Gene “Bean” Baxter co-hosts mornings at KROQ/Los Angeles. Alternative Contraband put Bean to the 10 X 140 test and his answers to our questions range from his now classic wink-wink sarcasm to KROQ story hilarity, forgetfulness of past events to inspirational advice for young talent. Dig in and share from one of Alternative radio’s treasures!
@altcontraband Q1 Educate our readers on how hard your team works on the show to make you sound so good?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh They would remind you I stand on their shoulders, they lift me to the ceiling and then I get the credit for how high we are
@altcontraband Q2. When’s the last time you wore long pants? And how many times in the past five years have you worn long pants?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh Fewer than five times in the past 20 years, only once in the last five (stupid 20th wedding anniversary in stupid Paris.)
@altcontraband Q3 You’ve had the fortune to grow the show over the years. What advice do u have for air talent to succeed in PPM world?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh Be as authentic as you are comfortable with. Have a point of view. Be consistent. When you can, speak to your passions.
@altcontraband Q4. I’ve bumped into u a few times at Easy Street Records while record shopping. What are your 5 fave new records these days?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh Jack White, Margo & Nuclear So & So’s, Regina Spektor, Harper Blynn, my phone screener’s band Fiction Reform (out soon).
@altcontraband Q5. Many dont’ recall you & Kevin almost got axed early in yr KROQ tenure for an ahem hoax. Care to relive & regale?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh No, no, that was Mark and Brian. Don’t feel bad – a lot of folks get that wrong. Mark and Brian. I heard they killed a guy.
@altcontraband yr lawyers took over yr account 
? Q6. What’s yr. fave Kevin & Bean feature right now? Why?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh “Would You Like To Take That Back?” is where we take audio of failed jokes on the show and give the person chance to recant.
@altcontraband Q7. The show’s pacing and timing is near flawless. How much pre-break orchestration takes place?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh Well, you’ve never heard the show then. No pre-break orchestration really. I think it’s just Vulcan mind meld after 21 years.
@altcontraband 21 years, damn. Q9. Isn’t doing the show gettin in the way of yr goals? Yr twitter handle does say “kroq mornings for now”
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh Ouch, sensitive subject. Don’t know how much time I’ve left at this job, or in life. Hope I have time to do other things too.
@altcontraband forgot Q8. What’s alt. radio doing well these days?
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh The only alternative stations I listen to are those heavy on new music (KEXP, WFMU…) I’m bored with the gold-based ones.
@altcontraband Q10. Best Weenie Roast or acoustic xmas moment for you? Thanks for your time! Continued success to Kevin & Bean!!
KROQ’s Bean@clydetombaugh Still laugh at how mad the Fugees were when we turned the stage on them. Worst was wife’s hair catching fire off Kiss pyro!
And with that, Bean was off to either listen to some Christmas music, feed his livestock or watch the Mariners play some ball. Either way, he’ll be well prepared to wake up Los Angeles tomorrow as part of a now historic morning show for both KROQ and the Alternative format.
You can subscribe to Kevin & Bean’s daily podcast on iTunes itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kevin-bean-show-on-kroq/id260501007
