Yo, Mike!?! What the What????

2/14/2025

Some answers, insight and tentative plans.

Let’s start with the biggest news. Yes, I am sick again and it appears to be Cancer. Not a reboot of Stage 4 Lymphoma. Lung Cancer. This one is all on me as a lifelong smoker. I seek nor deserve any sympathy as I’ve known for at least the last 40 years that this would be the likely outcome. Although I have tried to quit countless times, it is the one vice I have never been able to shake. I bought my first pack of Newports for the modest sum of 35 cents, which was about a nickel more than a gallon of gas when I started driving 4 years later. I am once again prepared to do what I can to survive, but learned a long time ago that one never “battles” cancer, you attempt to hang on and survive the treatment and try to keep a smile on your face. Doctors say it was detected early which is always good.

Needless to say, this is the reason there have been no new shows and I never shared the debut of the new series, “Planting Seeds.” The news came two days before I was going to post it. I am posting it here but it’s not quite finished and there are a few other things that I’ve been working on that will also be posted shortly. Which brings us to the next biggest point. I have pulled all my stuff off Facebook and will not be going back. I left Twitter when it became X and at this point have little interest investigating Blue Sky or whatever it’s called. I still have my own website (https://mikemarrone.com) and have remained on Linked-In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemarrone/) as that has always been work focused. Whatever I have posted already and in the future will always be available free. It will continue to be available through my site and streaming on Mixcloud (https://www.mixcloud.com/marrone/) and Hear This At (https://hearthis.at).

I ask that you spread the word to anyone that may be interested and please post links to my personal site if you are still using FB, X or whatever. I will miss keeping up with old friends and family on FB, but the bullshit and torrent of outright lies, hate and tribalism is something I simply cannot tolerate any longer. I still have the same beliefs and views and am neither Democrat or Republican, but will mostly keep them to myself going forward. I don’t have the extra bandwidth to argue with anyone who still holds fast to racial or gender superiority, when we all have the same blood.

I promise to get back to posting about MUSIC regularly on my site as it can only help. As Bob Marley said, “One good thing about music is when it hits you feel no pain.” One love to all.

Need a playlist go here How about a 24Bit flac file? here

47 Comments

Art Ames

2/14/2025 04:49:00 pm

The times they are a-changin’. Keep on fighting and we’ll spread the word.

Mike

2/14/2025 05:39:03 pm

Thanks for all your support.

Lisa Glomski

2/14/2025 05:18:28 pm

Sending love 💗

2/14/2025 05:39:48 pm

And doubling down to send it right back. Thanks, Lisa.

lisa glomski

2/14/2025 07:52:35 pm

💗🤗

Bill Ross

2/14/2025 05:33:50 pm

Strength to you in your new fight. I hope you regain health and keep fighting. Many of us out here are pulling for you. My best to you and your family.

2/14/2025 05:47:06 pm

Thank you, Bill.

RicoV link

2/14/2025 06:08:06 pm

Mike, You can only imagine the joy that you've brought to us all, over the years. Cancer fucking sucks... I picked up my first cig at 18 while in Air Force basic training, I was cleaning floors and the latrine and the Sarge walked in and said "smoke'em if ya got'em.". Well, I wanted the break, so I bought a pack at the PX for $.25 and never looked back. Past few years have been rough on this body too. Went from taking no meds 2 years ago to 10 different things today. Diagnosed with colon cancer (early stages), thyroid cancer (yanked that sucker out), hypertension (had it most of my life), peripheral artery disease, and to top it off, diabetes. If there's an upside, I've lost nearly 35 pounds, only 20 to go till I'm down to my basic training weight.

I've been a listener of your shows for an awfully long time, and hope to continue to be for a long time coming...

Love from a brother from another mother... Rico

2/14/2025 07:47:42 pm

Dude. I've been on 3 different meds ever since I quit drinking at 50. Only drank beer, but a lot of it and every day. Quit.. Poof, don't miss it. Remember it was only 18 to drink when we grew up. You have a backstage pass to my karma club and I'm not exaggerating that "the coffee cup" is in the highest rotation, every 3 days. It has been in current hits since I got it. Do what you can and try to find at least a 2 second smile daily.

Judy DePalma

2/14/2025 06:38:42 pm

You got this - no that's not right. Keep on fighting - no, no. F-it. This just sucks. You don't deserve it, your family doesn't deserve it and we who love what you do don't deserve it. If you believe in a god, if good mojo works, if a world of virtual fans and friends mean anything then there's an army behind you. Judy DeP

2/14/2025 07:51:35 pm

You have been there every step of the way and I don't think I'll ever be able to properly thank you. I have a golden ticket to my personal massive music server with your name on it and I don't care who knows it. Just send me a private email and it's all yours.

