KQRS makes lineup changes as classic rock station moves into the '90s
The station relaunched on Thursday morning at 6 a.m. with an expanded musical focus, new on-air talent, and new shows. The new additions include former Cities 97.1 host Paul Fletcher and former Current music director Jade.
In addition to the rock cornerstones the station has long had in the rotation — Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, et al. — owner Cumulus Media says the station will put a larger focus on '90s rock and Minnesota artists, such as Prince, Soul Asylum, The Replacements, and Bob Dylan.
Tracks played following the relaunch Thursday morning include "Loser" by Beck, "Seven Nation Army" by The White Striples, and "You Get What You Give" by the New Radicals, with
The revamped lineup is anchored by radio personality and founding member of the Black Crowes, Steve Gorman, who will continue to host KQ's morning show after taking over the slot in 2023 following the 2022 departure of Tom Barnard.
Paul Fletcher, who was let go as a Cities 97.1 host in a round of iHeartMedia cuts last summer, is joining Gorman and co-host Ryder on the newly named Gorman in the Morning with Fletcher and Ryder.
It follows the exit of Brian Zepp, who was let go from the KQ Morning Show in a move that provoked fans to start a petition to get him back on the air.
'After a few years living in the Twin Cities, the enormous legacy of 92KQRS couldn't be more clear to me," Gorman said in a statement. "The most respectful way to honor that legacy is to move forward with great energy. Rock music will forever be a cultural force, but only with continued evolution. I'm very excited about where we're going."
Fletcher is also taking over the hosting duties for the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekday slot from Chris Nelson.
Jade, who left The Current in 2023 after more than 15 years at Minnesota Public Radio, will take the air from 3–7 p.m. on weekdays.
"Hello music lovers, I'm back on the airwaves starting tomorrow!!" Jade announced Wednesday. "I can't wait to spend time listening to music with you again."
Jade is taking over the slot previously hosted by Lisa Miller, who will host a new daily segment called Rock Review airing multiple times throughout the day. Miller will also host a weekend show, though details on that program have not been confirmed.
As of Thursday morning, Chris Nelson is now listed as the host of the 7 p.m. to midnight weekday slot previously hosted by Shannon Knight. Cumulus Media says Knight will be staying at the station, but has not confirmed what her new role will be.
A Cumulus spokesperson adds that the weekend crew will remain, and that more additions are forthcoming
'This is a natural and obvious evolution for 92KQRS. An entire generation is no longer underserved in the Twin Cities with our fresh take on rock," says James Kurdziel, Director of Content and Programming for KQRS. "We're fortunate to have Steve Gorman take the lead and with our new talent additions along with our music focus, a statement is made about what we are and who we serve.'
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