After months of intrigue and controversy since Art Bell left his radio show MIDNIGHT IN THE DESERT, he sat down on the GABCAST with BellGab's Michael Vandeven..
Vandeven opened the show with a hope the program will become one you can listen to 20 years from now. He succeeded in that regard. The show is an instant classic in time.
Vandeven's well-paced interview opened with lighter fare--talk of Trump and Sanders. From there it delved deep into the issues that caused Bell to leave his program late 2015 after a series of incidents scared him from the program--incidents well documented by the HORROR REPORT..
THE REGRET
Among the many revelations on the program, the biggest may have been Bell's regret over his initial words the night that a gun shot occurred near him as he walked to his studio before a program. It was that night that Bell took to Facebook to announce he was done radio. Finished. For good. Even Artbell.com posted a 'hangs it up for the last time' posting.. Tonight Bell said he wished he would have thought about those words before saying it. He mentioned he is interested in returning again to radio, but unsure of when to with the 'threat' still being present. Mandeven joked that perhaps Bell should invest in a 'PR GUY' as opposed to his 'go with the gut' style that so many fans have come to either love, hate, or just get used to.
CUMULUS STORM
The overriding tragic nature of Bell's quitting: CUMULUS radio was prepping to pick him up and broadcast MIDNIGHT IN THE DESERT on potentially hundreds of stations. While Bell said he regretted not having a chance for bigger listening audiences, his love of radio would allow him to just go on the internet and just do a show online. Bell said if a deal would have been made with Cumulus, it would only be a 'hand shake' but no purchase. Bell argues that Cumulus would not have owed the show or content. The lament of listeners: Everything people wanted for years, trouncing George Noory and Premiere Radio, was dashed by Bell's sudden quitting.
Bell mentioned being depressed knowing what an amazing show with great audio MIDNIGHT was when he hosted.
HEATHER WADE
Bell defended Heather Wade--the producer of MIDNIGHT who was forced into wearing dual hats and taking over for him when he left. Wade has faced fierce criticism from some, and some acceptance from others. I have personally spoken to Heather Wade. She has faced enormous work and behind the scenes issues concerning MIDNIGHT. Wade says each night that she is keeping the seat warm for Bell. Tonight on the Gabcast, Bell ducked Vandeven's question on when the seat would be filled by Bell again.
A surprise visit or two may occur, but Bell said he does not plan on five nights a week.
Bell said he believes Wade should say, "This is Midnight in the Desert with Heather Wade," and make it her own.
BELLGAB
Art Bell lectured Bellgab posters about their treatment of Wade post Midnight hosting.
Bellgab trolls were also called out.
He did not agree that Bellgab was 'vaguely lovable' as said before. But getting there again.
The past and present
Bell spoke highly of his late wife Ramona.. He called her intelligent, fiery, and a wonderful woman.
Bell called Mel and his hole one of his favorite guests and most credible shows..
Surprisingly no mention was made of Father Malachi Martin..
Bell said his favorite period of time doing a show was the present: Midnight in the Desert..
ON Hoagland
Bell said that Richard Hoagland, despite his argument of the case, is not carrying the network. He said Heather Wade is.
On death
Bell said he hopes there is a heaven and not a hell. He said, 'I'll know sooner than later.'
