Sad to hear that WBCN will no longer exist next month. Unfortunately I can’t say that I am surprised however. I’ve been complaining for quite a while about their programming. They used to be the beacon of light for new rock and roll music. Now most of what they play which possibly could be labeled “new” they were playing back in 1996. They’ve also resorted to digging up classic rock like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the like. Of course the old rock bands are revered, but they belong in your CD player, on your ipod, or on a classic rock or oldies channel. Not on the “new rock” station in my opinion.

Unfortunately I believe this to be a reflection of the state of the rock and roll genre in general… but I’ll save that one for another ramble.

There was a time when WBCN had the power to expose artists and bring them to national and international prominence. I remember when acts competing in the Rumble got significant airtime, and not just at special local time slots. It was something for local bands to strive for. ‘BCN was important like that for Boston bands, though many tried to deny it.

I do have to thank them for the hours and hours of listening pleasure over the years. Also for exposing me to bands I probably never would have heard of like Marcy Playground, Cake, Cracker, Blur, and The Gravel Pit just to name a miniscule fraction. Also for all the concerts and events they sponsored or put on which we kind of took for granted as a Boston right.

Lastly I’d have to thank them for supporting Sand Machine in various ways. It’s a sad development for Boston. At least we’ll get more sports radio? Thought that’s what we still had AM for.