Darren DeVivo: WFUV DJ and Beatles Podcaster

10/05/2022

Jeff McNeil has captured the MLB batting title! 👑

10/05/2022

Congratulations to the Mets’ Jeff McNeil for winning the batting championship. He finished with a Major League best .326 batting average. He’s the second Mets player to win the batting title. (Jose Reyes won it in 2011, batting .337.)

10/05/2022

Sad news to report out of the folk music world...

On the same day we lost Loretta Lynn, we learned that singer songwriter Mary McCaslin lost her battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (a neurologicale brain condition that can cause issues with movement, balance, vision, swallowing and speaking). She died on Sunday, October 2 at the age of 75. Mary, a native of Indianapolis, was born on December 22, 1946 and was living in the southern California town of Hemet.
Her albums, released between 1969 and 2006, include “Goodnight Everybody” reissued as “Blue Ridge Epitaph", “Way Out West”, “Prairie In The Sky”, “Old Friends”, “The Bramble & The Rose” with Jim Ringer, “Sunny California”, “A Life And Time”, “The Best Of Mary McCaslin Things We Said Today”, “Broken Promises”, “Rain - The Lost Album” and her final album, “Better Late Than Never”.

Meanwhile, beloved singer songwriter, Cheryl Wheeler, has cancelled all of her upcoming shows. Here is the statement that was released yesterday:
“We regret that (upcoming) Cheryl Wheeler (shows have) been cancelled. Cheryl is confronting some serious mental health challenges and has been admitted to an in-patient treatment facility for an indefinite period. Cheryl apologizes for the inconvenience but is currently incapable of taking on the strain of performing to the standard her fans deserve. It is her sincere hope that she’s able to return soon. However, in the meantime, she appreciates your thoughts and well wishes as she seeks the treatment she needs at this critical moment.
We thank you for your kind understanding,
"Cheryl Wheeler Management”

Sending love and prayers to Cheryl at this difficult time.

10/05/2022

Keeping it 💯

We’ve hit the 100-win mark for the fourth time in franchise history!

10/05/2022

1969
1986
1988
2022

For just the 4th time in franchise history, the Mets have won 💯 games!

10/04/2022

Loretta Lynn, Country Music Star and Symbol of Rural Resilience, Dies at 90

Rest in peace, Loretta Lynn. The country music legend died in her sleep earlier today (Tuesday, October 4) at home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee at the age of 90.

Loretta’s biggest hit songs include “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)”, “Fist City”, “Happy Birthday”, “Here I Am Again”, “Hey Loretta”, “I Can’t Feel You Anymore”, “I Wanna Be Free”, “Love Is The Foundation”, “One’s On The Way”, “Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed”, “Rated “X””, “She’s Got You”, “Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missin’ Tonight)”, “To Make A Man (Feel Like A Man)”, “Trouble In Paradise”, “When A Tingle Becomes A Chill”, “Wine, Women And Song”, "Woman Of The World (Leave My World Alone)”, “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)”, “Your Squaw Is On The Warpath” and "You’ve Just Stepped In (From Stepping Out On Me)”. Her debut album, “Loretta Lynn Sings”, was released in late 1963 while her final album, “Still Woman Enough”, was issued in March 2021.

Her powerful voice, playful lyrics and topical songs were a model for generations of country singers and songwriters. So was her life story.

10/03/2022

Ringo Starr has been diagnosed with COVID and that’s why two recent All Starr Band shows in Michigan and Minnesota were cancelled. Five more shows, all in Canada, have been now been cancelled as well to give Ringo time to recuperate. The hope is the current tour will resume on October 11 in Seattle.

10/03/2022

Sending out prayers and healing vibes to both Ringo Starr and Lindsey Buckingham.

Ringo was forced to cancel last night's All Starr Band show in Michigan and tonight’s show in Minnesota due to a non-COVID related illness that has affected his voice.

Meanwhile, after one show last night in London, Buckingham has cancelled the rest of his European tour due to “ongoing health issues”. The cancellations effect tomorrow night’s show in Glasgow, Tuesday’s in Liverpool and Thursday’s in Dublin.

09/30/2022

Here we go. Let’s Go Mets. Tonight, tomorrow night and Sunday night in Atlanta. The FIRST place METS (98-58) play the SECOND place BRAVES (97-59) with first place/the National League East title on the line. Both teams are playoff bound, but winning the division is still their primary goal. It's the difference between winning the division championship and being the #2 seed in the postseason, with a first round bye, OR finishing in second place in the East and settling for the first wild card playoff berth AKA the #4 seed that plays in the the first playoff round.

