"I am done on The Spew. I won’t be back."
With that, the legendary radio career of John Lanigan, a mainstay on Cleveland airwaves for over 40 years, came to an abrupt (and somewhat surprising) end.
On Wednesday during his debate show The Spew on WTAM 1100 with moderator Mike Snyder and co-host Mike Trivisonno, Lanigan suddenly asked for their attention, and after thanking those who have worked with him over the years (including Snyder, whom he called a "class act") announced he would not be doing the show "ever again."
(NOTE: Lanigan's announcement can be heard below around the 19-minute mark)
The 75-year-old then went on a long monologue explaining his decision, claiming was tired and "not having fun." He also believed he "wasn't smart enough" to debate the issues of the day.
"I don’t have ideas," he quipped. "I don’t really care what happens with the Browns. Politics doesn’t interest me that much anymore. There’s too divisive of an attitude in the country. So, I just don’t think I’m qualified to sit here and tell you that are listening what you should be thinking and what I believe is the way it should be."
Lanigan further stated he doesn't plan on coming back to Cleveland, preferring to stay on his cattle ranch. After saying one last goodbye and hanging up the phone, Snyder (who seemed to be taken aback by the announcement) sent the to commercial break before returning with programming director Ray Davis, who praised Lanigan as a "true pro." Even Trivisonno, who often butted heads with his counterpart, said Lanigan had a "great career."
Born in 1943 in Ogallala, Nebraska, Lanigan bounced around radio jobs throughout the Southwest before landing in Cleveland in 1971 as Don Imus' replacement on WGAR 1220. He quickly became popular with the listeners, and after leaving in 1984 for a brief stint in Tampa, he returned to host the morning show on WMJI 105.7, where he would stay for nearly three decades.
Lanigan was first partnered with the late John Webster and later with comedian Jimmy Malone, helping "Magic" win five Marconi Awards during his tenure. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2013 before announcing his retirement one year later. He was replaced by Cleveland 19 news anchor Mark Nolan.
Just months later, however, Lanigan partially came out of retirement as a co-host on The Spew. He performed his duties live from his homes in Colorado and Florida, and while the relationship between hi and Triv was often tense, the one-hour show was a hit with listeners.
Former Indians relief pitcher Jensen Lewis will replace Lanigan on The Spew. He has often been heard on the show as a fill-in host, and will continue his television duties as an analyst on "Indians Live" before and after every Tribe game.