Wheels for Meals: The Story Behind the Music

Yeah, so WLLZ-FM (now a defunct radio station) sponsored DJ Bob Bauer's high profile stint as the guy who collected a truck trailer full of canned food at Christmas. The trailer was draped with a WLLZ sign and parked at 13 Mile and Woodward. Bob camped in a trailer that was also parked in the lot. He stayed there day and night until the goal was met. This started in the 80's and Bob's still doing it for another radio station. [As Bob moved to different stations, the name became 'Meals on Wheels' and later 'Marathon for Meals.']

The Wheels for Meals concert was supposed to lend a live performance element that would compliment the Bauer gig. I met with WLLZ promotions director Mike Isabella who loved the idea and promised to help. The Caruso brothers liked the possibilities because it meant that WLLZ would mention our name and maybe even play our music. I liked it because it offered lots of opportunities for networking.

We chose to hold the event at an east-side rock club called The Ritz. We were involved with the concert for two consecutive years. Everyone wanted to be involved and the goodwill was flowing freely.

Promoting the event was easy because the cause was so pure. Indeed, Bob actually put the Carusos on the air when we visited the trailer to plug the event. We told of how the event came to be and then sang an a capella version of the Barbershop song.

Rob and Mike Caruso

The first year was the best. The spirit was right, politics and personality issues had yet to get a foothold. About eight bands were invited to participate and all of them said, "yes."

We got a PA and lights donated and used some common stage gear to keep the turnaround quick. With Mike's help, I arranged for some celebrity emcees to introduce the acts. The Free Press' Robin Abcarian (now with the LA Times) and Neal Rubin (now with the Detroit News) were involved. Television news anchors Rich Fisher and Jim Madues (sp) came down. All the WLLZ jocks were there.

At the end of premier concert, the various bands came together on stage for a version of Bob Geldof's, "Feed the World." I thought that the concept was really cool, but one of the brothers suggested it was hokey, which was kind of a damper. The Wheels for Meals experience was a Detroit highlight in my musical career and taught me the value of doing charity work.


Graham Strachan of Robb Roy	Mike Kudrieko of Robb Roy	Jay of Robb Roy

"Dec 14, 1989

Mike, Joe, Rob and Allen [Liggett]:

I just wanted to let you know that I think what you did with WLLZ was really wonderful. In a profession where most could give a damn about anyone else but themselves, you shine above. I was at the Ritz and it was a terrific night. Granted, not all the bands were to my taste. They were, however very good at what they do. And they all selflessly gave up a night's worth of pay for the cause.

I was very happy to hear that the event was a great success, not only for the Ritz, but for WLLZ as well. For me, the very best part of the evening was when you all got up and sang 'Do They Know It's Christmas.' It made staying late worthwhile. I was deeply touched.

I would like to wish all four of you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas. I hope 1990 will be an exciting and prosperous year for you. Take care and God bless."

--Rose Cline