| John Romano |
| John Romano |
| Flanked by Angels: (l-r) Chuck Zito, John Romano, & Mel Chancey |
| Father & Son Time. |
Christian Duque: Before we dive into the nitty-gritty that will probably get you some hate mail, and see me get
picked off by a sniper, let's talk about your formative years. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
John Romano: Long Island, NY
Christian Duque: Did you go to college, and if so, where?
John Romano: I didn’t go to college. I’m not a good student in the traditional sense and I don’t like being told
what to do. High school was enough of that. Whatever I needed or wanted to know was readily available to me
in the real world – for free. It still is.
Christian Duque: What kind of hobbies you were into while growing up?
John Romano: Martial arts, motocross, road biking, cars, motorcycles, art, writing, reading, music, and
cooking.
Christian Duque: When did you develop this lifelong interest in the sport of bodybuilding?
John Romano: I was an obese kid who hated his body and was desperate for some kind of physical identity
that would keep the kids at school from picking on me. In 1972, when I was 12, my dad called me into the
family room to see what was on TV. It was the 1972 Mr. Olympia contest. I walked into the room just as
Sergio Oliva was hitting a crab shot and I watched his traps eat his ears. I thought that was the coolest
thing I’d ever seen and wanted to have big muscles like that. It took me a year to figure out how one goes
about getting such muscles – remember, in 1972 bodybuilding, outside of southern California, barely existed.
After I realized the Charles Atlas program l sent for wasn’t going to work, l saw an ad for a Weider program in
the back of a magazine and came to the stunning realization that in order to build big muscles I’d have to lift
weights. There were some odd, to mention archaic, weight machines and barbells and dumbbells at the
boxing gym I trained at. One day after sparring I went over and started playing around with them. At one point I
looked up and saw this huge guy standing there. He was an enormous ripped bodybuilder, who, ironically,
was a friend of my dad’s. My dad talked him into taking me under his wing and he agreed to let me train with
him and his buddies Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I lifted my first weight at 13 years of age and never
stopped – that makes 37 years in the gym! It’s the only place I really feel comfortable.
picked off by a sniper, let's talk about your formative years. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
John Romano: Long Island, NY
Christian Duque: Did you go to college, and if so, where?
John Romano: I didn’t go to college. I’m not a good student in the traditional sense and I don’t like being told
what to do. High school was enough of that. Whatever I needed or wanted to know was readily available to me
in the real world – for free. It still is.
Christian Duque: What kind of hobbies you were into while growing up?
John Romano: Martial arts, motocross, road biking, cars, motorcycles, art, writing, reading, music, and
cooking.
Christian Duque: When did you develop this lifelong interest in the sport of bodybuilding?
John Romano: I was an obese kid who hated his body and was desperate for some kind of physical identity
that would keep the kids at school from picking on me. In 1972, when I was 12, my dad called me into the
family room to see what was on TV. It was the 1972 Mr. Olympia contest. I walked into the room just as
Sergio Oliva was hitting a crab shot and I watched his traps eat his ears. I thought that was the coolest
thing I’d ever seen and wanted to have big muscles like that. It took me a year to figure out how one goes
about getting such muscles – remember, in 1972 bodybuilding, outside of southern California, barely existed.
After I realized the Charles Atlas program l sent for wasn’t going to work, l saw an ad for a Weider program in
the back of a magazine and came to the stunning realization that in order to build big muscles I’d have to lift
weights. There were some odd, to mention archaic, weight machines and barbells and dumbbells at the
boxing gym I trained at. One day after sparring I went over and started playing around with them. At one point I
looked up and saw this huge guy standing there. He was an enormous ripped bodybuilder, who, ironically,
was a friend of my dad’s. My dad talked him into taking me under his wing and he agreed to let me train with
him and his buddies Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I lifted my first weight at 13 years of age and never
stopped – that makes 37 years in the gym! It’s the only place I really feel comfortable.