The big news leading into the first game with the Braves tonight is that the Mets have called their TOP YOUNG PROSPECT up from AAA in the minors leagues to make his major league debut. This prospect isn’t just the Mets best young prospect, he’s the #1 RATED PROSPECT IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL. 20 year old Venezuelan catcher, FRANCISCO ALVAREZ. Right now, the Mets are simply looking for more offensive power, and Alvarez has it, even at 20 years old, and then some. They don’t expect to use Alvarez behind the plate (at least, not yet).

So LFGM!! Ya Gotta Believe! The Mets have owned first place this year. It’s theirs. Time to take it.

09/29/2022

Coolio, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ Rapper, Dies at 59

Rest in peace, Coolio. The west coast rapper known for his songs “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage”, died yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 59.

From a bookish, asthmatic child to crack addict to mainstream recording powerhouse, Coolio charted a path to hip-hop superstardom like no other.

09/29/2022

Mets win. First place is ours once again.
98 wins.
METS MAGIC NUMBER IS 6

09/29/2022

BRAVES LOSE.

09/27/2022

Last minute switch today on WFUV. I'm in for Dennis Elsas right now, until 6PM, and at 10PM, Russ Borris will sit in for me.

09/25/2022

The Doobie Brothers Family has lost another one of its own...

One of the four original members of the Doobie Brothers, drummer John Hartman, has died. John was 72. The band made the announcement the other day on social media referring to their friend, who they called Little John, as "a wild spirit, great drummer and showman”. Hartman is the second Doobie Brothers drummer to die in 2022. Chet McCracken, who ironically replaced Hartman in the band in 1979, passed away on February 11 at the age of 75.

Hartman was born on March 18, 1950 in Falls Church, Virginia.
Hartman; guitarists, singers and songwriters Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons; and bassist Dave Shogren formed the Doobie Brothers in San Jose, California in 1970. It was Hartman who planted the first Doobie seeds in 1969 when he travelled to California to meet and play with Skip Spence, of the band Moby Grape and formerly of Jefferson Airplane. It was Spence who then introduced Hartman to Johnston, as soon, Simmons and Shogren entered the picture. The Doobie Brothers signed to Warner Brothers Records and released their self titled debut album in 1971. Later in the year, the band added a second drummer, Michael Hossack, to play alongside Hartman. Not long after the sessions for their second album began, Shogren quit and was replaced by bassist and vocalist, Tiran Porter. The first classic Doobie Brothers lineup was now in place, and they released their breakthrough album, “Toulouse Street”, in 1972. The Doobies would remain one of rock’s premier bands throughout the 1970s, as their albums “The Captain And Me” (their first top 10 album; 1973), “What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" (1974), “Stampede” (1975), “Takin’ It To The Streets” (1976), “Livin’ On The Fault Line” (1977) and “Minute By Minute” (their only number 1 album; 1978) produced classic hits like their two number 1's “Black Water” (1974) and “What A Fool Believes” (1979), as well as “Long Train Runnin’” (1973), “Listen To The Music” (1972), their cover of “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)” (1975), “Takin’ It To The Streets” (1976), “Minute By Minute” (1979), “China Grove” (1973), “Dependin’ On You” (1979), “Another Park, Another Sunday” (1974), the cover “Jesus Is Just Alright” (1972), “It Keeps You Runnin’" (1976) and “Sweet Maxine” (1975).

Hartman left the Doobie Brothers in 1979 following the enormously successful “Minute By Minute” album. Afterwards, he briefly played drums for Johnston who, back in 1977, had also left the Doobies.

1982 marked the end of the line for the Doobie Brothers, but a series of live reunions in the late ‘80s reignited the band. These led to an official Doobie Brothers rebirth as Hartman, Johnston, Simmons, Porter, Hossack and percussionist Bobby LaKind signed to Capitol Records and released “Cycles”, their first studio album in nine years. “Brotherhood”, recorded without LaKind, followed in 1991.

John Hartman permanently left the Doobie Brothers in 1992, retiring from music.

