Don't Bump the Record, Kid: My Adventures with Mark and Brian

Right now at 68 years old and living outside of LA I grew up waking up to radio. My first radio team was Lohman and Barkley but they eventually left and I needed a new team to fill the hole. Mark and Brian filled my inner need for comedy radio and this tome from Mark Thompson brings back all the great memories. It's an honest look at his life and he doesn't hold back sharing his successes but also is up front with introspection about his weaknesses and failures. For those of us who listened the entire time they were on KLOS it is an nice visit back in time. My only beef is in the acknowledgement section he fails to mention Frank Sontag who not only had his own program but was a great personality on their show. Perhaps Frank's conversion to Christianity left a sour taste in Mark's mouth but I hope it's only a mistaken omission. Otherwise it's a very good read.

I was a long-time listener. Mark and Brian were my commute partners and entertainment. I loved their skits, events, and nostalgia. I loved hearing the new musical talent (Matchobox Twenty, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and more). And, I loved the Christmas shows! (And, I miss those the most!)I was shocked and saddened when they went off the air. They were lightning in a bottle, right time and right place, and my commute became quiet and less enjoyable.I thank Mark and Brian for all of the laughs and memories and especially the companionship and entertainment. I wish them both happiness in the remaining journey of their lives. And as much as I'd like to sit down and have a cigar with Mark, I'll just sit on my back patio at sunset with a cigar, knowing that he's on his back patio doing the same, and I'll spend that time enjoying the beauty that was The Mark and Brian show on KLOS. Hooty-Hoo! Cheers Mark and Brian!

Interesting look into radio life By Mark Thompson. If you were a fan of the show, you want to read this.

I just got in to reading as a pastime. I started with classic books, Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island etc. and saw a newspaper article about this book. I loved Mark and Brian on KLOS Radio for years. As I read this book I found myself hearing Mark as I read. It was just like listening to him again. It’s written as he speaks. It’s not a tell all but gives a behind the scenes kind of a perspective. As he mentioned people from the show, it brought me back in time. I had forgotten about Todd Donahue! For me it was a page turner and I loved it. I’m going to buy the audio version just to hear him read it to me. I’m going to make him work for it damn it!

Mr. Thompson candidly lets us in to see his highs and his lows. It is amazing and truly brave for him to share his demons, as those of us who were mere spectators had no idea of the struggles he faced. Thank you for shedding light and helping us understand why you left, and reminding us about what should be truly important.

Mark Thompson is a wonderful human being…..and this is a great book. If you were ever a fan of Mark and Brian, you owe it to yourself to read it….it brought back so many great memories of the late 80s and early 90s in Los Angeles. Mark shares so many good times from his days at KLOS…and he shares a lot of the pain that he suffered through during the latter years of their tenure here. I haven’t read a lot of books where the author puts his whole heart on his sleeve, but Mark does it here…great job, Mark and a Hooty Hoo to you!

Very funny,and touching,good read.

Yes, there oft-heard stories about bits, gags, skits, personalities, the Polo Lounge.But there is also the story of a guy who was offered a partner after years of working alone. Who took it and found a way to mesh with a stranger and synergistically created a creative force that was larger that either of them could have created on his own. Who got a shot at the 2nd-largest radio market in the country and became the market leader, brushing aside much more known names. Who didn't accurately read the threat from Howard Stern. Was tempted by NBC in what turned out to be a bait-and-switch.This is the story of a guy who managed to hide his inner struggles from his loyal listeners, who considered him a friend. As a long-time listener, from '92 to the last day, I only started sensing some tension from Mark toward the end, but it was there much longer.The Mark Thompson who wrote this book is much smarter that the doofus who dipped himself in chocolate and let the listeners thrown jimmies at him.