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It is the end of an era in Chicago radio.
The legendary rock station that was home to DJ's like Steve Dahl and Jonathan Brandmeier is switching formats.
Starting on Saturday, WLUP will switch to Christian music. The shift is a shock to loyal Loop listeners.
WLUP - The Loop was a cultural icon. Any rock and roll loving Chicagoan in the 80’s and 90’s listened to it from morning until night, from the music to its jocks: Brandmeier, Matthews, Steve and Gary.
The latter Steve Dahl was behind one of its more memorable moments when he caused a commotion at Comiskey in 1979.
An anti-disco PR stunt turned into a riot at the old Sox Park.
And on Tuesday, The Loop’s owner did its own demolition. Merlin Media announced it sold the station to a Christian rock ownership group, “Education media,” for $21.5 million, meaning you won’t be hearing “Highway to Hell” on its airwaves any more.
Eric Ferguson from “Eric in the Morning” on The Mix says he owes The Loop a debt of gratitude.
“The Loop was one of those transformative stations that every kid listened to and had such high profile personalities when we were kids,” he said.
Any rock and roll loving Chicago native over 35 knows what The Loop meant to the city. But as “The Who” famously said, "Rock is Dead" at the radio station, which will be playing “Free Bird” for the final time without an encore.