Art Bell

[Ms. C]

So this isn't just another weekend drama thing that will be resolved Monday when Art is back. I'm an incorrigible optimist and still hoping we hear Art again soon. Heather did great and given the chance will get better but there is Art Bell then there is everyone else

Art has made the nights brighter. And I have enjoyed this community as much as the shows. *sigh* Back to U7, YouTube and archives

Thanks Art. I certainly enjoyed the ride. Wish it could have gone on. And I'll continue to hope we hear you again soon
.

I am remaining optimistic also!  Perhaps Heather is filling the seat until Art is able to return.  And for someone who was thrown into that seat yesterday, there wasn't much time to  prep for the show or integrate her own feelings ... she did fantastic!!! 

[dan7800]

I am remaining optimistic also!  Perhaps Heather is filling the seat until Art is able to return.  And for someone who was thrown into seat yesterday, not much time to show prep for or integrate her own feelings ... she did fantastic!!!

I think Heather did very well. Unfortunately, the quality of the show is largely dictated by the quality of the guest.

Can Heather (who doesn't go by the name Art Bell) pull in enough good guests?

[nooryisawesome]

I am remaining optimistic also!  Perhaps Heather is filling the seat until Art is able to return.  And for someone who was thrown into that seat yesterday, there wasn't much time to  prep for the show or integrate her own feelings ... she did fantastic!!!

Go get em Heather. Maybe she and Steve Warner can work something out. I think he could help her in someways maybe fill in.

[K_Dubb]

I figured Art would retire eventually, but one of the best things about Art's return on Keith's network was the anticipation that he could cultivate a successor who'd keep things going as an alternative to Snorry.  Rotating tryouts, guest-hosting, weekends, all under Art's tutelage.

As much as I sympathize with Art's reasons I wish he'd figure out a way to exit without throwing the board up in the air and scattering all the pieces.  Months, years from now, when the details of this episode have faded, it just fits too well with the cynical narrative some of you people have been pushing.

[TigerLily]

Go get em Heather. Maybe she and Steve Warner can work something out. I think he could help her in someways maybe fill in.

That would be a great team. Together or alternating. I plan to keep listening for the time being. Mostly in hopes Art pops in from time to time

[SixWeekTenure(tm)]

It wasn't the bad guest last night or an inexperienced host, the misstep was not dedicating the full show to talking about Art's announcement which was on everyone's mind. Anyone with a sense of audience would know a sorry mobile connection and Art calling in after the awkward stretch for time before the break was the opportunity to switch it up, yet TimeHick was with us until the third hour. The affiliates are dropping the show, Time Traveler subscriptions cancelled, and advertisers signed up to be attached to a new AB project, not an unknown, so they'll be leaving in droves too. I can't imagine how Keith can keep DMDN in operation without Art around.

[IcicleTrepan]

The only real (constructive) criticism I have about Heather's show is the calls.  She is way too polite with them and she needs to cut people at the end before it starts taking up too much time.  I don't fault her though because it probably takes a while to learn how to actually do it.  It's easy to point it out while listening, especially after listening to Art because he was so good at that.  I think she probably could have fit in a few more calls that way.  I am confident in her abilities though and I think she will figure it out.

She's not Art.  Maybe she'll never be as good as Art, maybe she'll be better.  The thing of it is, when it comes to this type of radio, the options are somewhat limited and so instead of comparing her to Art who is now gone, compare her to the others that are her contemporaries.  How'd she do compared to Noory?  I think she did just fine.

I could tell she was very nervous at the beginning but as it went on she was improving.  It was unfortunate that her first night the guest had technical problems but she handled it well and I imagine not much worse could happen during a show.  The important thing was there was no dead air.  I'm hoping she'll gain some confidence because it was one of those worst case scenario type of situations and she came out of it just fine.  I bet she was stressed as hell though lol

Some people were upset that Art was only on a short time with her but I am glad he didn't stay for longer.  As much as I love Art, Heather was the host and she needs to take the reigns and stand on her own.  Having Art with her the whole time would have delayed her learning the ropes.

She just needs more time to get used to the role and develop the confidence required (also comes with time) and she will be fine.

[PaulAtreides]

it just fits too well with the cynical narrative some of you people have been pushing.

Seems to me Art has used the same MO when leaving Coast, Sirius and MITD.  Tease, tease, good-bye.

[SredniVashtar]

She just needs more time to get used to the role and develop the confidence required (also comes with time) and she will be fine.

