‘Toucher & Hardy’ highlights: Rock ‘n’ Roll Mike’s unreleased tracks
I’m on vacation this week. I’m supposed to be getting my holiday shopping sorted (or maybe even starting it). But when a great idea hits me, like highlighting some funny…

Robert “Hardy” Poole officially named the new morning show Co-Host on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston
I'm on vacation this week. I'm supposed to be getting my holiday shopping sorted (or maybe even starting it). But when a great idea hits me, like highlighting some funny moments of Hardy on the morning show in the past, I gotta tell my 10-month-old, 'that diaper change can wait, i've got work to do!'. I'm not even clocking in to do it! Money... who needs it, amirite?!
During one of Hardy's guest appearance on the morning show with Fred Toucher years back, they discussed a call from Rock 'n' Roll Mike the previous week. Rock 'n' Roll Mike revealed he was working on a new album called "HOT BALLS." Hardy, intrigued by this announcement, did some online sleuthing and uncovered snippets of songs from the upcoming album. the guys also speculate on Rock 'n' Roll Mike's musical contributions, his potential influence on bands, and even touch on controversial aspects of his personal life, comparing him to Jerry Lee Lewis. They play snippets of Rock 'n' Roll Mike's songs, suggesting they could be summer dance hits or featured in movie trailers.
LISTEN HERE:
Nick Gemelli is a Producer and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. Follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
Follow @Touchernrich on Twitter, @Touchernrich and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!
Nick Gemelli: The best places to pregame around TD Garden
Outside TD Garden is where I spend a lot of time, armed only with my smartphone and a keen ear for the ground. My aim during the shows is to capture the emotions of fans leaving Bruins and Celtics games.
To put it less formally, I'm basically out there looking for happy or angry folks, especially those who've had a bit to drink, to share their excitement or fury with me. Then, We play it back on the show the next day.
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesA Boston Bruins fan roller blades on Causeway St. prior to Game 1 of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on May 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
But, you know, getting audio late at night can be a drag, especially when I have to work in a few hours. One silver lining to these street interviews is the culinary adventure that unfolds around TD Garden. It goes beyond the cheers and disappointments. I take pleasure in exploring both old and new restaurants and bars, savoring their mouth-watering offerings.
So, in a nutshell, I enjoy checking out the diverse food scene around TD Garden—from traditional pub dishes to breweries. This culinary journey helps me power through my late nights and interviews.
HERE ARE MY TOP PREGAME PLACES AROUND TD GARDEN:
BANNERS KITCHEN & TAP
25,000-square-foot, awesome food and drinks and a GIANT LED-TV. What else do you need? To be completely honest, Our first time going to Banners was this past Tuesday before the Bruins game. Not only is Banners a top choice to pre-game for any event at the Garden, but it would be a great place to catch all the games during the football season. The food, atmosphere and service were top-notch. Highly recommend the loaded potato tots and the Fat Rooster chicken sandwich. Watch for yourself!
82 Causeway Street, Boston, 617-263-8200
bannerskitchenandtap.com
FILIPPO RISTORANTE
If you’re craving Italian but don’t want to walk all the way to Hanover street, Filippo is a great option. This Italian restaurant is steps away from the Garden and has plenty to offer. Their espresso martini is pretty damn good
283 Causeway Street, Boston, 617-742-4142
filippori.st
NIGHT SHIFT LOVEJOY
Night Shift, located at Lovejoy wharf next to the Converse, is an excellent place for beer lovers to pregame before heading to the Garden. Nightshift serves up a tasty menu plus an extensive list of seltzers and beers, some even lovejoy exclusives.
1 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-456-7687
HUB HALL
Hub Hall is a great option for people who are running late but starving, or if the lines for other bars are around the block. And his isn’t your average mall food court - the Hall has a hell of a lineup, including the Smoke Shop BBQ, Mike’s Pastry, Sullivan’s, APizza and more! Plus, you can sit and grab a drink too!
80 Causeway St., Boston, 617-263-8900
hubhallboston.com
THE TIP TAP ROOM
The Tip Tap Room is just a quick stroll from TD Garden. With their lengthy list of craft brews and tasty offerings, Tip Tap is an option for anyone who’s looking for something different than what's around the Garden.
138 Cambridge St, Boston, 857-350-3344
Halftime Pizza
Old faithful. Perfect for both pre and post!
115 Causeway street, Boston, (617) 720-4578





