home esoterica Feature Articles by binnallFeature Articles by binnall Original binnallofamerica.com Audio the United States of Esoterica merchandise contact

Khyron

The K-Files

01.24.7

Welcome to the latest installment of The K-Files.

For a relative newcomer to Coast to Coast AM like myself, I can only imagine all the golden interviews and open lines segments I've missed over the past couple decades. I've done what I can to dig up classic clips of Art Bell interviews, yet I can't shake the feeling that there's something out there that I'm missing out on.

Case in point, the infamous Area 51 caller from 1997. Although I had heard of this mysterious event in Coast to Coast history, I never actually listened to it until recently. For newbie Art Bell fans like myself, read on to get the down-low on this classic moment in radio history.

You'd better get ready, 'cause here come The K-Files...

:: Special Report::
As I was listening to Art Bell this past Saturday night, a couple things dawned on me. Although I was enjoying his interview with Charles Seife immensely, my mind began to wander during the commercial breaks. Having only started seriously listening to Coast to Coast AM in the past few years--just as Art was handing over the reigns to George Noory--I couldn't help but think how many quality interviews and open lines segments I missed during the late 80's and 90's. Sure, most of the best guests then are still regulars now, but I can't help but feel that I've missed out on some truly great radio.

Coincidentally, that very night, I found a recording from just such a memorable episode. In case I'm not the only Coast fan out there to have never heard this clip, a portion of it is available for listening here: http://area51phonecall.ytmnd.com/

For some of you, you may remember this as the Art Bell clip used in that Tool song. I was aware that the prog-rock band used a Coast to Coast AM sound byte in one of their songs, but I had no idea what it was all about. Inspired, I decided to track down more info on this infamous event.

According to Art Bell's Wiki page, it all went down on a Friday night open lines segment on September 12, 1997. As part of a special hot-line for Area 51 employees, a rather frantic and frightened sounding caller went on the air. For a few minutes, he babbled on about malevolent aliens with an interest in Earth and some sort of catastrophic event that would soon destroy many of our "major population centers." However, just as he started to get into the goods about places on Earth where one could survive the disaster, the audio began to cut out. Then, for about 30 minutes, the feed went completely dead. After getting back on the air, Art informed his listeners that they were experiencing satellite problems and had to switch to a backup transmitter.

Over the course of the night, numerous callers suggested that perhaps he was hit by some kind of electromagnetic pulse. Indeed, the timing of such an unlikely error just as such an odd caller was on was certainly cause for suspicion. Although the call was later deemed a hoax after a man named Brian called in a few weeks later and admitted to faking it, I can only imagine the excitement of having listened to the show in real time. The sense of mystery and genuine paranoia must have been quite the ride.

I bring up this event from Coast to Coast history for two reasons. The first of which is to express my disappointment at the current state of paranormal investigation and the esoteric. I've gone over this before, so to spare you another rant on the subject, let my just say that I long for the days of big time revelations and news coverage. It has been far too long since anything on the scale of the Phoenix Lights or even a decent Nessie photo. It is for this reason that I believe alternative science and conspiracy theory has been receiving so much attention lately on shows such as Coast to Coast AM.

But blah, blah, blah...that's not what I really wanted to talk about this week. No, the second and most important reason I brought up this story (and the other thing that dawned on me while listening to last Saturday's episode) is to show just how much Art Bell truly is the man. Multiple retirements, more than a few controversies, and questionable life choices in 2006 aside, pound for pound, I challenge you to find a more dedicated, entertaining, and downright talented radio host than Art Bell.

When he broke the news that he will be honored for his work with the 2007 R&R News/Talk Radio Lifetime Achievement Award, I couldn't be anymore thrilled for him. After the stuff Bell has been through this past year, I would not have been in the least surprised if he called it quits for good--but instead, he has really been bringing the goods these past few months in his weekend time slot.

The man does what he loves, and he's damn good at it. Keep it up, Art. Here's hoping 2007 is your year to shine...er..again.


:: Dead End ::

 

Well, that's all for this week. I trust you enjoyed your trip into this shadowy nether-realm known only as the K-Files.

For the latest updates on the world of Khyron, bookmark http://www.khyron.net/. With content updated regularly, you're sure to find your fix for all things entertaining and paranormal. As always, feel free to send any questions/comments/suggestions to KFiles@khyron.net.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next  K-Files, arriving sometime next week. Later.

~Khyron, 2007.


Khyron

Check out Khyron.net

Discuss The K-Files @ the USofE HERE