Song of the Day 10/30: Beru Revue, “Hoods a Go-Go”

Not many DJs get obituaries in Rolling Stone, but Pierre Robert, the midday voice for WMMR in Philadelphia for four decades, did. The 70-year-old Deadhead went to sleep Tuesday night and never woke up, so he never got to say goodbye to his loyal listeners.

Robert’s gentle voice and manner belied his knowledge, and he respected all bands and artists, regardless of genre. But he had a particular soft spot for the Grateful Dead, and the station played “Box of Rain” when it announced his death. Naturally, all the many obits and appreciations mention the Dead connection, a few noted that he introduced the band at its 50th anniversary concert. (Some fans remember that he was on the air when Jerry Garcia’s death was announced and delivered an impromptu eulogy.)

Robert, though, was passionate about all kinds of music, so passionate that many big-name rock stars live Jon Bon Jovi and the members of The Offspring offered social media tributes. And he was no star-stricken snob. When he saw a local band he liked, he played them with enthusiasm. One of those appreciations I can’t find at the moment named some, including a Philly band I hadn’t thought of in 40 years. Back in the mid-’80s, Pierre Robert loved him some Beru Revue.

“Beru” was lead singer Bob McCafferty, derived from a childhood nickname. “Revue” was the apt term for the band’s theatrical stage show. McCafferty and guitarist Greg “T-Bone” Davies started the band in 1981. They gradually downplayed the props, costumes and dancing after Steve Mountain, manager of the Hooters, took them on and told them to concentrate on the music.

They did, but without the stage show they were just another New Wave-ish bar band. Only one record got much radio play. Pierre Robert gave “Hoods a Go-Go” more than a few spins, so this one’s for him.