Twin Cities Radio: KQRS Moves Into The '90s

After a brief hiatus without DJs to gear up for a major overhaul, KQRS, the iconic Minneapolis-based rock station, has triumphantly returned to the airwaves, complete with a refreshed lineup of DJs and an exciting new format. 

The relaunch kicked off bright and early at 6 a.m. this morning introducing listeners to an expanded musical scope, fresh on-air talent, and a slate of innovative new shows designed to reinvigorate the station’s legacy.

The revamped KQRS is leaning into a broader musical palette, building on its longstanding foundation of rock legends like Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones. According to station owner Cumulus Media, the new format will place a heightened emphasis on '90s rock anthems and spotlight Minnesota’s rich musical heritage, featuring homegrown icons such as Prince, Soul Asylum, The Replacements, and Bob Dylan. The relaunch playlist on Thursday morning offered a taste of this evolution, with tracks like Beck’s “Loser,” The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” and New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give” setting the tone for the station’s bold new direction.

Leading the charge is Steve Gorman, a radio personality and founding drummer of the Black Crowes, who continues to anchor KQRS’s morning show. Gorman took over the slot in 2023 following the departure of longtime host Tom Barnard in 2022. Now, he’s joined by two notable additions to the morning team: Paul Fletcher, formerly of Cities 97.1, and co-host Ryder. 

The newly christened Gorman in the Morning with Fletcher and Ryder promises a dynamic blend of rock expertise and local flavor. Fletcher, who was let go from Cities 97.1 during a round of iHeartMedia layoffs last summer, brings his seasoned presence to the mic, while Gorman expressed his enthusiasm for the station’s future in a statement: “After a few years living in the Twin Cities, the enormous legacy of 92KQRS couldn’t be more clear to me. 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.”

The shakeup follows the controversial exit of Brian Zepp, a former KQ Morning Show staple whose departure last year sparked a fan petition to reinstate him. While Zepp’s return remains off the table, the station is forging ahead with its new vision.

Fletcher

Beyond the morning slot, the weekday lineup is packed with fresh faces and familiar voices. Paul Fletcher isn’t just pulling double duty on mornings—he’s also stepping into the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. slot, taking over from Chris Nelson. Meanwhile, Jade, a beloved figure who spent over 15 years as music director at The Current before leaving Minnesota Public Radio in 2023, is making her return to the airwaves. She’ll helm the 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. shift, a move she announced with excitement on Wednesday: “Hello music lovers, I’m back on the airwaves starting tomorrow!! I can’t wait to spend time listening to music with you again.”

Jade’s slot replaces Lisa Miller, who transitions to a new role hosting Rock Review, a daily segment airing multiple times throughout the day. Miller will also take on a yet-to-be-detailed weekend show, keeping her voice a fixture in the KQRS lineup. Chris Nelson, meanwhile, slides into the 7 p.m. to midnight slot, previously occupied by Shannon Knight. Cumulus Media has confirmed that Knight will remain with the station, though her new role is still under wraps.

Bring Me the News website reports the weekend crew, a Cumulus spokesperson assures, will stay intact, with more surprises and additions on the horizon. “We’re just getting started,” the spokesperson teased, hinting at further enhancements to come.