Rest in peace to those members of the Doobies Brothers who have passed on, including all of their drummers - John Hartman (died 2022), Michael Hossack (died 2012), Keith Knudsen (died 2005), Bobby LaKind (died 1992) and Chet McCracken (died 2022). Also, we remember Cornelius Bumpus (died 2004) and Dave Shogren (died 1999).

09/24/2022

THE NEW YORK METS’ MAGIC NUMBER TO CLINCH THE NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST IS:
9

09/23/2022

At the WFUV Clubhouse at Forest Hills Stadium, prior to the Van Morrison with Tom Jones show, on September 10, 2022. With Laura Savini who you’ll know from the New York City metropolitan area Public Television stations (PBS) WNET and WLIW. Laura is an executive producer at the Princeton Entertainment Group.

09/20/2022

The Mets are headed back to the postseason for the first time since 2016!

09/20/2022

A reason to smile a bit on a tear filled day… The Mets are playoff bound.

09/19/2022

Goodbye my love. Alice DeVivo 2008?-2022

09/18/2022

Four Mets pitchers struck out 20 Pirates batters today, tieing the major league record for strikeouts in a nine inning game. Jacob DeGrom struck out 13, Seth Lugo struck out 1, Joely Rodriguez fanned 5 and Trevor May added the last one.

09/18/2022

THE JETS WON?
Unbelievable comeback win for the Jets over the Browns, 31-30. The Jets were losing 30-17 with less than two minutes remaining, before scoring the games final 14 points!

09/16/2022

It is a very sad day for the New York Mets family, and Major League Baseball as a whole.
One of my favorite Mets players of all time, catcher John Stearns, has died. John died last night (September 15) in Denver after a long battle with cancer. He was 71.

Stearns played for the Mets from 1975 until 1984.

Stearns was born on August 21, 1951 in Denver. In 1969, while still in high school in Denver, Stearns was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 13th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft, but he did not sign with them. Then, in 1973, while at the University of Colorado, Boulder, the Philadelphia Phillies drafted Stearns as the 2nd overall pick in that year’s MLB June Amateur Draft.

Stearns made his major league debut with the Phillies on September 22, 1974. In his first game (against the Montreal Expos), Stearns singled for his first major league hit, going 1 for 2, in his only game as a Phillie.

On December 3, 1974, the Phillies traded Stearns, along with outfielder Del Unser and pitcher Mac Scarce, to the Mets for future Mets Hall of Fame pitcher Tug McGraw (R.I.P.) and outfielders Don Hahn and Dave Schneck. The loss of fan favorite McGraw was a blow to the Mets, but the trade netted Stearns who would become the Mets' All Star catcher for the next ten years.

Stearns was initially a backup catcher for the Mets, but in 1977, he became their starter as he made the National League All Star team for the first time. His second All Star season was 1979, when he played in 155 (of 162) games, making 602 plate appearances. 1979 would be Stearns’ final year as an everyday catcher as he would be utilized in a part time role for the rest of his career. Stearns would make the National League All Star team two more times as a Mets representative - in 1980 and in 1982. Injuries slowed Stearns and over his final two seasons, as he appeared in only twelve games in 1983 and 1984. After the 1984 season, Stearns left the Mets, ending his career at the age of 32. Stearns donned the Mets uniform again as a coach in 2000 and 2001.

Stearns played in 810 games, 809 with the Mets. He was a career .260 hitter, .259 as a Met, with 46 home runs and 312 RBI.

One of the more poignant moments of the Mets' Old Timers’ Day last month was seeing a very sick John Stearns step out onto the field to great the Mets faithful. I will always remember watching John slowly walking off the field by himself after the Old Timers’ festivities ended, waving to the fans one last time.

STATEMENT FROM METS PRESIDENT SANDY ALDERSON

“No one played the game with more spirit or determination than John Stearns. He literally willed himself to attend Old Timers’ Day last month so he could visit friends and old teammates. Despite his illness, he even managed to step into the batting cage to take a few swings. His nickname, ‘Bad Dude’ couldn’t have been more appropriate. A four-time All Star, John was one of the most complete catchers in Mets history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”

DOUG FLYNN - teammate
“I saw John hit his first major league home run. He was a great teammate, great competitor and later became a dear friend.”

LEE MAZZILLI - teammate
“I am heartbroken. John was just a joy to be around. He loved the game so much. I was amazed when he went to the batting cage on Old Timers’ Day. That just showed you how much of a competitor he was.”