Christian Duque: Talk to us about your current project, the Shotgun Big Show and what you seek to accomplish with it. John Romano: The VPX Shotgun Big Show is but one of many projects in which I am currently involved or developing for VPX. What Lee Priest and I seek to accomplish is to simply broaden our listener base and thus impart more impact upon the community. Our point of difference that sets us apart from all other bodybuilding related media is that we are first, self supported, and secondly, not beholden to the IFBB/NPC. This gives us free reign to discuss topics that are taboo among all other industry media. We are the guys the IFBB/NPC wants to squelch, but can’t. Christian Duque: Also talk to us about how Lee Priest came into the picture, and what it's like working with one of the last great giant killers? John Romano: Lee was my first choice for a co-host. I knew his contract with MD was coming due and I knew he wasn’t happy there. So, we started talking about what it would take to get him to come over to VPX. We tried initially to see if Blechman would grant Lee the same latitude as ALL his other contracted athletes who have supplement contracts along with their MD contracts. But, Blechman chose to treat Lee differently in his case, offering him a very restrictive contract that even forbid his wife and friends from going on line and talking about Lee. The stricture and malcontent were so bad that Lee agreed to what amounted to a pay cut to come and work with me. It is an absolutely effortless relationship. Lee is the easiest guy in the world to work with. Our radio shows together are one of the few things I look forward to each week. Christian Duque: Talk to us about the sponsorship issue between VPX and RxMuscle.com. Do you think there are certain requests from the IFBB' brass that Dave would not entertain? For instance, would he ever work with Steve Blechman again? John Romano: Dave was threatened that if he continued to accept it he would be banned from the IFBB/NPC. Of course! Dave would never work with Blechman. If Dave decides to change his business model – which we have talked about many times – and he doesn’t need the IFBB/NPC for their shows to cover, he’d definitely tell them "no." Dave’s not a pussy. Christian Duque: Jim Manion seems to be the guy you have the least problems with (on a personal level), but who seemingly wields the most power. Does this seem odd to you? Tell us if you would ever reconcile with (1) Jim Manion, (2) Steve Weinberger, (3) Steve Blechman? John Romano: Manion certainly owes me one, but l think too much water has gone under the bridge. He acted impetuously, like a deranged wann’a-be mafia boss who had his espresso spilled in his lap. He damaged me financially, robbed the fans of a great team effort that covered HIS federation, and caused the rise of Aaron Singerman. So, any apology from him would have to be much, much more than simple and informal, and he’ll need a dump truck full of money. For Steve Weinberger, same as for Manion, only he’d need a little less money because he did give me a free membership at Bev’s. (3) Never!! Blechman called me his brother and stabbed me in the back. I faithfully devoted 18 years of my career to building his brand and was fired on a 15 second phone call because of the false accusation of his resident useless Jew ad boy Ginsberg. I got no severance, no explanation, nothing that ANY seasoned executive is entitled to after nearly 20 years of faithful service. Then he subsequently embarked on a fictitious smear campaign where he alleged all kinds of crap, including embezzling company funds, to cover for his stupid gutless move in firing his company’s best asset. Even tough his circulation numbers are 1/3 of what they were when I was there, a mere formal apology doesn’t cover the shit that sniveling little coward pulled. Blechman doesn’t have enough money to buy me back. He is a total asshole, a terrible businessman, a liar, a phony, a cheat, a quintessential tightwad Jew, a snob, he’s out of touch, and subscribes to this air of entitlement that is really nauseating – even for a closet homo. I could care less for his penchant for striated male glutes. He’s just too much of a creep and a two-faced back stabber for me to ever desire a renewed relationship with him. I’d take the snake twins Wren and Stimpy (Manion and Weinberger) over Blechman any day of the week. Christian Duque: Please address statements made by industry insiders claiming that VPX CEO Jack Owoc has spent far too much money on the site and show, than both are worth. John Romano: LMAO at ‘industry insiders.” Who might these geniuses be? Sounds to me like the classic keyboard desperado working off the family computer in his mom’s basement. I love how people on the boards claim to know all this inside industry information when in reality they are just making it up. In actuality, Jack has spent very little on this radio show because we host it ourselves. The only cost we incur is that of post production and it amounts to peanuts. The Shotgun Big Show page is one of the top visited pages on the VPX site with well over 10,000 downloads a month. As far as the site goes, VPX’ s directive is to be totally digital. The VPX site is the core of our marketing machine and we dedicate an entire department to web marketing, with everything, including our server, housed at VPX. Whomever these “industry insiders” are assessing what this marketing machine is “worth” are clearly retarded. Christian Duque: Additionally, please speak to rumors that you and Lee will be out soon... John Romano: Well, since neither of us are gay I don’t think we’ll be coming out. Or do you mean out as in were going out to party? Certainly you can’t mean “out” as in departing from one of the most listened to shows in our industry. … How does one speak to rumors anyway? Or should I say why? Especially when such rumors are totally baseless, not to mention the erroneous consisting of nameless, faceless, internet retards. Lee and I aren’t going anywhere. Christian Duque: Since no one knows better than you, what's it like working at VPX and with Jack Owoc? John Romano: VPX is an amazing company. Unless you have been here and toured all 240,000 square feet of this out of the future facility, you can’t even imagine the scope of the operation that keeps over 200 people busy every day. Jack himself is the quintessential genius. He runs this company singlehandedly by relying on his key people and not micromanaging. What a joy it is to work for someone who gives you a directive and then steps back and lets you do it. As such, among many other things, Jack is the polar opposite of Steve Blechman. Blechman is the consummate micromanager who’s key people have titles just for the sake of filling up the masthead. Where Blechman is out of touch, relies on the New York times for his opinion and afraid to spend a penny, Jack is, by contrast, a maverick. His motto is “solution and execution,” he doesn’t want to hear excuses or that something he wants can’t be done. VPX has vast resources and they are all at our disposal to makes Jack’s wishes come true. That’s why this company is growing by leaps and bounds and Blechman will be forever mired in publishing just three magazines. I use the comparison not bash Blechman (which I know is unavoidable) but the contrast is quite relevant to me since I spent 18 years working for Blechy. Hence, the comparison is quite natural from my perspective. In short, working for Jack is a dream come true. I have no doubt in my mind that it will be here at VPX that I will develop professionally to my full potential. Christian Duque: What can you tell us about VPX supplements? Do you currently take any, and if so, which? John Romano: VPX supplements are truly state-of-the-art. Every single product we make is backed by credible research and good science. To date, VPX/Redline has over 15 university studies on it’s products that proved their efficacy. No other supplement company can make such a claim… well, they can, it just wont be true. Currently I take: Shotgun/Synthesize, Ultra Hardcore, Redline, Protein Rush, Zero Carb SRO, ZI Bars, Fiberteq, Creatine Plasma. |
| John and Derek Anthony having a little fun. Since (both) leaving RxMuscle, it seems their friendship has blossomed. |
| Romano with ABC's John Stossel and RxMuscle's Mr. G |
| Romano with Triple H and Palumbo |
Christian Duque: Let's talk about creative control. At MD you were essentially the unofficial editor chief, tell me
if you think that's fair to say. I would imagine you could set the tone of pretty much any format with the MD
imprimatur on it. Tell me how, if at all, your ability to steer programming and marketing changed from Senior
Editor at MD to "Boss 2" at RxMuscle.com.
