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That Time I Got Axl Rose Tickets to a Philadelphia 76ers Game

Author Matty Cord
Photo by: Matt Cord

Recently, a brand new music festival was announced that I think a lot of our listeners at WMGK would love to attend.

It is going to be held on the grounds of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, which is also home to Coachella.

Where Coachella tends to lean toward a younger generation and current top-40 types of artists, this new festival is aimed at hard rock and metal enthusiasts!

The festival is called Power Trip and it is going to take place over a long weekend in October on the 6th, 7th, and 8th.

There are some legendary acts set to take the stage and perform that weekend, including AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Tool!

Wow, talk about a great lineup!

But there’s one more band that is also going to be performing that weekend that I have a cool story about from the past!

That band is Guns N’ Roses!

Being that this festival was recently announced and the NBA Playoffs are currently taking place, I figured this was the perfect time to tell this story!

Back in 2001, the 76ers were in the NBA Finals playing against the Los Angeles Lakers.

I’m sure many of you remember the infamous moment when Allen Iverson stepped over Tyronn Lue in game one.

But when the series came back to Philadelphia, another star came with the teams as well!

And that star was Guns N’ Roses frontman, Axl Rose!

I actually helped him secure his tickets to come catch a game at what was then the First Union Center.

This is back when I worked at Y100 and my early years as the public address announcer for the Sixers.

It was awesome getting to help Axl see a game, and he repaid the favor by taking us all out to dinner after the game!

He took us to Smith and Wollensky at Rittenhouse Square!

It was an awesome restaurant back in the day, but unfortunately, it is no longer there.

Funnily enough, Todd MacCulloch from the Sixers came to dinner with us, too!

Unfortunately, the series didn’t go the way we all hoped for the Sixers, but I’m sure Axl was happy that his Lakers won.

Overall, though, it was a night I’ll always remember as I’m sure the Power Trip festival will be for all those who attend!

More from Matt Cord…

Top 13 Moments Hosting the Philadelphia Music Alliance Gala 2023

Last night, I was able to add another title to my ever-growing list of jobs – even though this one was just temporary for one night.

It was not too much different from what I normally do here at WMGK or with my public addressing job with the Philadelphia 76ers being that most of the job was just simply talking!

Although, I did have to dress up a lot fancier than I normally would for my midday DJ shift or announcing the game!

You know, suit and tie, and the whole thing!

After all, it was a big night for a lot of people that were the focus of last night being honored for their careers, so it makes sense that everyone would want to look nice.

All right time to spill the beans…

Last night, I was honored to host the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame Gala!

It was actually a ton of fun and there were a ton of familiar faces being honored for their amazing work throughout their careers in the music industry.

The event took place at Vie on North Broad Street – another job on Broad, what do you know!

As I said, there were a lot of familiar faces last night, but none more familiar than my friend and fellow DJ at WMGK, the legendary, John DeBella!

I got to induct JDB into the Walk of Fame, which was an honor and I could not be happier for John!

It is funny, normally John is the one who sets the stage for me when we crossover between our shows in the morning, but last night I got to set the stage for him prior to his acceptance speech!

It was awesome, especially considering he said it was the greatest honor of his career!

Congratulations, John, and thanks for always reminding us to look on the bright side of life!

Amongst those also being honored include Patty Jackson, James DePreist, and the Bacon Brothers, both Kevin, and Michael!

My friend Larry Magid, the legendary concert promoter, was also honored with a lifetime achievement award, so that was cool!

There were a few fantastic performances as well, including two legendary groups I got to introduce, The Spinners and The Stylistics!

I can’t forget Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie who also performed a tribute, either!

Altogether, it was such a fun night and I am so happy for all those that were honored!

Congrats!

  • Hosting The Gala!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • John DeBella's Acceptance Speech!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • JDB On The Big Screen!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • Larry Magid's Acceptance Speech!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • Larry Magid's Plaque!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • The Bacon Brothers' Acceptance Speech!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • Leslie Odom Jr's and Patty Jackson's Plaques!

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  • Patty Jackson's, John Debella's, James DePriest's, and The Bacon Brothers' Plaques!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • Kevin Bacon In The House!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • Larry Magid Hanging Out!

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    Photo by: Matt Cord

  • Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie Tribute Performance

  • The Spinners Performance at the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame Gala

  • The Stylistics Performance at the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame Gala

Matt Cord is the host of the Matt Cord Show. He is a lover of all Philly Sports and has been the voice of the Sixers for 27 years and NBA2K for the past 4 years. As a cyclist enthusiast, Matt writes about his adventures all throughout the city.

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Author Matty Cord
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