June 2, 2026

Title: BACKING BAND

Constructor: Dan Hrynick

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Theme synopsis:

• HASH BROWNS (17A: Crispy breakfast side order)
• CHEVY CAVALIERS (26A: Compact cars similar to Pontiac Sunfires)
• LEGAL GUARDIANS (49A: Court-appointed caretakers)
• Revealer: OHIO PLAYERS: 49A: "Love Rollercoaster" band, and a description of the ends of 17-, 28- and 49-Across)

OHIO PLAYERS: The last word of each theme answer is the name of an OHIO sports team: the Cleveland BROWNS (NFL), the Cleveland CAVALIERS (NBA), and the Cleveland GUARDIANS (MLB).

What I learned from today's puzzle:

• OHIO PLAYERS: 49A: "Love Rollercoaster" band, and a description of the ends of 17-, 28- and 49-Across) The OHIO PLAYERS were a funk band from Dayton, OHIO. "Love Rollercoaster," released in 1975, was a number one hit and one of the band's most successful songs. It was covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the '90s for the soundtrack of the animated movie Beavis and Butt-Head Do America. Here's an interesting side note about "Love Rollercoaster": This OHIO PLAYERS' song has been the subject of an urban legend related to a scream heard during the song. A radio DJ started the rumor by drawing attention to the scream and commenting that a woman had been murdered during the song's recording. (To be clear, this was simply a myth and the scream was made by one of the band members.)

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• EPEE (20A: Sword used by James Bond in "Die Another Day") Die Another Day is a 2002 movie starring Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. I didn't specifically remember the sword fight in Die Another Day, but it was easy enough to guess that the sword used was the crossword favorite ÉPÉE.
• ANN (21A: ___ Arbor, Michigan) ANN Arbor, Michigan, which is located west of Detroit, is home to the University of Michigan. The city was founded in 1824 by John Allen and Elisha Walker Rumsey. Both men were married to women named ANN, so they decided to name the city after their wives. The "Arbor" part of the name is a reference to the stands of bur oak trees in the area.
• LOT (35A: "Thanks a ___!" ("I appreciate you!)) Just taking this opportunity to say thanks a LOT for reading my blog. I appreciate you!
• BAO (42A: Pixar short named after a steamed bun) BAO is a 2018 Pixar short about a steamed bun that comes to life. BAO, which preceded Incredibles 2 in theaters, won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
• NOB (5D: ___ Hill (San Francisco neighborhood)) NOB Hill is a San Francisco neighborhood known for its luxury hotels and historic mansions. The neighborhood is named for the hill on which it was built.
• DESI (9D: Person from the South Asian diaspora) The term DESI is used to refer to the people of South Asia. It's also sometimes used to refer to South Asian culture and products.
• ORCA (12D: Whale on some totem poles) Totem poles are a significant part of some indigenous cultures, particularly in the Pacific Northwest part of the United States and western Canada. The carvings may symbolize cultural beliefs, ancestors, legends, or notable past events. I appreciated this clue angle for our crossword friend ORCA.
• HANG GLIDER (29D: Seldom-motorized flying apparatus) Instead of a motor, a HANG GLIDER relies on rising air currents to keep the craft aloft. I enjoyed seeing this answer because it brought back memories of a family vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina in 2012. We surprised our kids (who were 16 and 18 at the time) with HANG gliding lessons for the whole family. Of course, since it was our first lesson, we basically took off from the top of a sand dune and soared to the bottom of the dune. Also, thankfully, we were always tethered to two instructors running alongside us on the ground. Nonetheless, it was a lot of fun! Here's a photo of one of my son's HANG GLIDER flights. 

• DEAL (52D: Start a round of Omaha Hold 'em) Omaha Hold 'em is a version of poker related to Texas Hold 'em.
• ARGO (61D: Jason's ship in mythology) In Greek mythology, ARGO was the ship Jason and the Argonauts sailed on to retrieve the Golden Fleece, the fleece of a golden-wooled, winged ram that was a symbol of authority and kingship. According to the legend, ARGO and the crew were specially protected by the goddess Hera.
• Other clues and answers I especially enjoyed:
• INSTA (22A: "The Gram")
• RECIPE (24A: Family secret, perhaps)
• TWEETY (54A: Yellow "Looney Tunes" bird)
• EVEN (25D: Unlike this clue's number)

From today's title, I guessed that the theme answers would end with BAND names. About halfway through the solve, I realized that either a) that wasn't correct, or b) these are all BANDs I'm not familiar with. I am giving myself points, however (as a non-sports person), for recognizing – at about that point – that there were some team names at the end of the theme answers. "Aha!" The revealer of OHIO PLAYERS made everything clear, just as a revealer should. I appreciate that all three of these OHIO teams are from Cleveland, and that they represent three different sports. Thank you, Dan, for this interesting puzzle.

A note about comments: I welcome your comments on the blog! For one thing it's nice to know folks are reading what I've written. My goal for this blog has always been for it to be informational, conversational, and kind. I ask that you keep those goals in mind when commenting. Unkind comments will be deleted. Note that I am more likely to delete a negative comment if it is posted anonymously. (P.S. You can point out when I make a mistake – in fact, I appreciate that so I can correct it.)