Bobby Watman, who is most well-known for hosting SiriusXM “70’s Hits on 7″ shares his second act on SiriusXM radio, “Polyester Fiesta”, and what to expect. With continuing his passion and knowledge of music, pop-culture, storytelling, and love for the ’70s, Watman shared the intent of his new radio segment.
Ones own Saturday night can be transformed into a massive disco celebration of iconic and lively music with the new launch of Polyester Fiesta. Watman shared that people are not trying to listen to sad music on Saturday nights. He said, “Let’s go upbeat –no sad stories, no sad music, upbeat.”
Photo Courtesy: (@robertwatman/Instagram)
The Knockturnal sat down with Bobby where he expressed his passion for the ’70s music, nostalgia, culture and even shared unforgettable memories and stories from the nightlife at the time.
Prior to stepping into the radio world and taking a seat behind the microphone Bobby helped build the original movement of disco. He started the iconic ’70s-themed nightclub chain Polly Esther’s, which was a phenomenon. He also co-founded the ’80s-era Culture Club with Debbie Gibson and later opened the ’90s hotspot Nerveana; he shared how he first started.
After opening up his first bar in New York at the age of 25, he asked himself what he knew the most about. The first thing that came to mind was to go down through the decades.
After sharing that he didn’t know too much about the ’50s and ’60s, he said he knew most about the ’70s. He listed sitcoms like The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, mentioned actress Farrah Fawcett, and the iconic film Saturday Night Fever, and his love of dancing.
Watman said he was 28 years old when he started his chain of nightclubs. Watman said “everyone who is going out, will either love it or not”.
After one location Watman was extremely successful, which led to an expansion of 35 locations nationwide.
Playing Grease on the televisions with the sound up, people would stop talking and look up. The club became a big singalong.
When asked, “What is it about the ’70s – nostalgia, funk, or pop culture – that draws you in, and made you realize this is my era?” he said:
“I went out into the nightlife with ’80s music, which is very different from ’70s music. I was blessed to love ’70s music because my sisters and brother were 10 to 15 years older than me. I would listen to all their music and watch their shows.”
Watman said he does not find much music today that he loves, but there is one artist he absolutely adores – and could not find anyone to go to the concert with. Many suggested he should go by himself but he wanted to go with someone.
His favorite singer of all time now in the industry and recently bought tickets for is none other than Doja Cat.
He said, “She’s unbelievable. She has an interesting story behind her and a great sense of humor.”
Having discussed the artists at the time especially in Disco, being asked, “Who are some artists that you wish were at the time of the ’70s, meaning you wish you heard them make songs during these times?” he passionately stated:
“Elvis Presley, he was one of the greatest entertainers in the world, and was very charismatic.”
Following his answer, Watman told his story of how Elvis Presley gave an agent of a club his ring and during the interview he showed the iconic, 1975 ring Elvis wore.
The ring is one Watman likes to wear all the time, when going out. There is no better way to accessorize a night out than iconic jewelry, especially from Elvis Presley’s collection.
As the conversation grew Watman shared some pretty unique answers to a few questions.
The Knockturnal: If you could interview one ’70s legend at their peak, who would it be — and what’s the one question you’d ask?
Bobby Watman: “I would have to say Elvis Presley again. I would like to ask why he only toured the United States, and not anywhere else.”
The Knockturnal: Do you think this type of sound or production of music will come back for artists to work with in the future?
Bobby Watman: “With a few conversations with a good friend who’s a musician in the industry, this music is never coming back.”
The Knockturnal: Why do artists from earlier decades struggle to remain successful?
Bobby Watman: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Billy Joel are some of the best living songwriters right now. I always ask why haven’t one of them made a hit since the ’80s, their music can’t change. They’re the same person, why don’t they have a hit?
At oldies concerts the performers mention “this is from our new album”, people start to sit down.
Even with new sounds and modern production, it mostly comes down to what they can write about now.
The Knockturnal: What’s the most “ ’70s” thing about you that hasn’t changed?
Bobby Watman: The hair, hello look at me! And my music taste and style.
After spending time in the pop culture and nightlife scene, he shared a few fun memories and experiences from nights out.
Among the many stories of going out at the time, one involved Gene Simmons from the band KISS. At his first location, of the Poly Esther’s club the designs inside were big art projects on the walls.
There was a Partridge Family bus, Brady Bunch wall, a mural of Farrah Fawcett, and a Saturday Night Fever dance floor. Inside the club, Brady punch was also being served.
An eight-foot-tall Gene Simmons head with disco lights in his eyes and smoke flowing from his nose was inside the club. One night with hundreds of people inside the club, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley walked through the door.
Watman expressed he was shaking with excitement when the performers entered the club.
Watman said to the singer: “Mr. Simmons it is such a pleasure can I show you….” Simmons interrupted him and said “ I wanna see this head.”
The head was shown, and was signed with a marker. But with such an unforgettable and legendary moment there were no cameras, no photographs, no phones, nothing. Just a great story to tell, over and over so one can be brought right back to that moment.
After recollecting through some memories of nightlife, a conversation sparked with Watman if a childhood memory ever influenced his career path.
He mentioned his dad would always read the New York Post, but Watman would always read page 6. This page in the newspaper was where all the gossip was and stories of Studio 54 and famous arrivals at the time.
After reading this section of the paper, he realized how much he liked the entertainment side of the business. Currently Watman has brought into radio his blend of strong knowledge of music, pop culture and the use of conversations on-air.
In response to the question, “What is about radio that allows you to share your passion and remain strong? Has radio always been part of the plan?” He said:
“Radio was never part of my plan. The last club I closed was 10 years ago. I moved to Los Angeles, and was friends with Debbie Gibson. I didn’t know she was part of Sirius XM.”
Watman revealed he made a demo tape with 5 good stories from the ’70s. Gibson later gave it to SiriusXM. Within that moment Watman got coached for 6 months and next thing he knows he’s on radio.
With a unique storytelling background going back into the lens of the ’70s, Bobby Watman has a list of nightlife stories that are filled with love and energy. His passion and expertise on this specific decade covers everything from the disco beats, to fashion and culture. If you want to go down a few decades and feel a beat that makes you get up and dance, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to tune into Polyester Fiesta.
To bring back some of the most influential and symbolic songs in history, it’s time to hire a tour guide.
