It’s no secret that Pittsburghers like to “rock ah’t.” Like normal people, they listen to the power players of rock, like Zeppelin and the Stones. Beyond that, Pittsburghers lack any musical discretion (despite a hatred for hip-hop).
Pittsburgh’s classic rock station, 102.5 FM, is an excellent example of this. Among the most requested songs are White Wedding, Wanted Dead or Alive, anything by Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Styx’s Renegade. Pittsburghers like any music that is void of meaning or that can be played at a sporting event (i.e. Takin’ Care of Business).
It would not be uncommon to hear the following:
Radio Caller: Hey Shelly. I’m workin’ dahn here on da turnpike. Wonderin’ if yud play Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road for me. It goes ah’t to all my buddies at Saigon.
(Note: every Pittsburgher construction worker has Copperhead Road on their Top 5)
Pittsburghers aren’t entirely brawn, bruises, and beer; they also like having a soft side:
Radio Caller: Hey, I’m tryin’ to hear GnR’s November Rain or Speedwagon’s Keep On Lovin’ You. Your pick. I trust ya, Shelly. It’s my 25th anniversary today. Love ya, Maria!
Since 2004, it’s acceptable for Pittsburghers to like U2. Pittsburgh recieved backlash from Hurricane Ivan and surrounding areas were flooded causing the city to throw Flood Aid. Consequently, Pittsburghers now appreciate Bono’s humanitarian work. What was “Who’s that jagoff with da sun shades?” is now “Man, flood work is hard. Imagine if we flooded with HIV. I respect that guy.”
Also on the bill for Flood Aid was Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers. This band is not only liked, but adored by Pittsburghers. Grushecky’s biggest musical accomplishment, outside of county fairs, is being good friends with Bruce Springsteen. Thus, Pittsburghers like Bruce Spingsteen (regardless of his song Streets of Philadelphia).
Pittsburghers like drinking what they hear. One way to a Pittsburgher’s heart is to play a song about booze on a bar’s jukebox. You may use (but are not not limited to): Thorogood’s One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer, ACDC’s Have a Drink on Me, or Kiss’s Cold Gin. With this potential setlist, you will achieve honorary Pittsburgher status.
(Note: Margaritaville or Tequila Sunrise may be played at deck parties.)
ajgrieco
