Best known for his radio show exploring things beyond known science. Also for taking calls without screening; vastly rare. He provided a place for ET and related discussions. Those younger among us may only know 'Coast to Coast AM' as George Noory's derivative, or not at all. For me, what Bell did in contrast to most talk radio, was just to 'open the lines' and let things happen without filtration. Surely he boosted supernaturalia and thus 'audience' and thus his sponsors did well, and thus he did as well. One could be harsh against anything outside scientific rationalia, and that's fine by me. I would only contrast current Alex Jones' outside scientific rationalia, which appears highly filtered and strongly driven by products for sale. Art Bell, all the best, fly high.
I liked Art, or what I knew of him from the dozen(s) or so shows I've chanced upon over the years. All sorts of strange guests for sure, but always interesting, and strangely thought provoking, even when the known science was tossed out the window. He was genuine, and if his mission was to try to pull the wool over our eyes on a topic, he sure didn't force it at us. We could either believe what they were chatting about, or laugh at it.
'Laughing at' seems narrower than 'being entertained by'. Hope that does not sound too aggressive. Art Bell frequently hosted Michio Kaku, who is better informed than I and many others about leading physics. He sued also Michael Savage (radio personality) for - whatever it was. Both things appeal to me. Mr. Bell, now deceased, suggested that folks dying in difficult circumstances are those who 'present' themselves to the living. If that holds, his calm death at 72 years of age would suggest he'll not say more.
I should have used "amused" instead of "laugh." A chuckle would be the result either way, depending on the way out there stuff. I've been to a Kaku live lecture, and for sure, the science holds up with Michio. Some other topics and guests, not so much. Entertained - most always. RIP, Art Bell. Maybe I should look up some Coast to Coast audio, via YouTube or the like, if it exists, just for old time memories.
Art Bell was great, I have listened to him until his retirement. What I loved about him, was on open line, from time to time he’d get a nutcase. He’d treat them with respect, listen to them and never argue with them. His attitude was, everybody has a opinion, let’s listen. For years he contended that the station had too many commercials and he was right of course. To this day, the stations policy remains the same approximately 10 min of value and 20 min of junk each half hour. I include the news also as junk. As a result of this greedy over commercialization I listen to PR, PB, UK and Deutsche Welle more. All tho George Noorey is good, he cannot compare to Art.
Wow, you’ve missed a treasure, but the show continues. Look up coast to coast w/ George Noorey, the MC now. After 10 PM Your Father may also enjoy listening. the call letters for area will be posted on the site.
There is a small amount of way out stuff, some of it could exist! ETs, UFOs, Remote Viewing, USOs, Astrology. the last I consider pure crap, but, who knows ? Art Bells philosophy.
I listened to him a good bit when I was a kid and through college. Agree, outside the realm of robust science, but didn’t feel one had to take it very seriously to enjoy it. Still, it satisfied the craving for a good late night science fiction story.
