Classic Rock KQRS (92.5 KQRS-FM), a long-standing radio station in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota, is currently undergoing significant changes.
The station is currently "Under Construction," operating without DJs and airing sweepers like “Pardon our dust, build a new KQ we must” and “Come back April 3 to find out what’s next for 92 KQRS.” This follows staff cuts earlier in March, including the departure of morning co-host Brian Zepp, and is part of a broader relaunch set for Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Owned by Cumulus Media, KQRS has been a staple of classic rock in Minneapolis-St. Paul, historically known for its strong ratings and popular morning shows, like the one hosted by Tom Barnard until his retirement in 2022.
The current morning host, Steve Gorman (formerly of The Black Crowes), and his co-host Ryder Rox are expected to return post-relaunch, though no other on-air personalities have been confirmed.
The station’s format, traditionally centered on classic rock from the '70s and '80s—think Foreigner, ZZ Top, and Pink Floyd—has seen some evolution in recent years, with occasional inclusion of '90s acts like Nirvana and The Replacements.
Speculation about the relaunch ranges from a potential shift to a sports-talk format (competing with KFAN) to a move toward alternative rock, aligning with Gorman’s background and recent playlist trends.
The station’s ratings have slipped—it tied for tenth in the January 2025 Nielsen Audio ratings with a 4.1 share—prompting theories that this overhaul might aim to refresh its appeal.
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