John Romano: Senior editor is more accurate. I never held the duties of an editor-in-chief. My involvement was
always on the creative end, not the administrative side that the EIC handles.
At MD l could usually dictate all of the direction and content of my departments. On my real estate I had carte
blanche of the MD imprimatur. Sometimes Blechman and I would brainstorm on features, but that was pretty
much it. Together we would decide the cover lines, assign articles to the other contributors, decide who we
were going to shoot, the theme of the issue, and we worked closely along with the rest of the crew when it
came time to freshen the look of the magazine. If we were building an issue covering a big show we would
plan the travel - who would need to go, what their assignments would be. If we were going to have a booth at
a show we would decide what to do and how to best use our time and space there.
When it came to the internet it was just Dave and me. Blechman would call meetings to go over web issues
but he is such a retard when it comes to anything with a chip in it that those meetings were more a waste of
time than they were amusing. Blechman can’t even turn on a computer let alone grasp the concept of a an
online community or what could be done to cover contest that couldn’t be done in a magazine.
Moving over to RX, Dave and I concentrated on contest coverage and our radio show, and other various
content; articles, interviews, videos, etc. We actually thought RX would be more of a media site than a contest
coverage site, but things just kind of morphed into more coverage than media. Steering media was much
more easily accomplished at RX because Dave an I were ALWAYS on the same page. We never argued,
never disagreed, had a similar vision and creative scope, we both worked hard, loved each other’s ideas. It
was truly a wonderful partnership.
Christian Duque: Did muscle staff follow your instructions and treat you on the same level as Dave Palumbo?
Were there ever instances where your instructions weren't followed?
John Romano: Never. Derek was always a problem child for both of us, but everyone else knew who the
bosses were. My word was respected just the same as Dave’s and vice versa. Dave had more attention to
give the operation because I had just won full custody of my young son and had to split my time. Dave had
two dogs. There had to be some give on my end because I had a child to raise. Dave did more work than I did,
traveled more, and put more of his own money into the operation, but overall we were both equally seated at
the top. Every decision we ever made we made together.
Dave had more attention to give the operation because I had just won full custody of my young son and had
to split my time. Dave had two dogs. There had to be some give on my end because I had a child to raise.
Dave did more work than I did, traveled more, and put more of his own money into the operation, but overall
we were both equally seated at the top. Every decision we ever made we made together.
Christian Duque: During at least one episode of Muscle Girls, Inc., co-host Colette Nelson claimed she
owned a piece of Species Nutrition. Is this accurate?
John Romano: I believe she was in line to be a 10% owner, but , as far as I know, they broke up before the
stock was divided. I’m not exactly sure where she stands now.
Christian Duque: Was there ever a firm offer in place as far as future employment with muscle, Species, or
both? Did you ever get a paycheck or some kind of compensation for you work, no matter in what amount or at
what frequency?
John Romano: I got a paycheck every month from RXMuscle as we had agreed from the onset. I still get a
residual check every month. I never really worked for Species. At one point, while still working for MD, I was
starting to sell Species to gyms, but once we started RX I didn’t have much time for that. I think all together I
might have made $1,000.00 from Species.
| MD/No Bull Radio era: (l-r) Dave Palumbo, John Romano, Steve Bleichman, Shawn Ray, & Flex Wheeler |
| Romano & The Rambling Freak, Gregg Valentino. John, Dave, & Gregg were the original hosts of MD's No Bull Radio. |
Christian Duque: I think most people know you best, as the Senior Editor of Muscular Development Magazine.
When did you start with the company, and what position did you initially get hired in for?
John Romano: Sometime in the mid 80s I was doing a TV spot on ESPN for a show called American Muscle
Magazine that was produced by a guy named Lou Zwick. Zwick had a relationship with TwinLabs and
recommended me to Steve Blechman, who was looking for a food column in a magazine the company had
just purchased from York Barbell called Muscular Development. I began writing for MD in February of 1989.
I started with one column called Muscle Meals – the same as the name of my spot on Zwick’s show - and
gradually climbed the ranks from there, as I proved my writing prowess, to Senior Editor; writing six features a
month, consulting on the content of each issue, and assisting in the foundation of the MD website and its
online community.