But what is your faith based on? Do we have such a low opinion of broadcasters now that we think anyone can walk in off the street and sit in front of a mic and do a show? Lots of people do podcasts - most of them horrible - but that's not the same thing as hosting a show that lots of different people will be listening to. It's the triumph of hope over experience to expect much from her, since she has never done this before. To expect her to 'pick it up' given time makes no sense to me at all. Do we give her a chance because she really really wants to do it? Is that all that's required now? I can't think of any equivalent area of life where someone can say 'fuck it, you have a go' and we are expected to take this seriously. That's no slight on Heather, rather the position she has been placed in.

[VtaGeezer]

I figured Art would retire eventually, but one of the best things about Art's return on Keith's network was the anticipation that he could cultivate a successor who'd keep things going as an alternative to Snorry.  Rotating tryouts, guest-hosting, weekends, all under Art's tutelage.

As much as I sympathize with Art's reasons I wish he'd figure out a way to exit without throwing the board up in the air and scattering all the pieces.  Months, years from now, when the details of this episode have faded, it just fits too well with the cynical narrative some of you people have been pushing.

Radio is about voice and nuance, Heather didn't show me either.  She sounds just like Connie Willis without the buzz.  DM has alternates with excellent on-air presence and familiarity with the material. The worst thing Rowland could do would be to turn MITD over to an apprentice.  I was impressed with Bryan Alvarez on Sundays.  He's pretty sharp, knows his way around the weird stuff and sounds like a pro. Ex-pro wrestler. There are others I've heard at odd times on DM but don't know their names. Not to mention that Heather's line up of guests for Bell as his producer left much to be desired IMO.

Many long time Bell listeners realized that anyone who attributes anything but a great skill in front of a mic to Art Bell is setting themselves up for disappointment or disillusionment.

[VtaGeezer]

Seems to me Art has used the same MO when leaving Coast, Sirius and MITD.  Tease, tease, good-bye.

+1.  But this was the most drama-laden.

[Oculary]

I 100% disagree. Many shows were excellent, many not so good. Many of the old shows were crap. The quality was there and the quality of the callers was coming back.

Right? It was still vastly better than anything currently available in the genre. Nitpicking show quality is douchebaggery in a case like this. Show me who's better before you complain about this show not being up to your "Old Art" standards. I'm grateful for the shows we got.

[Soylentblue]

How many times has he quit before or threatened to?

But he is hanging em up for good this time? Uh huh.

[Spinner]

Well by now I am sure you all know I have thrown in the towel yet again. This time it was because after this last incident I was still going to go forward with a open line show tonight until my Wife sat me down this Afternoon and said she now thinks we should stop, it turns out my Daughter Asia had been sent to her room as the Police were called and my Wife found her shaking in the dark scared to death. People I am sure will say all sorts of things as usual but when my Wife said enough and told me our Daughter was in trauma over this last incident it kind of sank in that I have more to think about then myself and what people may say. As the Police came they did so of course with lights and sirens, about three or four Patrol cars I think and Asia did not know if I was alive or dead, too much for a 8 Year old and Mom.

So I want to thank all the Bell Gab members who have helped in so many ways getting this show off the ground, my heart will always be with you in every way. So many have helped and even been involved like Ross, what a great guy. Heather who will now get a shot at least and I hope you will all throw your support to her.

I may do a show every now and then with no regular dates which might throw off what ever nut job has been doing this. At least I had a shot at what I love for some Month's. Again a special thanks to everybody on this special place.

Art

Thank you, Art, for all the years of great radio listening. I can only hope that someday you are able to return and create some more radio magic. 
Until then, stay safe and be happy.

[K_Dubb]

Art doesn't owe anybody anything. At worst, he has come back and done a lot of shows that we would not previously have had. He could have said, 'sorry, 5 months is enough' and walked away, and I wouldn't have criticised him for it.

While I agree he owes us nothing, the kind of person who feels compelled to routinely demonstrate that fact should probably be living on a remote compound in the desert somewhere, and is probably not somebody whose company you should get used to.

[VtaGeezer]

How many times has he quit before or threatened to?

But he is hanging em up for good this time? Uh huh.

In the old days, Bell had alternate hosts for weekends; Rollie James, Hillye Rose, others.  They stepped in and carried the show while Bell was "recovering" from his latest drama; sometimes for months.  The only time Bell had a planned replacement was when he sold out to PremRad and stuck us with Noory; of whom he said that the show would be in good hands because "...he gets it".