Judy Cook

2/14/2025 06:40:26 pm

Mike, I don’t seem to be able to find the right words. Maybe there are none. Please know you are loved, and I’m forever thankful for all the wonderful music you’ve introduced me to, over the years. Thank you. ❤️

2/15/2025 01:49:25 am

You have just done everything you want to do perfectly and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dave Lackey

2/14/2025 06:42:47 pm

Wishing you nothing but the strength you need to push through

2/15/2025 04:54:09 am

Thanks so much, Dave.

Cathy Barber

2/14/2025 07:38:11 pm

Oh, Mike! You've brought us so much joy over the years. Keep on truckin'. The world needs you! Sending love and the very best vibes.

2/15/2025 04:55:33 am

Thanks so much, Cathy.

Jack Regan

2/14/2025 08:51:54 pm

Mike, Ginger and I are holding you in the healing light. Fuck cancer.

2/15/2025 04:57:02 am

I don't take that for granted, thanks Kids!

David Britton

2/14/2025 09:08:10 pm

TC here. This group wouldn’t exist if You hadn’t made The Loft. I came for VIN and Meg and discovered Mike Marrone. Keep fighting the good fight and know so many of us are in your corner!

2/15/2025 04:58:37 am

Too kind, as always TC. I feel pretty damn lucky to have this group still caring all these years later.

Martha Vaughan

2/14/2025 09:48:31 pm

Thinking of you, Mike. Sending love to you and your family. Cancer sucks. I feel like you are my brilliant, annoying younger brother who always knew the details about the music. I am in awe of your brain and it's contents. You saved me when I first found you on the LOFT 2002! And, be optimistic about your treatment. My husband lasted 13 years after he was supposed to be toast. Sending healing vibes. Love, Martha

2/15/2025 05:02:36 am

I am always optimistic to the continued annoyance of my wife and daughter. Unfortunately I believe the annoyance gene is somehow attached to the alleged brilliance. I think you need both to make it work. LOL Thanks so much, Martha.

Lydia Shipley

2/15/2025 07:34:03 am

My goodness goodness, Mike! While I have gone through my own health hell for several months, I’m blessed to be making a long slow recovery. My heartfelt wishes for you as you continue to work on your health battles too. I have faith that your strength will be rewarded with healing. You introduced me to so much music and I will be forever grateful to you!

Chris Velenik

2/15/2025 08:20:05 am

Man this sucks. I just want to let you know that I love everything you bring with you into the music and I am so grateful that you’re still doing what you do so well despite all the health setbacks. Because of you I listened to The Loft almost exclusively to the annoyance of my wife and friends but they came around most of the time. Now I have my Mixcloud sub for the same reason even if it takes me a bit longer to get around to listening these days. I hope you beat this and I’ll be sending love and positive vibrations on the regular for what it’s worth. It’s already been said but keep on keepin’ on!

Terry May

2/15/2025 08:54:36 am

Mike, you are loved by so many, and your reach is far and wide for music lovers. Fight like hell on this, and hopes are high from me that you will get through it. You and the Loft have been a mainstay in this household snce '07, and it's been wonderful (though no Loft these days, instead Radio Paradise). I've listened to all of your FTB shows since the start. Sooo good. We are the same age, same politics etc etc. Growing up near Macon GA in the early 70s and being in Athens in the early 80s, (rock) music goes deep with me, and you and your shows have been such an inspiration for my musical well being in the 21st century! And like others, I will be forever grateful. Keep hope alive, mate, and you are in my hopeful thoughts.

Gail Chmura

2/15/2025 09:57:14 am

Sending strength to you. I have a friend who had stage 2a lung cancer 11 years ago and is still perfectly healthy. Sendings hugs and healing thoughts.🩷

Jeff Binder

2/15/2025 10:20:18 am

Mike- I’ve been a longtime listener and you have connected with me and soul in so many ways. We know you will keep fighting using power and spirit of music. Class of 74 brother.

Earl Cambron

2/15/2025 12:20:32 pm

Mike thanks for all the musical gifts you have brought us over the years. Hope you keep your spirits up.

Kelly

2/15/2025 12:44:00 pm

Well Fuck Cancer! I'm so sorry to hear that it has returned but know that you kicked it's ass before and can do it again. Thank you for always bringing the musical joy to my world, sending strength and good vibes your way.

2/15/2025 02:45:27 pm

Mike-I know everyone was (and still are) worried about you.

Take care of you first. Your most important job right now is

Josiah

2/15/2025 02:53:15 pm

Hey Mike, miss you buddy. Thinking of you during these days ahead. 🙏

Kerry Nolan

2/15/2025 04:06:45 pm

Mike, you have always been not only a freaking warrior for great music but one in your life as well. I send you all good thoughts and much love.

2/16/2025 12:50:40 pm

I'm not crying... you're crying. Still can't believe we have never worked in the same place at the same time. Come on down to Absecon and do a show. Love you.

