FIVE QUESTIONS
40 years later, it's still rock 'n' roll to him

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Dion DiMucci, known more familiarly as Dion, is part of a lineup of oldies-but-goodies tonight at the Blaisdell Arena. His hits include "Teenager in Love" and "Runaround Sue." SUMMER SHOW OF STARS With Dion DiMucci, Bobby Vee, Johnny Tillotson, The Crystals and Dave Sommerville & the Diamonds 7:30 p.m. today Blaisdell Arena $45 (877) 750-4400

Some were recorded with The Belmonts, others are solo hits. He plans to perform these smasheroos at tonight's Summer Show of Stars at Blaisdell Arena.

He chatted with us from Reno, Nev., where he was performing and marveling about the vast numbers of vintage cars — Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Fords and more — driven by folks frequenting this gambling town. "Me, I drive a truck, a good truck; it works. I haul my three grandkids, throw in the guitar, and go." (For the record, his is a Lexus SUV.)

Dion answered Five Questions.

How does it feel to be a rock legend, with roots that date back 40-odd years?

"It feels good; you feel part of a musical community, as a first-generation rock 'n' roller. You feel a connection, like you're holding hands. I love being part of a creative community, and watch new generations, from early Bruce Springsteen to The Hives today, picking up traditions we started. You know, the roots — two guitars, a bass and drums. That was pop music, 40 years ago."

What's your audience like these days?

"We get original fans, who were buying our records in our day, come with sons and daughters and their offspring. I look at myself and think of the love I have for John Lee Hooker and Lightning Hopkins and hope the crowds look at me in that light."

"Runaround Sue" was your only No. 1 hit; what would Sue be doing today?

(Chuckles) "Literally, running around the mall today."

What's your take on the status of rock these days?

"I've always kept up with rock, until just recently. I had an iPod, a wonderful gift, and it had Carole King's 'Tapestry' in it, and wow, this girl wrote some songs. A treasure, like Bob Dylan and Springsteen. But I often feel alienated now. I listen to Eminem; I don't know what he's doing, but it has something to do with free abandonment, and I know it's good, but personally, I kinda like mystery. I wouldn't go rushing out and buying his stuff. I think a rock-era song like 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?' will last 40 more years."

Are the royalties still good from your oldies?

"Thank God for royalties. My songs have reverted back to me. I come from an era where you didn't get paid. Everyone else made the money. And do you know, I never did a concert video till this year? PBS taped 'Dion Live' in Atlantic City, and it's airing Aug. 10." (An air date in Honolulu is not yet available.)

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.