Christian Duque: How would you describe the operation in those days
John Romano: In those days MD was a subsidiary of TwinLabs called Advanced Research Press which
was owned by Mom and Pop Blechman. While I didn’t interact a lot with the senior Blechman, I have to say
that the man was at the very least iconic. He wasn’t a good man, he was a great man; big, burly, tough and
smart and savvy as the day is long. I really liked and respected him. The dude was old school and cool as hell
– totally different from his sons. He singlehandedly built TwinLabs out his garage into the mammoth it
became. He eventually employed all five of his sons (two sets of twins, hence the name) and built the
company into the top sport supplement company in the world; at one point raking in over $200,000,000
annually. To give you an idea of just how vital to the company as its leader this man was, just prior to his
untimely passing, Twin went public. The offering cashed out the senior Blechman so he could retire and put a
few million in each brother’s pocket. Shares of Twin opened at the IPO at $12.00 a share and climbed
steadily to a high of $48.00. Shortly thereafter David Blechman died leaving the brothers alone at the helm.
Less than 18 months later Twin’s stock was 3 cents a share and the company was in shambles, sold to the
lowest bidder for a minute fraction of what it was once worth; a testament to the business acumen of the
brothers Blechman.
Christian Duque: Who were some people you'd interact with on a regular basis?
John Romano: My interactions were few. I worked from home – Twin was on Long Island and I lived in Venice,
Ca. I mostly interacted with Steve Blechman and his executive assistant. In 1993 I was able to sell Blechman
on signing both Shelley Beattie and me to an endorsement contract with Twin while I still wrote for MD. When
we signed that deal we did so in NY and we got the full tour of TwinLabs. It was a gargantuan facility. They
made all of their products and did so with a state of the art operation. I have to say that to this day the only
facility I have ever seen that could rival what Twin was, in it’s hay day, is the 240,000 square foot facility that is
my home now at VPX. At the time, Twin was a giant, and under David Blechman’s watch, a major force in
the industry. Once we signed that endorsement deal we interacted somewhat with a guy named Keith Anglin
who was really cool and always hooked us up with tons of free supplements, and Steve’s older brother Neil
who was a real class A prick. Other than that, I mostly dealt with Steve and his assistant Angela.
Christian Duque: How receptive were top athletes, contest promoters, and the staffs of the Weider
publications towards MD staff in the early days (e.g. were press passes and/or exclusivity agreements a
major issue back then?).
John Romano: Top athletes respected TwinLabs because they made good products and they all wanted
them and they all wanted a contract after Vince McMahon forced the issue with Weider. Lee Haney was
finishing out his Olympia reign under contract with Twin and I always enjoyed getting to hang out with him
when travel brought us together. Lee was just the most cooled out guy I ever met in bodybuilding. He was so
grounded and true; a real gentleman. You don’t meet guys like Haney in this biz every day. But as good a guy
as he was, not even he could tolerate Blechy for very long. None of the athletes or promoters could. There was
just something very odd about him and if it wasn’t for his outward appearance of hauling around a very heavy
wallet, no one would talk to him. He attracted nuthuggers – promoters and athletes alike - like a magnet
attracts metal filings and none of those filings were ashamed of it. When it came to Steve Blechman it was all
about the money. And the feeling was mutual.
Weider, back then, was the true powerhouse of the entire industry. Joe Weider was THE boss. Even when
Twin was suing Weider for anti trust violations (a suit Twin later lost) Joe never held off the promotion of the
athletes or shows. Press passes were never ever an issue. Blechman would always cry anyway, usually
about how his photographer wouldn’t get the middle seat. He was always in the pit prior to prejudging
rearranging the seating cards and would always get caught which lead to very embarrassing moments. We
all learned early on that if you were close with Blechman you had to be prepared to be embarrassed, it was
part of the job.
Exclusivity arrangements weren’t really a big deal. Joe got first dibs on athletes and the rest of us took what
was let over. Other than Haney, me, Shelley, Laura and Chris Twin didn’t really have any exclusive
contracts and MD had none. MD didn’t start signing exclusive contracts with athletes until early 2000. Mostly
we would approach a guy and secure a photo shoot. If he did ok at the show we’d shoot him the next day in a
local gym. If he did well, Weider would call the guy up and tell him to fly to LA to be shot for Flex or M&F at Gold’
s Gym. If that happened they would break Blechman’s appointment like a bad habit. It wasn’t until Joe
stepped down and AMI took over that Blechman started with the exclusivity. Before then bodybuilding
belonged to Joe and Joe always got what he wanted. No one said no to Joe. Blechman hated that. He taking
second or third to Weider. It annoyed the crap out of him. To this day, Blechman always wanted to be Joe
Weider.
Christian Duque: When Steve Blechman published his reasons for firing you and Dave, he stated that Robbie
Durand would be the new Editor-in Chief. Tell us about Robbie, was he well liked by the staff, and did Steve
ever offer you this post? Was Robbier, at any time, really in charge of the magazine like a true Editor-in-Chief
would be?
John Romano: Robbie is the science editor, not Editor-in-Chief. Blechman would never relinquish that
position. He’s way too much of a control freak and micro manager. I only met Robbie a couple of times. Dave
and I were fired shortly after he arrived. I thought he was a nice enough guy. Can’t say I didn’t like him. He
was never in charge of the magazine and never will be offered that position. I’m not sure what you mean
about Steve ever offering me his post. As Science editor? No.
Christian Duque: According to what's readily available throughout the online and print media, it would seem
that the deal-breaker between Palumbo and Blechman was the issue of Species Nutrition. Do you think
Dave's regular plugs for his line, on a show that sold advertising space to paying companies, sat well with
Blechman? Did it sit well with you? Did you ever get any blowback from the paying sponsors and/or from
Blechman, and if so, how would you deal with this issue?
