rely on a big hit single to establish its reputation.
The music spoke for itself.
The album reached No. 2 in the United Kingdom and No. 5 in the United States.
One of my favorite things about Elton John is his versatility.
He could deliver an intimate ballad, a driving rock song, or a sweeping musical arrangement with equal conviction.
And Bernie Taupin could paint an entire world with his words.
That’s a pretty special combination.
Now, after all the bats, monsters, madhouses, and mysterious refrigerators we’ve encountered today, a little Elton John sounds like just what the doctor ordered.
Although, given that we’re celebrating Halloween Eve, perhaps we should keep an eye out for any tumbleweeds rolling through the diner.
You never know what might be hiding behind one.
Must-Have Discogs: Elton John – Tumbleweed Connection (1970, DJM Records; original U.S. release on UNI Records in 1971). Essential tracks: “Country Comfort,” “Amoreena,” and “Burn Down the Mission.”
Timothy B. Schmit: Twice in Randy Meisner’s Footsteps
Born October 30, 1947 | Celebrating His 79th Birthday
Happy birthday to Timothy B. Schmit!
The talented bassist and vocalist, best known for his work with Poco and the Eagles, turns 79 today.
And we’ve got one of the most remarkable coincidences in rock-and-roll history to celebrate.
Timothy replaced Randy Meisner in Poco.
Then, years later, he replaced Randy Meisner AGAIN in the Eagles!
Friends, what are the odds?
Imagine Randy walking into a rehearsal room, seeing Timothy standing there, and saying:
“NOT THIS GUY AGAIN!”
ROFLMAO!
But here’s what makes the story even better.
In an interview with MusicRadar, Timothy was asked whether Randy was always looking over his shoulder for him.
Timothy laughed and answered, “Not any more!”
He explained that Poco had originally selected Randy over him, but when Randy left, the band contacted Timothy.
Then, in 1977, Glenn Frey called Timothy about joining the Eagles after Randy’s departure.
Now that’s a remarkable twist of musical fate.
Of course, Timothy brought his own considerable talents to both bands.
His beautiful high tenor voice became an important part of the Eagles’ sound.
And songs like “I Can’t Tell You Why” demonstrated his ability to deliver a tender, memorable performance.
So happy birthday, Timothy!
And Randy, wherever you’re resting, we appreciate your tremendous musical contributions, too.
Randy Meisner lived from March 8, 1946, to July 26, 2023.
Two gifted musicians, two important chapters in rock history, and one coincidence that’s still worth a smile.
Must-Have Discogs: Eagles – The Long Run (1979, Asylum Records). Essential track: “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
Final Spin: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Well, friends, Halloween is almost here, and after today’s musical journey, I’m beginning to think we might all be just a little crazy.
Maybe it’s something in the air. Maybe we’ve spent too much time in the madhouse. Or maybe somebody’s been spreading the disease!
Whatever it is, there’s certainly something magical about this time of year.
We’ve followed a white rabbit into a strange new world, heard some eerie echoes in the darkness, and discovered that even a Beast can have a heart big enough to do anything for love.
And whether we heard it through the grapevine or it blew in like a tumbleweed, there’s one thing I know for sure.
Sometimes life can be a little frightening.
We don’t always know what’s waiting around the next corner. We don’t always have the answers. And occasionally, we might feel like we’re wandering through our very own haunted house.
But as George Michael reminded us, sometimes we’ve just gotta have a little faith.
Faith in ourselves. Faith in the people we love. And faith that even when things seem a little dark, there’s still plenty of light waiting to shine through.
So this Halloween, have some fun. Enjoy the pumpkins, the costumes, the candy, and all those wonderful things that go bump in the night.
And remember, friends, the world may be a madhouse sometimes, but there’s still an awful lot of love, laughter, and beautiful music to be found in it.
Especially when you’ve got somebody special to share it with.
Happy Halloween Eve, everybody!
And that’s gonna do it for today, friends. Hopefully I’ve maybe put a smile on your face, and a song in your heart.
Take care of yourselves, help others when you can, and always, always, keep the music playing.
Great Music. Great Radio. Great Community.
— CLASSICKONG
WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting
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And be sure to visit WTSG-DB to see today’s special Halloween Eve artwork featuring CLASSICKONG, Honey, and the Rock & Roll Madhouse!
References and Further Reading
- Pink Floyd – Official Website
- Pink Floyd – Official 1971 Timeline
- George Michael – Official Website
- Jefferson Airplane – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell II: Billboard No. 1 Album History
- Anthrax – Official Website and Discography
- Marvin Gaye – Official Website
- Elton John – Official Website
- Timothy B. Schmit – MusicRadar Interview
- October 30 National Days
