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As Chicago’s long-running (in radio years, anyway) alternative station Q101 coughs and wheezes out it’s last remaining breaths this afternoon, I've been struck with the surprising notion that I’m actually a touch sad about its demise. Not just because it marks yet another nail in the already well-sealed coffin of FM rock radio, nor because it’s shutting down to make way for yet another talk radio outpost (because we need more of those, don’t we?). No, I’m surprisingly forlorn because, upon reflection, I actually have some fond memories involving the station.
The hours spent sweltering in a car with no A/C, listening to the station while searching for my first Chicago apartment. I remember it as being fresh and forward-looking, the perfect soundtrack to this new phase of my life.
The first show I ever worked at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre (Then called the Tweeter Center) - Q101 Jamboree, way back in 2001. If you need any indication as to how long ago this actually was, the headliner was Alien Ant Farm. Exactly.
How how much of an ass-hat Mancow was. Or is. He’s still alive, right?
As the survivor of a radio station format switch myself (W4 Country FTW), my condolences to all the jocks who’ll be out on the street come tomorrow morning. Although I don’t actually know who’s on the air anymore over there - I haven’t listened to the station for years. I jumped ship about the 12,000th time I heard the same Disturbed track on a “new alternative” station. Hell, I don’t even live in Chicago anymore. But even though you’re going out as a shell of your former self, I’ll miss you none the less.
RIP, Q101. This one’s for you.
Dovetail Joint - Level on the Inside
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