Think Tank discusses ‘WBCN and The American Revolution’

This is a repeat episode.

We all need a break from the endless (though important) discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, this week, we take a look back at the incredible true story of how, once upon a time, a radio station, politics, and rock and roll changed everything.

“WBCN and The American Revolution” is an award-winning, feature documentary that tells the previously untold story of the early days of the underground, radical Boston radio station, WBCN-FM, set against the dazzling and profound social, political, and cultural changes starting in the late 1960s.

The production is directed by Peabody Award-winning journalist Bill Lichtenstein, who began working at the radio station at 14 in 1970. Bill is our guest on this week’s Think Tank.

He tells the story, not only about that era, but how he went about creating the documentary.

The story is told through the extraordinary history of WBCN, which in its early days called itself, “The American Revolution,” and the personal and political journeys of a compelling cast of characters who connect and intersect through the radio station and exploding music and counterculture scenes, militant anti-war activism, civil rights struggles, and the emerging women’s and gay liberation movements.

Women deejays? Openly gay people? These were entirely new concepts. One reviewer called the film, “possibly the first film to tell the true story of the 1960s.”

The film includes first-person accounts from the station’s staff and newly filmed and archival material featuring the leading political, social, and musical figures of the day, who crossed paths with the radio station, including Noam Chomsky, David Bowie, Abbie Hoffman, Jane Fonda, Jerry Garcia and Duane Allman, Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen (in his first radio interview), and Patti Smith, performing with her band in her first live radio broadcast.

For a taste, take a look at the film’s theatrical trailer.

To look at the film’s publicity flyer or register to view the film and a live discussion with the film’s mastermind, Bill Lichtenstein and Phoenix journalist Steve Krafft, click here.

This will get you a week from the time you start to view the film and access to the live virtual discussion on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

The Think Tank airs on KTAR 92.3 FM on Saturday 3-4 p.m. and Sunday 9-10 p.m.

Podcasts are available after broadcast.