Mark Ferrell

2/15/2025 09:37:13 pm

I heard Dave Matthews on The Loft this week. Please kick this thing’s ass (again) and Dave us. But save yourself first.

2/16/2025 03:26:10 am

%Thanks Mark. I haven't heard The Loft since 11:59:59 PM 12/31/17. That's when they cut off my service. Good thing I completely finished the next week's programing and had everything timed-out, loaded and backed up at 11:45pm. Wanted to make sure that nobody that worked on the channel would have to come in over the Holidays. I was on the next week but didn't hear it. P.S. I never kicked Cancer's ass, nobody kicks that ass. Thanks for everything.

Bill Coleman

2/16/2025 12:26:54 am

The musical journey you’ve taken me on is so greatly appreciated. As Will Hoge so aptly put it thoughts and prayers just doesn’t cut it. I’m in your corner Mike and looking forward to your total recovery.

Nora

2/16/2025 10:47:32 am

Thinking of you, sending you all the good juju and love. This life journey is sure riddled with joy and heartache, and I hope you know how much joy you have brought to so many. Take care of yourself 💙

Jeff Beatty link

2/16/2025 11:53:22 am

Sorry to hear the news and wishing you the best of luck and continued resilience and optimism in your battle. Like many others have said, your talent and willingness to share your love of music has has a huge impact on me in addition to brining hours of enjoyment. Thanks!

Donna Storment

2/17/2025 11:58:36 am

I'm sorry to hear of your health issues but if you fought the hard one, I'm sure you'll beat this one too. I'll be sad not to hear your insights on FB but know that I'm rooting and thinking about you. Keep the Faith. Much love

AL BARRY

2/17/2025 12:13:07 pm

From an old FM 1063er who never heard The Loft, I have been enjoying your work via Mixcloud upon discovery a few years ago and I can vouch for the fact that no one kicks Cancer's ass. The C wins many battles and if one is lucky, one gets to survive the war's end and go Waltzing Matilda. "There's No Cure/There's No Answer/Everything gives you Cancer" from Joe Jackson's 'Night and Day' suggests that it may not have been that pack of smokes and the many, many sticks that followed that would be the culprit, but why consider the argument. A life lived and still giving, still somehow putting together these 21st century recordings for presentation via Mixcloud and other avenues. I like my NHL on ice with attacks from the blue line and not attacking via seeds for radiation - thank you very much. All I can say to you, old radio voice chum is continue to ply your trade as you have done time and again - keep on keeping on MM - it's been a great world with you in it and I am fortunate to have rediscovered your passion for the music. Thank You, Brother

“Sandy from Wayside”

2/17/2025 01:17:14 pm

Mike- you and WHTG were a huge part of my growing up at Jersey Shore and I’m so grateful for that. Sending you support as you navigate this latest journey.

Pat Pierson

2/17/2025 11:42:40 pm

damn...... I'm not gonna stop curating and sharing music, but this is an awful winter for the legends... I was pulling together the Wonder Stuff archives for Matt-y and you and others who cared in early January and now this sh*t happens... keep the fight on... !

Love ya!

Dan O

2/18/2025 02:21:40 pm

I just wish there were some words that could bring some peace. Seems there is a lot of love for you here. I echo that and only have to say that ‘they’ say that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle so she must think you are some kind of badass. I continue on my cancer journey as well. Safe to say this cancer shit is a club that once you become a member you are a member for life. Not many benefits to the club apart from that special knowledge of what our fellow club members must be facing and to get to compare treatments (if you have ever sat in the radiation waiting room, you know what I mean). You have ruined me for any other DJs’ but blessed me with so much great times and a ‘near perfect’ segues…there are no words to thank you enough.

Diemer

2/24/2025 03:53:29 pm

Mike we go back to when we both were knee high to a grasshopper. Tody is the first time on your site. Even though we lost touch for quite awhile I never forget were I came from. You def had me in tears reading about your misfortunes. My prayers to you and your beautiful family. I did get a big smile when you talked about whiffle ball and playing with your daughter. We played for hours in your Mom's yard. Anyway just wanted to touch base andwish you well. Love you bro.

Jim Cardillo

2/27/2025 07:25:18 pm

Spike,
Hopefully you know how much you are loved by all of us. You have had such an impact on all our lives. We are so indebted to not only your brilliant musical mind but your larger than life heart. You have been so generous with your gifts. I hope you feel all our love and support coming back to you a thousandfold. I have known you for over 35 years and I know you have a lot of fight in you yet. (Not to completely borrow from Kate Bush). We are so grateful for you always. You remain a treasure to us all.

Allen

3/7/2025 08:31:27 am

I'm late to the game in learning about the cause for your voice missing of late. As many others have said, you've been and will continue to be a source of aural inspiration, a source of pride in what you stand for, and a seemingly nice guy. Here's to hoping you do better than expected with your illness.

Yo, Mike!?! What the What????

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Mike Marrone

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