Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 18th 2008, 11:39am By Todd Schoepflin

Since 1999, John Piccillo (“JP”) has been sharing his love for The Beatles with 97 Rock listeners. For years I have enjoyed turning on my radio at 7 Sunday mornings to be greeted by JP’s encyclopedic knowledge of The Beatles. JP digs deep into the Beatles catalog and also plays an amazing selection of post-Beatles music. It is because of JP’s program that I know songs like “Isn’t it a Pity” by the late George Harrison (which led me to buy the album All Things Must Pass--thanks JP!) Aside from his Sunday morning "Breakfast with The Beatles" program, JP does a daily version of his Beatles show weekdays at 10:30AM. Here’s a little Q & A with JP:
Q: What is your favorite Beatles song?
A: “Hey Jude.”

Q: Your favorite Beatles album?
A: Rubber Soul.

Q: Is there a Beatles song that you don’t like?
A: I think my least favorite is “Revolution.”

Q: What artist has done the best job of covering a Beatles song?
A: I like Elton John’s “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Of course, John sings background on it. Frank Sinatra singing “Something” the way only Frank can, I always liked too.

Q: Which Beatle had the most successful solo career?
A: Paul by a mile.

Q: What is your opinion of Yoko Ono?
A: She is always telling us how she wants to protect John’s legacy, until a baby diaper, ice cream or cookie company waves several million in front of her, then John’s legacy takes the back seat to the cash. Never liked the woman.

Q: If you could say anything to Mark David Chapman, what would it be?
A: You couldn’t print it.

Q: Can you understand why some people do not like the Beatles?
A: I guess I can understand it. I often wonder if many of them realize (in my opinion) that whoever the band is that they call their favorite were probably influenced by The Beatles.

Q: What is the best concert you’ve ever been too?
A: The Who in December 1979, the night after the tragedy in Cincinnati. Seeing Paul for the first time was the most emotional. He’s been my hero since I was 7. My confirmation name is Paul, for him. Although Father Dooley thought it was for St. Paul.

Q: How long have you been working at 97 Rock?
A: 12 years this month.

Q: What advice would you give to people who would like to do what you do?
A: It’s the best job in the world. Go for it. E-mail me if you have anything questions about the job (JP@97rock.com).

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Buffalo?
A: Playing classic rock to thousands of my closet friends.

Q: What’s something that listeners probably don’t know about you?
A: I’m the public address announcer at Ralph Wilson Stadium for Buffalo Bills games. “Trent Edwards pass complete to Lee Evans”....that’s me.