John Romano: Dave’s compensation package with Advance Research Press (Blechman’s publishing
company) included a page of advertising in MD which Dave used for Species. Hence, Species was a paid
advertiser that, should have been, availed the same promotion as any other company that bought ads in MD.
"Regular plugs" were part of the same deal all the other advertisers got, and none of them ever made any
noise about it. It wasn’t until performance pressure got to the ad guy, Adam Ginsberg, who couldn’t sell a
heater to an Eskimo that the Species plugs became an issue – at least for him. Ginsberg blamed all his
failings on Species. Blechman tolerated his whining because Ginsberg was a fellow Jew, and Blechman and
Dave had agreed that Blechy would use Species as a front to get back into the supplement biz to try and
rekindle his TwinLab glory days. Once Dave got used to Blechy’s horrible business practices – broken
promises, never called anyone back, held off signing people’s checks for no reason, and his miserly
cheapness whenever it came time to spend any money to grow the website, he realized he could never go
into business with such a person and wrote him a letter rescinding the offer to partner with Species. That’
s when we started getting blow back from Blechman. Ginsberg milked this for all it was worth and basically
created an objection where there wasn’t one because he was the worst salesman in the entire world. No
advertiser ever had a problem with Dave and/or Species, nor did I. We never really dealt with it. We were fired
soon after Blechman got Dave’s letter.
Christian Duque: Upon leaving muscle & No Bull Radio, there was a meeting in South Florida between
yourself and Pro Bodybuilding Weekly's Dan Solomon. What can you tell us about this meeting, who was
there, and in hindsight, what thoughts come to mind about it?
John Romano: It was a casual lunch in Boca Raton. In attendance were Dan Soloman, Bob Cicherillo,
Jimmy Mentis, and Bill Geiger. It was a great Blechman bashing session… LOL. It’s so funny to hear how no
one likes the guy. It was there that Bill offered me some work with Musclemag. It was just really a fun lunch
among friends. The only thing in hindsight that comes to mind is that we should all get together again. I keep
in touch with Dan and Jimmy regularly, mostly because they are local guys. It’s easy for us to see each other.
When did you start with the company, and what position did you initially get hired in for?
John Romano: Sometime in the mid 80s I was doing a TV spot on ESPN for a show called American Muscle
Magazine that was produced by a guy named Lou Zwick. Zwick had a relationship with TwinLabs and
recommended me to Steve Blechman, who was looking for a food column in a magazine the company had
just purchased from York Barbell called Muscular Development. I began writing for MD in February of 1989.
I started with one column called Muscle Meals – the same as the name of my spot on Zwick’s show - and
gradually climbed the ranks from there, as I proved my writing prowess, to Senior Editor; writing six features a
month, consulting on the content of each issue, and assisting in the foundation of the MD website and its
online community.
Christian Duque: How would you describe the operation in those days
John Romano: In those days MD was a subsidiary of TwinLabs called Advanced Research Press which
was owned by Mom and Pop Blechman. While I didn’t interact a lot with the senior Blechman, I have to say
that the man was at the very least iconic. He wasn’t a good man, he was a great man; big, burly, tough and
smart and savvy as the day is long. I really liked and respected him. The dude was old school and cool as hell
– totally different from his sons. He singlehandedly built TwinLabs out his garage into the mammoth it
became. He eventually employed all five of his sons (two sets of twins, hence the name) and built the
company into the top sport supplement company in the world; at one point raking in over $200,000,000
annually. To give you an idea of just how vital to the company as its leader this man was, just prior to his
untimely passing, Twin went public. The offering cashed out the senior Blechman so he could retire and put a
few million in each brother’s pocket. Shares of Twin opened at the IPO at $12.00 a share and climbed
steadily to a high of $48.00. Shortly thereafter David Blechman died leaving the brothers alone at the helm.
Less than 18 months later Twin’s stock was 3 cents a share and the company was in shambles, sold to the
lowest bidder for a minute fraction of what it was once worth; a testament to the business acumen of the
brothers Blechman.
Christian Duque: Who were some people you'd interact with on a regular basis?
John Romano: My interactions were few. I worked from home – Twin was on Long Island and I lived in Venice,
Ca. I mostly interacted with Steve Blechman and his executive assistant. In 1993 I was able to sell Blechman
on signing both Shelley Beattie and me to an endorsement contract with Twin while I still wrote for MD. When
we signed that deal we did so in NY and we got the full tour of TwinLabs. It was a gargantuan facility. They
made all of their products and did so with a state of the art operation. I have to say that to this day the only
facility I have ever seen that could rival what Twin was, in it’s hay day, is the 240,000 square foot facility that is
my home now at VPX. At the time, Twin was a giant, and under David Blechman’s watch, a major force in
the industry. Once we signed that endorsement deal we interacted somewhat with a guy named Keith Anglin
who was really cool and always hooked us up with tons of free supplements, and Steve’s older brother Neil
who was a real class A prick. Other than that, I mostly dealt with Steve and his assistant Angela.
Christian Duque: How receptive were top athletes, contest promoters, and the staffs of the Weider
publications towards MD staff in the early days (e.g. were press passes and/or exclusivity agreements a
major issue back then?).