[Mr.Squirrel]

 I've been listening since the early 90's and the difference in guest selection and pacing is like night and day. To me most of the shows sucked and I listened out of loyalty and I just missed his voice. But what happened last night was so unprofessional and just awkward that I'm done. Oh by the way there is no such thing as time travel it's bullshit, no Bigfoot or shadow people ect ect. I'm done, glad I didn't waste my money on a subscription, you already fucked my over on that one with Sirius. Thanks for that Art.

Should have just dropped in John B Wells and I would have been fine.

[Dr. MD MD]

I am remaining optimistic also!  Perhaps Heather is filling the seat until Art is able to return.  And for someone who was thrown into that seat yesterday, there wasn't much time to  prep for the show or integrate her own feelings ... she did fantastic!!!

Sigh...it's too early for hyperbole 

[VtaGeezer]

OTOH, maybe it was his way to split back to Manila before President Trump puts his family on a FEMA train.

[BellBoy]

Art doesn't owe anybody anything. At worst, he has come back and done a lot of shows that we would not previously have had. He could have said, 'sorry, 5 months is enough' and walked away, and I wouldn't have criticised him for it. The main reason I have misgivings is the number of false steps he has made over the last months, both prior to and during the new show, and it all adds up to a feeling that this was one gig too far and he should have stayed retired. That happens in many walks of life: people just go on a bit too long, although their fans are reluctant to admit it.

The build-up to the show was fraught with all sorts of issues, ranging from the bumper music to the fight with Keith. He also didn't seem to have any idea of the new media landscape and thought that we could simply get the word out and it would all fall into place like magic. I don't think the website was ever geared to a long-term tenure either: it was very basic and had little functionality. He really needed someone else to come in and improve it, but we all know that he was virtually wedded to Keith and wouldn't have considered anyone else. This all created a homespun air to the enterprise that made it feel very short-term to me.

The show itself was also quite disappointing. Few of the guests challenged the great shows of the past, for example, and it felt too often like someone trying to recapture old glories and not quite getting there. It was all very competent but the magic was lost. It was also too short: the show was unbalanced at three hours and you missed the old first hour where he would discuss the news. The callers were also very poor. That is not his fault, of course, but his obsession with audio meant that he seemed to privilege those with decent call quality over anyone else. The fact that scratchy call quality actually helps the kind of show he does was lost on him. I felt that he had been too long out of the game and had forgotten what made him great in the first place.

Finally, he made some very odd decisions over the last months. That business of the 'announcement' was a case in point. It was a minor bit of housekeeping that could have been taken care of in a few seconds, yet he saw fit to tease his subscribers  for several days over a detail that affected nobody. It was as pointless as it was bizarre. I don't know the details behind that harassing of RCH a few weeks ago. It was hinted at that Art was behind it. If so, that's disgraceful. RCH might be a dick, but that kind of passive aggressive stuff shows Art in a very bad light, if true. How on earth he could have countenanced Leo Ashcraft as his newsreader is truly mind-blowing. To stomach that idiot's bumbling for several months still makes me shake my head, and it felt like Art did not care all that much, and that he was a perfectionist no longer. His drafting in of Heather is another example: I am sure she is a fine person, but she has no track record and it is unfair on her to expect anything but mediocrity. Even an experienced pro would struggle to follow Art.

The fact is, he doesn't really enjoy doing the show on a regular basis, and hasn't since he 'retired' the first time. Every so often he gets twitchy and wants to come out and do it again, then he gets bored once more and goes away. Would Art really have said 'fuck it, I'm off!' twenty years ago when he was building the show? No. Why doesn't he say the show is on temporary hiatus while things get sorted out? After all, if the stalker is apprehended tomorrow, that means he can come back on Monday, right? I don't think so. This business of doing a few shows here and there is what suggests to me that he really had grown bored of it and wanted out, but liked to have the option to come back every so often.

I don't think people are really entitled to feel 'let down' by Art, because we all know what he is like, or should do. I will always be a big fan of his earlier stuff, but it's hard to keep that going over a long period and it eventually catches up with you, as it did with Stern and Phil Hendrie. I think it is possible to be critical of Art while having respect for him. In this instance, he just went on a bit too long; but thanks, Art, for coming back and having another go.

Yep, you nailed it here SV, 100%

Beyond that, all I can say is... Fuck fuck fuck fuck!!

[bobo17]

My two cents

Art Bell owes no one anything and thanks Art for all the great radio over the years!

