THE SCOOP ON ABQ LEGENDS
A Candid Interview with Albuquerque's Randy Savage
We caught up with Randy at Linda's Dolci, one of his many local hangouts, and asked him a few questions - because he wouldn't stop bugging us.
ABQL: How long have you lived in Albuquerque?
Randy: My Dad moved us here when I was 13 so he could work at Sandia Labs and I could hibernate in my room recording home-grown radio shows. All I pictured in my head was a western ghost town with rolling tumbleweeds, eerie music and dust storms like on TV. Thankfully I was wrong (except for the tumbleweeds.)
ABQL: How did you become a DJ and how long were you on that side of radio?
Randy: I used to listen to "The Birdman" (Bill Thomas) on 97.3 KISS FM - you "older" ABQ residents will remember him! One day I gave him one of my homemade recordings. A few months later he calls me at 10pm and says "Hey man, if you want the gig be here at midnight!" Couldn't pass that up! A few weeks later I was doing the 7p-Midnight show, and over the years moved to afternoons, middays and then mornings.
We did radio right back then. Tons of fun, met a lotta cool people, musicians, TV and movie folks, even a wrestler who stole my name (ha!) What I enjoyed most was doing live appearances at our advertisers' businesses, meeting the owners and our listeners, giving away prizes and creating a fun space where everybody could hang out and have a great time.
ABQL: Why did you start ABQ Legends?
Randy: During those live radio appearances I got to meet some really passionate business owners and many became friends over the years. Albuquerque's got some seriously AMAZING businesses who deserve WAY more attention than they're getting! I wanted to create a space where we could introduce the city's BEST businesses and their owners to everyone in the community and help 'em get the recognition they deserve. So we give each business a spotlight page right here on the site.
ABQL: So this isn’t just a generic business listing service?
Randy: Absolutely not - those sites are useless bullsh*t. ABQ LEGENDS spotlights curated businesses, hand-picked and vetted by myself and the residents of Albuquerque because they EXCEL at what they do. My crew and I have visited - and in most cases been customers and clients of - every business you see listed here. They're creatives who strive to bring their customers the BEST experiences, products and services available - these are the cream of the crop who elevate the community just by doing their thing!
ABQL: How does a business get listed on the site?
Randy: Submit your business right here and fill out the short form. I'll personally get back to you within 3 business days or so, depending on how busy I am drinking coffee.
ABQL: How much does a business listing cost?
Randy: We don’t do that pay-to-play crap. Every listing is 1000% FREE.
ABQL: Nothing in Life is free.
Randy: Your life must really suck, and I beg to differ: ZERO cost, no obligations - hell, we even give you a free app to help you get more Google reviews for your business! You can even take your free page and your free app and never speak to me again (though I’ll miss you deeply and start thinking about you constantly.)
ABQL: Wow, you’re like… Robin Hood.
Randy: I prefer Spider-man.
ABQL: Well played. What's something not many people know about you?
Randy: I was a Ring Announcer for the World Wrestling Federation (once); had a walk-on shot in "Better Call Saul" and did some bodybuilding way back in the 90's. I love coffee, comic book - er, "graphic novels", creative people and long walks in the rai--
ABQL: This isn't Tinder, dude. Any other stuff we need to know, or can we go now? We have better things to do.
Randy: So ungrateful, I swear. YES - we’re working on some cool giveaways from our participating businesses so join our mailing list if you’re so inclined…
ABQL: … ok well it’s been fun..
Randy: …AND we’re gonna be doing some special features at select businesses starting this Summer so watch for details -
ABQL: You really ARE a commercial guy. OK, we’re done.
Randy: I was done with you a long time ago.
ABQL: It’s true what they say about your multiple personalities.
Randy: Hey, they give me someone to talk to when I'm not with anyone else.
ABQL: Are you *ever with anyone else?
Randy: No.