John Romano: Top athletes respected TwinLabs because they made good products and they all wanted
them and they all wanted a contract after Vince McMahon forced the issue with Weider. Lee Haney was
finishing out his Olympia reign under contract with Twin and I always enjoyed getting to hang out with him
when travel brought us together. Lee was just the most cooled out guy I ever met in bodybuilding. He was so
grounded and true; a real gentleman. You don’t meet guys like Haney in this biz every day. But as good a guy
as he was, not even he could tolerate Blechy for very long. None of the athletes or promoters could. There was
just something very odd about him and if it wasn’t for his outward appearance of hauling around a very heavy
wallet, no one would talk to him. He attracted nuthuggers – promoters and athletes alike - like a magnet
attracts metal filings and none of those filings were ashamed of it. When it came to Steve Blechman it was all
about the money. And the feeling was mutual.
Weider, back then, was the true powerhouse of the entire industry. Joe Weider was THE boss. Even when
Twin was suing Weider for anti trust violations (a suit Twin later lost) Joe never held off the promotion of the
athletes or shows. Press passes were never ever an issue. Blechman would always cry anyway, usually
about how his photographer wouldn’t get the middle seat. He was always in the pit prior to prejudging
rearranging the seating cards and would always get caught which lead to very embarrassing moments. We
all learned early on that if you were close with Blechman you had to be prepared to be embarrassed, it was
part of the job.
Exclusivity arrangements weren’t really a big deal. Joe got first dibs on athletes and the rest of us took what
was let over. Other than Haney, me, Shelley, Laura and Chris Twin didn’t really have any exclusive
contracts and MD had none. MD didn’t start signing exclusive contracts with athletes until early 2000. Mostly
we would approach a guy and secure a photo shoot. If he did ok at the show we’d shoot him the next day in a
local gym. If he did well, Weider would call the guy up and tell him to fly to LA to be shot for Flex or M&F at Gold’
s Gym. If that happened they would break Blechman’s appointment like a bad habit. It wasn’t until Joe
stepped down and AMI took over that Blechman started with the exclusivity. Before then bodybuilding
belonged to Joe and Joe always got what he wanted. No one said no to Joe. Blechman hated that. He taking
second or third to Weider. It annoyed the crap out of him. To this day, Blechman always wanted to be Joe
Weider.
Christian Duque: When Steve Blechman published his reasons for firing you and Dave, he stated that Robbie
Durand would be the new Editor-in Chief. Tell us about Robbie, was he well liked by the staff, and did Steve
ever offer you this post? Was Robbier, at any time, really in charge of the magazine like a true Editor-in-Chief
would be?
John Romano: Robbie is the science editor, not Editor-in-Chief. Blechman would never relinquish that
position. He’s way too much of a control freak and micro manager. I only met Robbie a couple of times. Dave
and I were fired shortly after he arrived. I thought he was a nice enough guy. Can’t say I didn’t like him. He
was never in charge of the magazine and never will be offered that position. I’m not sure what you mean
about Steve ever offering me his post. As Science editor? No.
Christian Duque: According to what's readily available throughout the online and print media, it would seem
that the deal-breaker between Palumbo and Blechman was the issue of Species Nutrition. Do you think
Dave's regular plugs for his line, on a show that sold advertising space to paying companies, sat well with
Blechman? Did it sit well with you? Did you ever get any blowback from the paying sponsors and/or from
Blechman, and if so, how would you deal with this issue?
John Romano: Dave’s compensation package with Advance Research Press (Blechman’s publishing
company) included a page of advertising in MD which Dave used for Species. Hence, Species was a paid
advertiser that, should have been, availed the same promotion as any other company that bought ads in MD.
"Regular plugs" were part of the same deal all the other advertisers got, and none of them ever made any
noise about it. It wasn’t until performance pressure got to the ad guy, Adam Ginsberg, who couldn’t sell a
heater to an Eskimo that the Species plugs became an issue – at least for him. Ginsberg blamed all his
failings on Species. Blechman tolerated his whining because Ginsberg was a fellow Jew, and Blechman and
Dave had agreed that Blechy would use Species as a front to get back into the supplement biz to try and
rekindle his TwinLab glory days. Once Dave got used to Blechy’s horrible business practices – broken
promises, never called anyone back, held off signing people’s checks for no reason, and his miserly
cheapness whenever it came time to spend any money to grow the website, he realized he could never go
into business with such a person and wrote him a letter rescinding the offer to partner with Species. That’
s when we started getting blow back from Blechman. Ginsberg milked this for all it was worth and basically
created an objection where there wasn’t one because he was the worst salesman in the entire world. No
advertiser ever had a problem with Dave and/or Species, nor did I. We never really dealt with it. We were fired
soon after Blechman got Dave’s letter.
Christian Duque: Upon leaving muscle & No Bull Radio, there was a meeting in South Florida between
yourself and Pro Bodybuilding Weekly's Dan Solomon. What can you tell us about this meeting, who was
there, and in hindsight, what thoughts come to mind about it?