Heather is horrible, no sexy voice is going to save her.  Its almost as bad as listening to the Bell gab broadcast full of bumbling idiots, swearing for shock value, talking over top of each other, all trying to kiss Art's ass.

I'm done with Dark Matter and will happily retire to the Ultimate Art Bell, best of etc. to get my Bell fix.

Advice to Heather - forget it, you don't have the radio magic and you will never get it.
You said who would turn Art Bell down when he asks to fill in?.  Answer anyone with a brain that knows you can't possibly replace Art and more importantly you know you are not capable of hosting a radio show.

Bye Bellgab world

[Faustina]

Go get em Heather. Maybe she and Steve Warner can work something out. I think he could help her in someways maybe fill in.

I still think MITD could continue with Heather and Steve Warner as rotating hosts and Art putting in an occasional surprise appearance.

[dan7800]

Advice to Heather - forget it, you don't have the radio magic and you will never get it.

After ONE show?

It turn Dave YEARS to become the well oiled machine that he is today.

[whoozit]

All of the idiots contacting the Nye County Sheriff Department are the same sort of assholes who dial 911 when their drive-thru order is messed up or if mom asks them to please clean up their room in the basement.  Whether you believe him or not, the existence or non-existence of these reports won't change your opinion.  It is my hope that these fools will get a visit from their local constabulary to question them on their whereabouts during the incidents.  The visit will be quick and a reminder that ass-hattery has consequences.  I know this won't stop people from their rampant speculation.  I don't want it to, I'm eating some popcorn and watching the show.

I'll leave you with the wisdom of Bill Murray as Jack Tripper in Meatballs; "It just doesn't matter."

[Ciardelo]

All of the idiots contacting the Nye County Sherrif Department are the same sort of assholes who dial 911 when their drive-thru order is messed up or if mom asks them to please clean up their room in the basement.  Whether you believe him or not, the existence or non-existence of these reports won't change your opinion.  It is my hope that these fools will get a visit from their local constabulary to question them on there whereabouts during the incidents.  The visit will be quick and a reminder that ass-hattery has consequences.  I know this won't stop people from their rampant speculation.  I don't want it to, I'm eating some popcorn and watching the show.

I'll leave you with the wisdom of Bill Murray as Jack Tripper in Meatballs; "It just doesn't matter."

language sir! besides, I think that's illegal in this here county!

[norland2424]

All of the idiots contacting the Nye County Sheriff Department are the same sort of assholes who dial 911 when their drive-thru order is messed up or if mom asks them to please clean up their room in the basement.  Whether you believe him or not, the existence or non-existence of these reports won't change your opinion.  It is my hope that these fools will get a visit from their local constabulary to question them on there whereabouts during the incidents.  The visit will be quick and a reminder that ass-hattery has consequences.  I know this won't stop people from their rampant speculation.  I don't want it to, I'm eating some popcorn and watching the show.

I'll leave you with the wisdom of Bill Murray as Jack Tripper in Meatballs; "It just doesn't matter."

hell not even that but we all have to be serious here in the fact that yes Art is famous, but hes not like obama famous were anyone would know who he is.

[NoMoreNoory]

Art is such a prominent citizen of Pahrump (pop. 36,000 and change) that he even merits his own paragraph on its Wiki page. I have been to the Pahrump Valley Times and KPVM-TV ("Pahrump's number one news source") to seek details of the local hero being stalked and shot at by a deranged gunman. Nothing. How so?

[phrodo]

I'm concerned for Asia... since Art quit again -- how is she ever going to get that new lunch box she needs?

[Yorkshire pud]

Art is such a prominent citizen of Pahrump (pop. 36,000 and change) that he even merits his own paragraph on its Wiki page. I have been to the Pahrump Valley Times and KPVM-TV ("Pahrump's number one news source") to seek details of the local hero being stalked and shot at by a deranged gunman. Nothing. How so?

Take a wild guess.

[jalix1]

I very rarely contributed to the posting on this site, however, be as it may, Art Bell MITD is gone. Its over. I've listened to Art since the mid 90's and enjoyed most of his shows. That being said, it didn't take a professional broadcaster to notice the lackluster direction MITD was taking. As the show progressed, I found myself switching to other podcasts that seem to up the ante a bit. I don't know or even care what caused AB to retire again, but its his decision and we are bound by it. There are several other podcast shows  ( not C2C ) that can fullfill the need for this type of show. It was fun while it lasted.