JOE TORRE - teammate, who later managed Stearns
“I’m so glad we had a chance to talk at Citi Field a few weeks ago. No one played the game harder than John. He never came to the park in a bad mood. All he wanted to do was win. To be a four-time All-Star is something special.”

BOBBY VALENTINE – Stearns coached under Valentine
“John was such a key part of our staff. He had a unique way of lighting a fire under the guys. Every time we spoke by phone, he kept telling me he was going to beat this thing. That was John Stearns to a tee.”

JOHN FRANCO – player when Stearns coached
“John loved the game. As a coach, he always had your back. I saw how sick he was at Old Timers’ Day and I think he was holding on just to get back to the ballpark and see some of the guys one more time.”

09/15/2022

Rise and shine with me once again this morning on WFUV as I step in for Corny O’Connell - 6AM-10AM.

09/14/2022

What sad news from Janis Ian who has had to end her final tour prematurely.

It is with unfathomable sadness that I announce the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates.

Unfortunately, the laryngitis that forced the postponement of some spring dates has turned out to be more complicated than a simple, treatable laryngitis. There is vocal fold scarring; since it's not due to polyps or singing incorrectly, the doctors can only speculate as to why, but treatments are very limited. And it would be many months before we’d know the outcome of any treatment.

It is most unlikely that I’ll ever sound like myself again.

I consider myself lucky that this is not life-threatening, though the loss in my own small world is staggering.

Please contact the venues for refunds, and thank you all for your support and love.

09/14/2022

If you turned on WFUV this morning, you might have thought you were coming out of a nightmare. “Is that Darren on the air? In the morning?! What did he do with Corny O’Connell?!! I must call the authorities. Or, is this just a terrible nightmare?”
No Virginia (whoever you are), you are not dreaming, it is me and, worry not, Corny is safe!!

I’m filling for Corny this morning, until 10AM, and again tomorrow morning, from 6AM-10AM on the mighty WFUV in New York City.

Tune in and allow me to awake you with psychotic rants about how the Mets are driving me up a f..............

Question of the Day in the 9AM hour. 90.7 FM, wfuv.org, on our app, too.

09/12/2022

ANNOUNCING REVOLVER SPECIAL EDITIONS!

ANNOUNCING REVOLVER SPECIAL EDITIONS!

09/11/2022

The New York Jets are already in mid season form. The Same Ol’ Jets lose to the Baltimore Ravens, 24-9.
Just End The Season!

09/11/2022

We remember. We will .

09/11/2022

We remember. We will .

09/08/2022

Around the time the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing was made, rainbows appeared over London.

09/08/2022

09/08/2022

QUEEN ELIZABETH II HAS DIED.

SHE WAS 96.

09/07/2022

56 years after it was originally released, “Revolver”, the 7th official Beatles album, will be rereleased / remastered / remixed / reimagined / reinvigorated / rejigged / rebuilt / reinstated / reborn / renewed / rehabbed / rhubarbed / rebarbed / retread and reheated.

The “Revolver” love comes out on October 28 from Universal Music and Apple Records. There will be 6 physical formats available:
~ a super deluxe edition available as a 5CD set and a 4LP+7” single set;
~ 2CD edition;
~ 1CD edition;
~ 1LP edition;
~ a vinyl picture disc LP

The focal point of the reissue will be a new stereo mix by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, sourced from the original four-track master tapes and utilizing Peter Jackson’s WingNut Films’ cutting edge de-mixing technology. This technology creates the ability to separate instrumentation that had been “fused’ together on one track of recording tape. (For example: during the recording sessions, if the bass and drums were fused together on one track of the master tape, WingNut’s system can separate them and isolate them.)

All editions will feature this new stereo mix. The super deluxe editions (5CD and 4LP+7” single) will also have a plethora of session tracks which will include outtakes, rehearsals and demos, the original mono mix and a four song EP featuring a new stereo mix and original mono mix of the 1966 single, “Paperback Writer” / “Rain”. Both songs were recorded during the “Revolver” sessions and released as a stand alone single several months before “Revolver”. Also included will be a 100 page hardcover book. The 2CD edition offers highlights of the sessions tracks and a 40 page booklet.

***There will NOT be a Blu-Ray included in the set. The Blu-Ray would have offered a spatial audio mix (5.1, for example), an Atmos mix (which has been created but won’t be available physically) and a hi-res stereo version of the new Martin/Okell mix.