John Romano: It was a casual lunch in Boca Raton. In attendance were Dan Soloman, Bob Cicherillo,
Jimmy Mentis, and Bill Geiger. It was a great Blechman bashing session… LOL. It’s so funny to hear how no
one likes the guy. It was there that Bill offered me some work with Musclemag. It was just really a fun lunch
among friends. The only thing in hindsight that comes to mind is that we should all get together again. I keep
in touch with Dan and Jimmy regularly, mostly because they are local guys. It’s easy for us to see each other.
| John with Sylvester Stalone. |
Christian Duque: You often say you got to make peace with longtime IFBB President Ben Weider, could you share this story with us? John Romano: It always irked me that Blechman created the confrontation with the Weiders. I thought it was very at the least stupid to draw battle lines in such a small industry, and at best disrespectful. Blechman’s ego does make him do stupid things. I did, however, take issue with Ben trying so hard to seek Olympic recognition for bodybuilding when it seemed like Joe was working against him by promoting guys who were so obviously juiced. But, that was a respectful, and, l dare say, obvious objection. That aside, Ben was a tireless worker for the world wide promotion of the sport. After I left MD I sent Joe a letter thanking him for all he had done for bodybuilding. I told him that I wanted to tell him of my appreciation while he was still alive and could hear it from me, especially after all the bad blood Blechman had fostered. Joe called me immediately after he got my letter and we had a great conversation. We talked for over an hour about bodybuilding and all the guys from the old days, and I reminded him of all the times we had met in the past. I was so honored that he remembered me and told me how he had followed my writing and complimented me on being a great writer. Toward the end of our conversation I told him how grateful I was that he reached out to me and that I would really like the opportunity to see him again, and how much I would like to also extend my gratitude to Ben, as well as apologize for the stance I was forced to take against him. Joe told me that he, Betty and Ben would be at a book signing (Brothers of Iron) at the Olympia and that I should stop by. So, I got in touch with Ben’s assistant, Rob Wilkins, who has always been a friend of mine, and asked him if he could let Ben know who I was and that I wanted to linger a little after he signed my book so I could talk to him. I showed up at their booth at the O and bought a book. Rob saw me in line and immediately brought me up to the front. I saw Joe first and his eyes lit up when he saw me. He grabbed my hand and shook the life out of it. He has a grip like a vise! We chatted for a few minutes while he signed my book writing an entire paragraph on the inside cover. Betty signed it too. I told her I always wanted to meet her and told her how hot she looked. She kind of just nodded – like who is this meat head – and Joe laughed. Then Rob grabbed me and moved me over to Ben because I was holding up the line. He whispered in Ben’s ear who I was and Ben piped right up. He grabbed my hand and shook it until it started going numb. He never let go! We talked for a few minutes and I finally got to give him my apology for all the years of criticism. He was so gracious and understanding. Just a sweet, sweet man. Whatever vinegar these two may have had coursing through their veins when they were younger had been distilled. While I had the pleasure of meeting Joe many times over the years, it was Ben who really impressed me as the most genuine and peaceful man I think I have ever met. One of the best feelings I can ever associate to this crazy business of ours is that I did get a chance to mend the fence with Ben and free my soul of the burden l would have had to carry if I didn’t get that chance. For that brief moment I will forever be grateful. Christian Duque: Please tell us about the reconciliation with Flex Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Peter McGough. John Romano: Peter McGough is an icon in bodybuilding. No modern pantheon of our industry would be complete without Peter McGough. He goes back almost as far as Weider, and is as instrumental in much of the shape of how bodybuilding was covered. My long beef with him was Blechman’s beef. McGough considered Blechman his contemporary and this insulted Blechman because he felt Joe Weider was his equal, not Pete. Blechman felt McGough should have considered me his equal. McGough did start much of the controversy that brewed between the magazines but always called out Blechy, not me. This always infuriated Blechman and he would sig me on him like an attack dog, which, if I do say so myself, was something at which l was fairly adept. My subsequent relationships with Dan Soloman and Kevin Horton convinced me McGough was a good guy. So, after I left MD Peter graciously reached out to me and I accepted the olive branch. We have been good friends ever since. More on the IFBB! Christian Duque: Who is currently in charge of the IFBB? John Romano: In the United States it's Jim Manion, and at the international level it's Rafael Santoja. Christian Duque: Does the U.S. Division ultimately fall under the U.S.? John Romano: The NPC is technically under the International IFBB, but since Manion is in charge of both the NPC and the IFBB in the US, he has skewed the lines. Technically, every nation that is a member of the IFBB has one recognized national amateur affiliate. In the US it is the NPC. I’m purposely giving short answers here because this entire topic is going to be covered in depth next week on SGBS when our guest will be former IFBB pro league chairman Wayne DeMilia. Christian Duque: There seems to be some sanctioning issues for the 2012 Arnold Classic. What's this all about? John Romano: Manion refused Jim Lorimer’s Arnold Amateur competition as a pro qualifier. Lorimer got pissed and went to Europe to see Raphael Santoja. Currently, Lorimer is co-promoting the Arnold Fitness Festival in Spain with Santoja as a dress rehearsal for what may follow here in the US. Big changes are on the way! Also short answer here because this topic will be covered in depth on SGBS Christian Duque: You often say that corruption runs rampant in the IFBB/NPC and one area of special significance seems to be Figure and Bikini. Could you explain what the ladies are subjected to? John Romano: It’s simple. If they are not signed with Fitness management group (owned and operated by Manion’s son J M Manion), or a paid member of Team bombshell. or Odo’s Angels, then anyone competing is assured they will not crack the top 5. Again…. another topic that will be covered in depth on SGBS. |
Ben Weider with Rafael Santoja
| Jim Manion with Ben Weider |
| Romano received an outpouring of support after being fired from MD. His appearance on PBW would give rise to a new era on RxM. |
| This duo was the Hardcore Alternative to Dan & Bob on PBW. When MD had their back, they seemed unstoppable. |
| The rapport between Romano & Palumbo has been attempted by both men in other forums, but this duo remains the all time best. Romano for culture, Palumbo for muscle, and both for diet, supplementation, & science. |
| "Show me the bodies." Romano on Bigger, Stronger, Faster (A major motion film) |
| Behind the scenes @ RxMuscle.com |
| Romano & McGough make peace. |
| ROMANO on VIDEO |
| Classic RxMuscle - 2010 Olympia Review Romano, Palumbo, Teper, & Aceto "Do the guys peak last night or tonight?" |
| Romano with VPX CEO Jack Owoc |
| Romano has been very supportive of Derek Anthony, seen here sporting a tank top for the Derek Anthony show on BlogTalk Radio. |
SANCTIONING - 2012 Manion, Santoja, Lorimer |
| presents John Romano |
Bodybuilding's Most Feared!
