Perry and Price on 1990, 1996 and 2008 ‘MidWeek’ covers
In KSSK’s Iwilei studio, Larry Price sits in front of a computer talking to Michael W. Perry via Skype. Perry is on vacation in California, working from a studio there.
In the 31 years the duo has been together on the air, technology, they say, has greatly impacted their work.
“Now, the technology is just bizarre,” says Perry. “When we started this program, there was no way we could do radio from a cruise ship at sea, and now we do them a couple times a year.”
Plus, they still host The Perry & Price Show at Jade Dynasty. They also take the show to Vegas annually.
“People keep coming on Saturday mornings,” says Perry. “We just can’t figure this out.”
“It’s because they like Chinese food,” quips Price.
In all seriousness, their popularity with listeners has endured much longer than that of most morning DJs, and it doesn’t discriminate against age — a success they credit to their listeners.
“I don’t think it’s any magic on our part, you know,” says Price. “They are the stars of our show, in our humble opinion.”
Every morning, the two convene over breakfast at Zippy’s to discuss everything going on for that day. Then, for five hours, “Perry on the left and Price on the right” engage and interact with listeners, who always keep them on their toes.
“People call us and tell us what they’re upset about or what they absolutely are crazy about, and we find out what topic it is,” explains Perry. “Regardless of what we think, we find out what’s important to them.”
“I’m constantly amazed at how funny they are,” adds Price. “They’re way funnier than we are, I think.”
Throughout their storied careers, Perry and Price have appeared on four MidWeek covers together — the first in 1990, and again in 1996, 2003 and 2008.
To celebrate more than 30 years together, KHNL will rebroadcast an hour-long TV special at 7 p.m. Oct. 26. Narrated by Linda Coble, Perry & Price: Voices of Hawaii includes everything from interviews with people who have worked with them in the past to photos of their pre-radio stardom days and even behind-the-scenes footage.
“They were kind to us, and it’s quite an honor,” says Perry, “very much an honor.” A book documenting their lives and careers, titled Perry on the Left, Price on the Right: Thirty Years with the Odd Couple of Island Radio, written by Larry Fleece, also is expected to be released soon.
“To me, it’s scary,” admits Price of the attention they are receiving with the book and TV special.
“Totally scary, he’s right,” adds Perry. “Gosh, it’s scary.”
Fans of the show shouldn’t worry about Perry and Price slowing down anytime soon.
“My grandchildren still need rubber slippers,” jokes Perry in the TV special. “I ain’t going anywhere,” says Price.