Reality Rock

About me:

Reality Rock was a Southern California based ministry in the 80's & 90's that used Christian Rock to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ through it's radio program, 'Rock of Love' concerts, and 'the Rock' publication. The 'Reality Rock' radio program ran from 1983-1995 in the Inland Empire of Southern California on 89.1FM & 90.1FM, which also became nationally syndicated. The Saturday & Sunday Night weekly programs hosted by John Smeby & Jason Dean, became home for thousands of teens and many Southern California Christian bands. The program featured the latest cutting edge bands with live interviews, CD & tape giveaways, listener requests and a message of hope that was revealed through the lyrics and dj's words. Reality Rock emphasized slogans like 'Music with a Message', 'Rockin the Flock', and 'Rock of Love'.

'Rock of Love' was a highly anticipated annual summer concert at the Redlands Bowl & the University of Redlands Outdoor 'Greek Theater' that featured bands like the Altar Boys, Undercover, the Choir, Adam Again, the 77's, the Prayer Chain, the Violet Burning, SFC, Mad At The World, Crumbacher and many others. The 80's & early 90's brought a unique era for Christian rock music as is it was birthed and remained primarily in Southern California until it finally broke loose on a national level in the 90's. Reality Rock listeners were typically the first ones to be exposed to the mentioned bands, new releases, unplugged live songs on the radio and artist interviews.

Ministry was always an emphasis at each concert, radio show, and interview. 'Reality Rock' was about being real about life and the truth of God. Controversial issues were brought up and dealt with on a social, political, Biblical and personal level. That was the thing that I think the listeners appreciated the most, is that we were real about God and real about life.

Teens stuck by the radio crunching tin foil on the antenna for a better signal with phone in hand for giveaway contests and requests, a common story. Many recorded 'Reality Rock' on cassette to have something to listen to the rest of the week and pass it on to friends. Families would listen to the program driving in their car. Today there are many Christian rock bands, artists, radio programs, concert promoters, etc. that make up the 'Christian Music Industry', Reality Rock was a 'mom & pop shop' of alternative Christian music in Southern California before it became accepted nationally. The music can change and people's lives change bad or good but the message remains, Jesus died on the cross so we can be free from our sin. God offers hope and peace in a very unsettling world.

If you want to know more about what it really means to be accepted before God.. you're on the right track, it's possible (visit www.passageway.org), you can also leave me a message and I'll help you through that. If you have fallen away from God, it's time to return to Him. Jesus will be returning again regardless of what the world says or how much they try to mock the idea. God's love is real but hard to see through this mirage we live in.

your friend,
Jason Dean