His Fans Get Banned!
Villified
Written Off!
Jim Manion
| Truth on the IFBB/NPC |
RxMuscle
| Hero! |
| Original lineup - No Bull Radio (l-r) Romano, Valentino, Palumbo |
Shotgun Big Show!
| FEEDBACK |
| Name Association Robert Kennedy – Very underestimated, very savvy publisher who truly understands his audience. Dan Duchaine – Genius. Sorely missed best friend BigJ1: Very sharp, very well intended. Kind’a schmoey but he knows it, and the man can eat! John Balik: First guy I ever met in the biz. I built out his studio on Windward Ave. in Venice in 1983. Great photographer, total lighting genius, knows everybody, very kind, and a real bodybuilding staple. Robin Chang: cry baby who can’t handle the truth. Jim Lorimer: Very powerful man. Unfortunately, his years are catching up to him. He has done a tremendous service to the city of Columbus, but he also knows how to make enemies. Anthony Roberts – Very intelligent, very resourceful guy. Rafael Santonja: The perfect successor to Ben Weider. |
stated that "The Romano truth is based on who is paying him - currently, it is VPX. Each time he goes somewhere, he keeps saying that it was his 'employer' that made him be the way he is. You are who you are. He chose to vilify the IFBB and NPC and anyone who is there. He chose to attack everyone there and anyone who disagrees with him is a pussy." Mr. Avidan, a VPX distributer, raised doubts as to fact VPX was paying RxMuscle $20,000 a month in advertising costs.* John Romano: it was actually $8,000 a month in cash. Funny statement from Ron considering I’ve only worked for MD in the regard he stipulates. The only time I have ever written what l was told was for MD. So, his statement is moot. I’m vilifying corruption. It just so happens that it is the IFBB/NPC that is not only wrought with corruption, but also the ones who set out to damage me financially. I know all about Ron. His strings go right to the IFBB. He is no different than any of them towing the line for the IFBB. If he doesn’t, then he doesn’t get into their shows. Simple as that. My integrity is intact because I do tell the truth. Even when that truth is having to admit that I had to sell out. At least I can man up and admit it. Can any of them? Curt James: John, I admire you as someone who has made their living as a writer. I own your cookbook and will get it autographed one day! What was the first article for which you received an actual paycheck? You've written for and edited MD, delivered outstanding reporting for Rx Muscle, and have been seen in the pages of MuscleMag International, could you tell us more of your writing background?" John Romano: Oddly, I can’t remember the name of the magazine for which I wrote my first article, or the guy who ran it. He was a friend of Dan Duchaine’s. I wrote two articles for him in 1985 I think. I was paid something like $200.00. The real steady paychecks came from MD starting in 1989. As far as my background goes, I’ve just always written. Mostly for fun or artistic expression. I am an artist at heart and writing is but one of my mediums. |
| Romano interviewing the great Iris Kyle at the Miss International for RxMuscle.com |
| Romano interviewing Mark Henry for RxM |
| John & Valerie |
Responses
Dear John,
(okay I can’t write that without giggling!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview on strengthaddicts.com. I have read your articles longer than I care to admit and have always
appreciated your candor. I know much of this information to be true and the rest confirms everything I have heard - especially regarding
the fitness/figure divisions which is really disheartening but not surprising.
I have to agree with the adjectives you used to describe Steve Blechman. A good friend of mine, Steve Wennerstrom, can probably add
to that list! Keep up the good work!
Best regards,
Lisa Aukland, IFBB Pro BB - retired!
(okay I can’t write that without giggling!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview on strengthaddicts.com. I have read your articles longer than I care to admit and have always
appreciated your candor. I know much of this information to be true and the rest confirms everything I have heard - especially regarding
the fitness/figure divisions which is really disheartening but not surprising.
I have to agree with the adjectives you used to describe Steve Blechman. A good friend of mine, Steve Wennerstrom, can probably add
to that list! Keep up the good work!
Best regards,
Lisa Aukland, IFBB Pro BB - retired!
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