David Uosikkinen Joins The Matt Cord Show With Steve Vassalotti
There is something special about having an in-studio guest as a radio DJ because you can truly connect with the guest in a way that is not possible over the…

There is something special about having an in-studio guest as a radio DJ because you can truly connect with the guest in a way that is not possible over the phone. That was no different when Steve Vassalotti and I got to catch up with David Uosikkinen.
David Uosikkinen, the longtime drummer for The Hooters, was in the building to promote his new documentary film and a performance this weekend by In The Pocket.
Both sound incredible, so I will give you a little run down.
The documentary is called “The Heart of The Beat,” and it will premiere next Thursday, October 5th, at PFS Bourse Theatre.
The film is centered around David Uosikkinen and his life story, including his path as he navigated the positives and negatives of being the drummer for The Hooters. Plus, how he continues to reinvent himself as a musician in order to stay relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
The documentary sounds incredibly enticing and I can’t wait to see it. Plus, my buddy from down the hall makes an appearance, the one and only, Pierre Robert!
As for In The Pocket, it is a band David Uosikkinen formed himself that pays homage to all the great music that has been born in Philadelphia over the years. Plus, it shines a light on musical education in the area!
In The Pocket is set to perform this Saturday, September 30th, at The Ardmore Music Hall, including members of The Hooters, The A’s, Tommy Conwell, and more!
While in the studio, we also chatted with David about the Eagles and the Phillies because he is a huge Philly sports fan having grown up in Levittown. Also, we took a trip down memory lane in his musical career, including when The Hooters were the second band to take the stage at Live Aid and opened for The Clash and The Who in 1982.
The entire podcast will be up on the WMGK website soon, so keep an eye out for that!
I want to send a huge thank you to David Uosikkinen for stopping by and his wife Dallyn Pavey Uosikkinen for all the pictures!
Oh, and I have to show some love to Eric Johnson, the new midday host on the station, who's stopped by for the interview as well!
Check out the documentary if you can and definitely hit up the show on Saturday to see some great live music!
More from Matt Cord...
The Top 19 Moments of MGK Big Gig 2023
There are just four days left in the summer — at least officially according to the calendar that says the last day of the season is September 23rd. For some people, summer unofficially ends after Labor Day Weekend, but for me, my summer unofficially ended with a bang over the weekend at MGK Big Gig 2023!
On Sunday, we had yet another successful MGK Big Gig, and it might have been the best one yet! From the live broadcasts to hanging with fans, to the performances by the legendary musical guests, it was definitely a day to remember!
The live performances included Uncle Kracker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and ZZ-Top, and they were the perfect acts to have taken the stage on a Sunday in the late summer.
Tony Harris, Andre Gardner, and then Steve Vassalotti and I all broadcasted live throughout the day. Of course, I have to send a huge shout-out to all of you who stopped by our broadcast booth on the Walt Whitman side of the Freedom Mortgage Pavillion!
Then, Steve and I were lucky enough to get to go on stage in between Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ-Top, and it was a thrill to look out into the crowd and see so many loyal WMGK listeners in attendance! We even got to get on the microphone and say hello to the MGK Big Gig crowd!
Below I will share some of my favorite moments I captured throughout the day and post some pictures and videos for you all to relive the day if you were there, or see it from my perspective if you were unable to make it this year!
Somehow, each year the MGK Big Gig continues to get better and better, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for next year’s show. I know it will be amazing!
The Matt Cord Show With Steve Vassalotti Live Broadcast
The Matt Cord Show With Steve Vassalotti broadcasting live at MGK Big Gig 2023. The show had a blast broadcasting in front of tons of MGK fans!
Matt Cord and Steve Vassalotti On Stage
Matt Cord and Steve Vassalotti saying hi to to crowd at MGK Big Gig. So many loyal WMGK listeners were in attendance this year.
Matt Cord and Steve Vassalotti In Front of The Crowd
Matt Cord and Steve Vassalotti posing for a picture on stage at MGK Big Gig. Look at all the people having a great time in the background in the crowd!
Happy Retirement!
Our friends over at Live Nation added a nice touch to this year's MGK Big Gig. They wish Bill Weston a happy retirement at his last Big Gig.
The Crowd Having Fun
Some amazing faces in the crowd at MGK Big Gig that look like they are having a ton of fun! Do you see yourself?
Put Your Hands Up
Look at all those hands in the air at MGK Big Gig. I wonder what song was playing?
Tonight's Show
The sign outside of Freedom Mortgage Pavillon in Camden advertising MGK Big Gig 2023. The performances by the legendary bands were worth the wait!
Lynyrd Skynyrd Traveling Gear
While backstage, I had the chance to see some of the traveling gear for Lynyrd Skynyrd on tour. Look how big this case is for the left bass drum alone.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd's instruments all packed in their traveling gear. Look at that cool logo surrounding it all.
The Sound Board
The sound board on stage at MGK Big Gig 2023. The sound engineer did a great job all day making sure all the bands sounded great. Plus, all the WMGK talent like Steve and I.
Merch Stand at MGK Big Gig
The merch stand was plentiful at MGK Big Gig 2023. There was merch for Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ-Top, and Uncle Kracker!
Shriners Children's Raffle
Shriner's Children had a raffle at MGK Big Gig 2023. The winner received a sign guitar, that looks absolutely beautiful.
The 76ers Practice Facility
While at MGK Big Gig 2023, I saw my other employer's logo popping out like the Batman sign shining during a dangerous night in Gotham. The 76ers practice facility is literally right next door to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.
BIG GIG on the Big Screen
The Big Gig logo shining bright on the big screen at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Just in case anyone forgot who put that amazing day together!
Barb's Harley Davidson
Barb's Harley Davidson getting some screen time at MGK Big Gig 2023. Always good to see our advertiser friends getting some screen time!
Meineke Car Care
Hey, look there! Another one of our advertiser friends getting some screen time. Meineke Car Care is the place to be for any care issue.
Hutchinson
The trifecta of our advertiser friends making it onto the big screen. A huge thanks to the people at Hutchinson.