The Lightsabre Interview

Jimmy McInerney

Welcome to Lightsabre.  Our latest guest is one of the voices behind the vastly successful Force Cast but has a rich radio history including work on the Howard Stern Show, producing the classic Donny Osmond versus Danny Bonaduce boxing match and generally having a great taste in rock music. Please welcome to Lightsabre Jimmy McInerney.

Q -Jimmy, welcome to Lightsabre.

A – Thanks Mark! It was great talking to you on The Force-Cast and hearing your report from Star Wars: A Musical Journey, so it’s really cool to be talking to you again!

Q – Star Wars has had a profound effect on all of us – it’s why we’re here talking about it, but what was it that started you off on your Star Wars journey?

A – I first saw Star Wars with my Dad and little brother during its initial release in the summer of ’77. We got to the theater late and I missed the first 15 minutes or so. We walked in as Threepio was being lowered into the oil bath. I remember telling my father the character names as the story unfolded. “That’s Death Invader”, is how I incorrectly identified Darth Vader. My Dad’s response was “Boy, you really know a lot about this movie”. He didn’t realize how true that statement would become in the following years!
Even though I had not seen the whole flick, it had a profound effect on me and my imagination. I convinced my mom to take me back to see it in its entirety and by then I was hooked! I must have seen Star Wars and Empire twenty times each in the theaters during their initial runs. I had to get my hands on anything and everything having to do with Star Wars. The first Star Wars collectible I ever received was a Tusken Raider trading card from Wonder Bread. The first real novel I ever read was the adaptation of the first film. I still own both the trading card and the book (It’s the early edition with the McQuarrie Vader). I was kinda into some DC titles back then, but I never really got into comic books until the Marvel Star Wars run. I still own all my Star Wars stuff from my childhood. My mom knew how important Star Wars was to me so all that stuff was spared from the dreaded garage sale.
Plain and simple, Star Wars was just a way of life for a kid growing up in the late 70s/early 80s. I entered high school the summer after Jedi was released and in many ways, that closed the door on my career as a kid. I didn’t really collect the Jedi action figures that summer although I recall looking at them in a toy store. I thought they were cool but I believed I had outgrown “toys”. In high school, my thoughts turned to cars, guitars, and girls but I still held onto my love of Star Wars and I would watch the trilogy at least once a year. In 1986, during my junior year, I joined a friend on a trip to a toy store to buy a birthday present for his nephew. There I found all of the POTF figures swinging from the pegs for only 50 cents each. I spent every dime I had on me buying as much as I could. Then, I went back the next day and bought all the rest! I kept myself busy during the “hiatus” years by reading the West End Games books (even though I’m not a gamer) and going to Star Trek conventions looking for Star Wars collectibles. (“In the box under the table” was where I was often told to look.). Then came the Zahn novels, the Dark Horse comics, and the return of the action figures. By the time the then upcoming Special Editions and Prequel Trilogy were announced - I was cocked, locked and ready to rock!

jimmy, bonnie burton and dan curto at tokyo airport for celebration japan

Q – The Force Cast is the internets premiere Star Wars podcast and you've been involved in many of it's episodes since it launched in April 2005. How did you come to be a part of the show?

A – For years, I’ve wanted to give something back to the Star Wars fan community but it seemed the most effective way to do so was via the internet. I never was much of a computer geek and I didn’t know anything about creating websites. Then came along podcasting. Funny thing about me and podcasting; Working in broadcast radio for all of my adult life made me something of a snob. When I became aware of internet radio and podcasting, I looked at it as an “amateur hour” and I didn’t want anything to do with it. I hosted and produced a special for CBS radio in Chicago for the release of Sith in 2005 and it featured my production and interviews with various Star Wars celebs. It was a blast to do and I really loved working on it. But once the Prequel Trilogy came and went, there was no demand for Star Wars-related material on mainstream radio. TheForce.net launched a podcast around the same time in 2005 but I didn’t listen to it other than to see what the production values were like. They were basically non-existent and as a result, I didn’t listen to that incarnation of the show at all. I have since listened to several episodes, hosted by Eric Blythe, and they are actually quite good! In Sept 2006, The Force-Cast debuted with Jason Swank and Pete Nadel. They were at it for a couple of months before I decided to give it a listen. I really liked what I heard and started to get ideas in my head for how I could help them make the show sound even better. I reached out to them and they decided, perhaps a little reluctantly at first, to let me come onboard. I really just wanted to help produce the show on a limited basis. Right away I started to produce and host additional shows (aka Microcasts) based on my interviews and production. Then came the convention coverage and my participation in the weekly show was increasing more and more, as was my friendship with the crew and the listeners. At Celebration IV, we got to know each other and we really became a solid team.
In the following year, I assumed responsibility of a sizeable chunk of the show prep work and all the audio production. By the time Pete announced to us last summer he was leaving the show, I thought about it and realized that maybe this would be something I would like to do every week with Jason. There was a fear that without a co-host, the future of the show could be in doubt. It was actually an easy decision to make. I really enjoy talking to Jason and we both admire Star Wars on a similar level. So we added “co-host” to my “producer” title and we are having an awesome time!

