Rob Would Have Loved This Station

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There have been surprises moving from Michigan to O`ahu.  

One of the biggest has been listening to K-Rock 101.5fm Honolulu, featuring a playlist that I haven't encountered since childhood.  

The station reminds me of the vinyl my older brother played.  

I have heard bands come back into existence.  Bands like Judas Priest, April Wine, Iron Maiden.

When they play more popular bands, it is often selections you don't hear on other "classic rock" stations.  Songs like, "The Zoo" by the Scorpions. 

All this has left me pondering: 

How does such a radio station even exist? On O`ahu?!

Who is picking the songs?

How does this station fit into the local culture?

I reached out to K-Rock 101.5fm, to try to get an answer to these questions, but did not receive a reply as of the publication of this post.  There is still time!

For months now, I've come up with my own theories.

Theory #1: K-Rock 101.5fm Honolulu survives on O`ahu because the owner likes this genre. 

Theory #2: K-Rock 101.5fm Honolulu survives because of the large number of retired military personnel.  People of a certain age (my brother's) loved this stuff.

Theory #3: The DJs on K-Rock 101.5fm are allowed to pick their own playlists.  This is the "special sauce."  If this theory is true, this radio station really stands out as unique.  You don't find it anymore on commercial radio.

Theory #4: K-Rock 101.5fm makes sense in Hawai`i because it adds to the diversity.  Being yourself is valued here.  And that includes the veterans, retired military, and all the people who like this unique sub-genre.

If you want to see recent playlists: 

https://onlineradiobox.com/us/korlhd2/playlist/

My brother Rob would have been 60 this week.  I am sure he is head-banging to this station from his perch in heaven.  I can only say mahalo nui (thank you very much) for his spirit being alive on my airwaves here.  It was a pleasant surprise. 


I got some responses from Johnny, the morning DJ!  Here is what he said:
    Some personalities embellish their playlists based on album releases, birthdays, classic rock history.
    No active, or retired military members. We all fully support our service men and women who volunteered to serve the nation.
    Not a lot of music, I would say some. The specialty shows might go in that direction. Also, this music has been around for 50 plus years, we can't keep spinning the same tracks and expect to remain relavent.
Rob may even get a shout-out from Johnny coming up on his morning show.  I'll let you know here.


  


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