Interview with Joe Johnson- #1 Fan and Radio Music Host
Without a doubt, one of the best parts of the Flower Power Cruise is being transported back to a time where peace and love were the only two things on our daily to-do lists. And there is no better guide to take us there than the wildly popular DJ Joe Johnson. As the Radio Music Host of the Flower Power Cruise, Joe gets the superstars to share stories with our guests that they’ve never revealed before, takes fans behind the songs and gets the good times rolling. We spoke with Joe last week about what he has planned for the 2017 Flower Power Cruise, what he loved about the first cruise and how he’s pretty sure that he’s the biggest fan onboard.
“I’ve played the music of these artists on the radio for more than 30 years, both in South Florida and for Westwood One (Joe’s Beatle Brunch show can be heard on over 100 stations throughout the country via Westwood One/Compass Media),” Joe begins, “and what I truly love is getting the stories from the artists –it’s really great to get their perspective.” Luckily for fans aboard the Flower Power Cruise, Joe’s ability to coax stories out of the stars uncovers new and fascinating moments in pop culture history right before their very eyes. “When I asked Gary [Peterson of The Guess Who] what ‘American Woman’ was about, he surprised me by saying it was inspired by the Statue of Liberty. It’s just a really, really great experience to hear them tell stories like this about the songs.” “And I love to look at the audience when the artists give their answers,” he continues, “because I love to see their responses. I’m asking as a fan, too, and a lot of times I’m as surprised as the audience is. It’s exciting for me.”
And that’s just one of many moments on the ship that Joe, the fan, happily gushes about. “The great thing about the Flower Power Cruise is when these events take place, the artists mingle and take pictures,” he says excitedly. “It’s just so great as a fan to have this intimate relationship with them while you’re on the cruise. You’ll be at the buffet line and be behind Gary Puckett. The artists hang out and take pictures, have a cocktail by the pool. Anywhere else, you’d go to a concert and pay $150 to watch it on a Jumbotron, but on the Flower Power Cruise you see them walk off the stage and they’ll stop and take a selfie with you. Plus they come to other events. One of the most fun things I did when I first got onboard was watch Mark Lindsay (formerly of Paul Revere & The Raiders) perform a renewal of vows ceremony. People were really moved by it.”
Truth be told, Joe knew he was in for something special before he even boarded the ship. “The moment I realized this was about to be an experience like no other was when we were about to board the cruise ship. All the stars were there, some were playing guitar, some were just hanging out. And then we took this giant group picture and it’s really neat because it’s almost like the cover of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.’ And I remember thinking, ‘wow, these people are really going to do this.’ I couldn’t stop smiling. That was my first twenty minutes. We weren’t even on the ship yet!”
Joe the fan is also front and center when it comes to the concerts. “I have to say that on the 2016 Flower Power Cruise, The Family Stone blew my mind,” he marvels. “They were so good that the second show was moved out by the pool at 11pm so that they’d have an even bigger space.” On the 2017 voyage, he’s already picked out a few must-see concerts, including The Zombies and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees. “All of the artists are so great, but I just had the chance to see and interview The Zombies and I’m looking forward to interacting with them again. Micky and The Monkees have just released a 50th anniversary album so I’m sure he’ll play some songs from it.”
Another reason to celebrate? “What’s especially cool about the new Flower Power Cruise is that it sails right before the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love,” Joe points out. “Being on the cruise with the artists and the music and the whole culture that takes you back to that time will be especially meaningful.”
So what should travelers pack for this very special Summer of Love celebration? “I would say definitely don’t bring a tuxedo,” laughs Joe. “Bring rock ‘n roll clothes, ‘60s-era clothes, a tambourine, a wig, some beads, a coat that looks cool. I was really surprised to see how many people were dressed up in their ‘60s outfits and how many were dressed like that the entire trip. There were even four friends who dressed as The Beatles. They were so great! And bring something that helps you reconnect, like a ticket stub or an album cover. I think the artists love seeing them.”
But ultimately, Joe insists it’s what’s packed away in your hearts and memories that will make the Flower Power Cruise the trip of a lifetime. “Even before you get there, you know what the vibe will be and that everybody’s going to be laid back and people will be hugging and singing along. It’s going to be a really neat experience. I’m so lucky to be a part of it.”