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.
I know you.” And that’s when John knew this would be good.
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.
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
Share
The Philadelphia Music Alliance exists to preserve the rich cultural history of the city of Philadelphia.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
John unveils his plaque along the sidewalk on Broad Street.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
DeBella's plaque can be found near the corner of Broad St. and Pine St. in Center City.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
John DeBella, Steve Vassalotti & WMGK Program Director Bill Weston.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
The University of the Arts in Center City.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
The inductions took place on the steps outside the University of the Arts.
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
The Philadelphia Music Alliance inducted their first class since 2019.
John DeBella has arrived!
Share
WMGK In The House
Share
John DeBella give his speech, kicking it off and ending it with a joke.
Share
Congrats John!
Share
Leslie Odom Jr. and John DeBella
Share
Walk of Fame Induction- John DeBella
Share
John with his Walk of Fame plaque.
Steve Vassalotti is co-host of “The Matt Cord Show with Steve Vassalotti” weekday mornings 6a-10a on 102.9 WMGK. He has been with the station since 2015. For WMGK he writes about inane nonsense that surrounds our daily lives, sports, food and other various topics. Steve writes about Philadelphia lifestyle content, the Philadelphia Eagles culture and trending topics.
Sign me up for the 102.9 WMGK At Work Network email newsletter!
Join WMGK's At Work Network and get the latest rock news, exclusive presales, contests and more straight to you inbox.
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
