41 & Done: John DeBella Interviews Pete Townshend In 1993
As part of his 41 & Done daily segments, John DeBella takes us through some of his most memorable radio moments. For his first edition of these segments, John looks…
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)As part of his 41 & Done daily segments, John DeBella takes us through some of his most memorable radio moments. For his first edition of these segments, John looks back on the time he interviewed Pete Townshend of The Who in 1993.
41 & Done is the interview's second time ever being aired, the first time being just after it happened 30 years ago.
Every disc jockey has a band that set them on a path to be in the business. For John, it was The Who. The Who were the band that really spoke to him. They were the first band he saw in concert in 1967.
It was the longest and probably best interview of his career, according to John. Well at least, that's definitely what he was thinking in the moment. It was then he realized his lifelong idol was sitting at the table across from him and he was just as drunk as John was. Pete kept a copy of the interview on his own desk for years.
John DeBella Philadelphia Walk of Fame Induction
John DeBella officially has his plaque on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts in Center City.
The PMA celebrated their first class of inductions since before the Covid-19 pandemic on Thursday afternoon outside the University of the Arts, followed by their ceremonial gala at Vie on Broad Street.
The official announcement came in February.
Philadelphians can now celebrate DeBella's career whenever they walk by the corner of Broad and Pine and see his sidewalk plaque as part of Radio Row.
Joan Jett sent a message for the Gala to congratulate John on his induction.
PMA Walk of Fame Inductees
The Walk of Fame along the Avenue of the Arts extends along Broad St. between Walnut and Spruce. It honors Philadelphia area musicians and music professionals who have made a significant contribution to the world of music.
The 2023 inductions will also include Leslie Odom Jr., Governor Ed Rendell, the Bacon Brothers (Michael and Kevin), the Tymes, Patty Jackson, and James DePriest. Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell also received a special award.
Past inductions include timeless local legends like Joan Jett (1996), Daryl Hall and John Oates (1993), Todd Rundgren (1989), and Jim Croce (1988).
DeBella has spent over years with MGK and over 40 in the Philadelphia radio market. He called the induction the greatest honor of his career.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Music Alliance exists to preserve the rich cultural history of the city of Philadelphia.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaJohn unveils his plaque along the sidewalk on Broad Street.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaDeBella's plaque can be found near the corner of Broad St. and Pine St. in Center City.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaJohn DeBella, Steve Vassalotti & WMGK Program Director Bill Weston.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaThe University of the Arts in Center City.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaThe inductions took place on the steps outside the University of the Arts.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Music Alliance inducted their first class since 2019.
John DeBella has arrived!
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaWMGK In The House
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaJohn DeBella give his speech, kicking it off and ending it with a joke.
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaCongrats John!
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaLeslie Odom Jr. and John DeBella
Lora Lewis for BBGI PhiladelphiaWalk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Rachel Pitts for BBGI PhiladelphiaJohn with his Walk of Fame plaque.
