High atop the Andy Holt tower are the seats of power for the University of
Tennessee, the ones who are in charge. But far below, nestled in the bowels
of the Andy Holt garage, sit the men and women the students actually listen
to. It is here that you find the cramped studios of WUTK, New Rock
90.3.
To say that magic happens when Derek Senter and Robbie Levering enter the
studio is not entirely accurate, magic being far too kind a description for
what goes on. It would be more appropriate to say that something happens,
although it's quite indescribable. Nevertheless, when the two enter the New
Rock studio at 4 p.m. every Friday, the atmosphere changes. The inane
combination of student DJs and indie rock subsides, giving way to a special
blend of insanity and glam metal more affectionately known as the "Cock
Rock Hour."
The first question that springs to mind when one thinks of playing "Dokken"
is always the same: Why? Although this simple question is layered with many
meanings, it seems appropriate to ask the fellows responsible for the "Cock
Rock Hour."
"I got tired of listening to whiny music," Senter said. "This stuff serves
no social value -- it's just party and have a good time."
So, freeing themselves from the stifling restraints of modern day rock 'n'
roll, the boys rolled back to a time of less meaning and more show.
"The first couple of times it was like a joke," Levering said. "Next thing
you know we're getting a lot of calls from people requesting songs."
Throughout every show Levering and Senter receive a variety of calls from
people of all ages, each wanting to hear their own obscure hair band.
During the course of this interview, calls came in for everything from
Alcatraz to W.A.S.P. Of course, the truly terrifying part is that the two
have virtually any album you could want to hear from the genre. Even on the
rare chance they don't have it, you can bet they'll find it.
Although it is fair to say that the "Cock Rock Hour" won't leave you with
any overwhelming desires to run out and buy hair spray or skin-tight pants,
it will capture a little bit of your heart; the part that remembers wanting
to go as Vince Neil or Blackie Lawless for Halloween.
Senter and Levering may not bring magic into the studio every week, but
they most certainly bring fun, which is what the "Cock Rock Hour" is all
about. It's not about the music, and it certainly isn't about style. It's
about kicking back, drinking a cold one and having a good time, regardless
of anything else. So every Friday, be sure to tease out that hair, set your
dial to New Rock 90.3 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and prepare to be rocked
like a hurricane.
New Rock 90 adds spice
Published: Wed Oct 13, 1999
| Modified: Sat Aug 06, 2005 01:59 p.m.