Q – Of the episodes you've been involved with, which has been the most memorable?

A – Wow, there have been so many really fulfilling moments on the show and its hard to pinpoint. The entire experience and the friendships have been very rewarding. I like to work on this show because I get an excuse to chat up some very talented people. I collect Star Wars interviews just like any collector would chase the latest action figure or comic book. My favorite interviews were my one-on-ones with Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, and Billy Dee Williams not only because they are “big names” in the history of Star Wars, but because of the rapport that developed in each interview. The shows we recorded live in Japan and LA were really special because they were such big events, but anytime I can get together with Jason in the same room is a killer time because he’s a great listener, a great communicator and someone who always digs just a little bit deeper into the conversation. And he has a hell of a sense of humor. We had an awesome time hanging in Columbus recently with Kyle Newman and Ernie Cline for the Ohio premiere of Fanboys. I really wish we all lived closer together. I like when we are just joking around and I love to crack Jason up.

jimmy, kyle newman and jason swank

Q – As a fellow fan you must have many golden Star Wars memories. Tell us about some of them.

A – Listen to just about any Force-Cast and you will hear the memories come flooding back!

Q – Which of the Star Wars characters are you closest to?

A – I love 'em all but Han and Luke really appeal to me. Han because he is such an uninhibited smart ass , he has all the confidence and talent in the world and is as loyal as they come. Luke because of his optimism and determination. He set goals for himself and he reached them. He did what he set out to do and he didn’t make any excuses.
And don’t forget the wit and wisdom of Kitster!

some brilliant celebration japan artwork

Q – What would you change about Star Wars if you could go back in time and make alterations?

A – Why change Star Wars? It is what it is and I like what it is. I don’t know if I like everything about the saga but I know I LOVE Star Wars. And I love the community that has developed around it. Every aspect of Star Wars has its fans and supporters. If I changed anything, I would be taking something away from a fan who loves it. Besides, do I look like Hurley to you? You watch “Lost”, right?

Q – Tell us about your interests outside of the Star Wars arena. You're the proud father of two kids and are madly into your Chicago sports teams. How do your hobbies interlink with your main jobs?

A – I love to share Star Wars with my boys – Michael (10) and Dylan (6). My wife Wendy knows how important it is to me and she not only tolerates our fandom, but she encourages it. I do have many other interests and pursuits and if I didn’t, I don’t think she would be so understanding about my Star Wars obsession. I think its important to be a well-rounded person and if something is of interest to you, you should pursue it.
When I’m not doing audio production for radio, advertising or podcasts, I can usually be found at the gym, at my son’s sports events, at a White Sox game, a movie theater, a bookstore, at a blues bar or just kicking around the homestead. I try to only spend time doing what I like to do- Life’s too short – this extends from my professional life to my private life. EVERYTHING just kinda intertwines!

jimmy and anthony daniels

Q – You produced 'The George Lucas Hip Hop' which won the Audience Choice Award and Best Animation at the Atomfilms Star Wars Fan Film awards. How cool was it to be involved in that?

A – I was researching some stories to report on The Force-Cast one night before going to bed and I came across a story about George Lucas attending a Hip Hop awards show. Right away, I conjured up an image of George actually performing at the show. The next morning, the lyrics for a George rap just kinda flowed outta me onto paper. I contacted Jason, who, as Force-Cast listeners know, does the best damn George Lucas impersonation on the planet, and I had him record the lyrics dry and without music. I matched the rap to some beats and we created the GL Hip Hop as a segment for the podcast. Pete came up with the idea of animating the bit and luckily, we have a great listener husband/wife team that create little animated bits based on the show. We worked together for about a month to perfect the visuals and we entered the contest. I had high hopes for the video and they paid off with not one but two Fan Film awards. It truly was a team effort originating from my idea, words and production, to Jason’s performance, to Pete’s revelation, to Kay and Mark’s flawless animation. We are very honored to have won those awards.

