Behind the Scenes with 2 Guys Named Chris: A Morning on Greensboro Radio
From Richmond to Greensboro: A Lifelong Friendship
Recently, I spent a morning down in Greensboro, sitting in with Rock 92’s morning show - 2 Guys Named Chris.
One of those guys - Chris Demm has been one of my oldest and best friends. From first grade we have been a part of each other’s lives. From vacations, to seeing bands in downtown Richmond in the 80’s, to cross country trips. He was best man at my first wedding, and even married my current wife and me. He is the guy who gets every obscure movie quote or reference, and the one I turn to for all things music. We are adults together, hell, we are old guys together and still the goofball children inside.
The Magic of Morning Radio: 2 Guys Named Chris
Chris is moving into a well-earned retirement. He has been in radio his entire life, has done nothing else; which is impressive beyond measure. For the last 27 years he and his radio partner Chris Kelly, have been the voice of Greensboro’s morning commute. I was a listener once I finally discovered their online app. Every morning, from the east coast to the west coast, I listened to them over my coffee. He is a celebrity in the central North Carolina region - and everywhere they are syndicated for that matter. More importantly, he has managed it with grace, humor and professionalism. The outpouring of tributes, well wishes and kind words coming in over the last couple of weeks has been gratifying, and probably a little overwhelming to him.
So it was that one morning, at the absolutely ungodly hour of 4AM I arrived at the station and hovered in the background as they did show prep and then sat in the corner of the studio during their show - which starts at 6AM.
They are both, of course, consummate professionals. As such, they made it look easy. Breezing through silly stories, commenting on sports and numerous oddball stories culled from the news; they engaged and showed just why they are an institution.
Watching the flow of the show,, I was reminded of why I love what I do—capturing those fleeting, professional moments that define a career.
The "Put Up or Shut Up" Legend
Around 8:20, Chris steps out of the studio for the daily Put Up or Shut Up music trivia contest. 10 questions in 2 minutes that Kelly puts together. A caller gets the questions and then Chris steps back in and to field the same 10. His win record is beyond impressive and to beat him - which very, very few have done, is a point of real pride.
They wrapped it up and I drove through tornados back to RVA. I felt proud to be able to share this experience with him, at this life moment. Exceptionally few people get to leave radio on their terms, and on top. I know this time will be emotional and scary for him, but he should (and does) take pride in what he has done with his life. Not many are able to make that claim.
Be well Chris, and thanks for the years of entertainment!
West Coast Bob
