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Runaway Radio

Play trailer 1:56 Poster for Runaway Radio 2023 1h 23m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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In the pre-digital age, radio entertained, informed and dictated what was cool through theater of the mind. Acclaimed musicians such as Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, Melissa Etheridge and Sammy Hagar along with top radio DJs from across the US reflect on how the medium changed their lives and the lives of devoted listeners. "Runaway Radio" focuses on Houston's 101 KLOL -- starting in 1970 as a progressive radio station, where DJs played whatever they wanted, to how it evolved into one of several wild Album Oriented Rock (AOR) stations across the country, where on-air personalities were sometimes bigger than the music itself! But in the end, changes and pressures from Washington, the music industry and Silicon Valley led to the station's, and much of the format's, demise in the 2000s.
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Runaway Radio

Critics Reviews

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Michelle Swope Elements of Madness Runaway Radio is a highly enjoyable, nostalgic look back at the history of the wildly popular radio station KLOL, as well as the metamorphosis of the radio industry and rock and roll music. Rated: 3.5/5 Apr 3, 2024 Full Review Bradley Gibson Film Threat If you remember AOR from the 1970s, Runaway Radio will fill your heart with bittersweet memories of the wild, hairy days of rock radio. Rated: 8/10 Mar 20, 2024 Full Review Joe Friar Fort Worth Report If you grew up listening to KLOL, the documentary will surely bring back some cherished memories. But if you’re not familiar with the station, you’ll still get valuable insight into the inner workings of radio broadcasting. A must-see for rock fans. Rated: 3/4 Feb 28, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Linda B Watching the documentary debut in Houston was an awesome event. Having lived in the area since the early 70's it was a true walk down memory lane, as many of the great clips from KLOL are included. The interviews with Dusty Hill, Lyle Lovett, Melissa Etheridge and all the great radio personalities are a blast. The entire audience was engaged. I haven't heard as much laughter from a big crowd in a long time. The 83 minutes flew past and left us wishing for a lot more! You really must see it for yourself to truly appreciate it. Great job, Mike McGuff!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/06/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Runaway Radio

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Cast & Crew

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Mike McGuff

Director

Lyle Lovett

Self

Sammy Hagar

Self

Mike McGuff

Producer

Jeffrey Brown

Producer

Michael Repsch

Executive Producer
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Runaway Radio

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Runaway Radio

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the pre-digital age, radio entertained, informed and dictated what was cool through theater of the mind. Acclaimed musicians such as Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, Melissa Etheridge and Sammy Hagar along with top radio DJs from across the US reflect on how the medium changed their lives and the lives of devoted listeners. "Runaway Radio" focuses on Houston's 101 KLOL -- starting in 1970 as a progressive radio station, where DJs played whatever they wanted, to how it evolved into one of several wild Album Oriented Rock (AOR) stations across the country, where on-air personalities were sometimes bigger than the music itself! But in the end, changes and pressures from Washington, the music industry and Silicon Valley led to the station's, and much of the format's, demise in the 2000s.
Director
Mike McGuff
Producer
Mike McGuff, Jeffrey Brown
Distributor
Dark Star Pictures
Production Co
Big Day Pictures, Silver Head Films
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 11, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 27, 2024
Runtime
1h 23m
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