Q – You've been to many of the various Celebrations including including Celebration Japan. How exciting is it to get out and about to these big fan events?

A – I absolutely LOVE covering live events! Throughout my broadcast career, I’ve covered everything from the Oscars, to Comic Relief, to The Bulls and Michael Jordan winning all those championships in the 90s. I’ve been to everything from the smallest local press conferences to backstage at The MTV Music Video Awards. But nothing, and I mean nothing, puts a bigger smile on my face than when I’m covering a Star Wars Celebration. Those things are HUGE! And, they never get old for me. I said to Steve Sansweet that these events are more like family reunions for me and he totally agreed! It’s a genuine experience to be around 30,000 people who share your passion and speak your language. Japan was incredible. Did you know that in Japan, they have vending machines on the street that sell beer?!? Woo Hoo! But what was even more incredible was this amazing vibe in Japan. All us English speaking folks were really able to bond out in the Far East because we were all strangers in a strange land. I love Japan and I would return in a second if I could. Having the opportunity to do extended, exclusive interviews with stars like Mark Hamill, Ray Park, Matt Wood and Jeremy Bulloch in the Land of the Rising Sun was great!  Hanging with Dan Curto, Bonnie Burton, Dave Myatt, Anne Newman, Philip Wise…The list goes on and on. Larry Noble! I developed friendships that will last forever on that trip. I met Dave Filoni in Japan for the first time and he is one great dude! Stan and John from McQuarrie, Pete Vilmur…I love Star Wars Celebration and I cannot wait for the next one. Until then, we have Star Wars Fan Days 3 coming up in October here in the states. Always a great time and this year, The Force-Cast will return to Plano! I cannot wait!

Q – You are also the host of A Galaxy of Music, focusing on fan made Star Wars music. What is it about the power of the Star Wars themes that attracts you, and tell us a bit about your wider interest in music.

A- I don’t think there can possibly be a film score covered more than that from the original film and I think it’s a testament to the power of the music of John Williams. We’ve featured lots of great versions of the soundtrack from country, to metal, to reggae and beyond. All done by fans. I cannot believe the shear magnitude of music inspired by Star Wars. Its so incredible. The song parodies and comedy are excellent too! Someone once called me the “Dr Demento of Star Wars” and I like that. It’s a badge of honor quite honestly! What’s really cool is that Force-Cast listeners send me their original recordings and I’m consistently being blown away by their skills and talents!
I’ve always loved music. I play guitar, we have a piano in the house, and I encourage my sons to learn music. As for what I listen to, I would say I have a wide spectrum of musical preferences. I love hard rockin’ classic rock like Zeppelin, Hendrix, Deep Purple and AC/DC. I like blues like Lonnie Brooks and Buddy Guy. I love guitar shredders like Joe Satriani and Jeff Beck. British Rock like The Who, Yardbirds and Stones. I like reggae – Love Bob Marley. I’ll bang my head all night to Metallica, Sabbath, and Iron Maiden. I even love the Rat Pack and some classic country! I was raised on Elvis and I grew up listening to The Beatles. My music collection is huge but I guess what I mostly listen to is classic rock and heavy metal.

Q - What do you foresee for the Force Cast in the future?

A – More interviews, music, comedy, conversation, roundtables, surprises, laughs, tears, opinions, disagreements, voice mails, e-mails, live phones, Microcasts, collecting, outrageous unthinkable stories, Topless Palpatine, Sio Bibble, news, birthdays, Billy Dee, apologies, grizzled Cliegg Lars, gremlins in the palatial studios, adult beverages, and 100% more KITSTER.

Q – A quick question about our site, Lightsabre. Any comments?

A – Why “Lightsabre” and not “Lightsaber”? Is it because you are British or is it because you are afraid of being sued?

Q - It's been a great interview, and thanks for being our guest on Lightsabre. Just one final question. Howard Stern, Danny Bonaduce and you are shoved into the trash compactor with three hungry Dianoga's. Who manages to escape first?

A – Have you ever tried Dianoga Sushi? Don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it! Thanks Mark for letting me natter on about Star Wars and drop a lot of names! It was total fun! Cheers!