Chicago radio legend Lin Brehmer has died, it has been confirmed.
The beloved broadcaster, who hosted long-running exhibits on WXRT-FM 93.1, introduced on air final summer time that he had been identified with prostate most cancers.
Brehmer subsequently took a depart of absence to endure therapy, earlier than returning to the station for a number of weeks in November/December 2022.
The DJ died handed away final Sunday (January 22). He was 68 years outdated. Terri Hemmert, Brehmer’s pal and WXRT colleague, shared the information in a press release to listeners (through Chicago Tribune).
“We must inform you that we all lost our best friend,” she stated. “Lin Brehmer fought most cancers so long as he might. He handed early this morning, peacefully, together with his spouse [Sara Farr] and son [Wilson] by his aspect.
“We’ll hold each other up through this heart-breaking time. Lin would want that. Take nothing for granted.”
Lin Brehmer, Our Best Friend within the Whole World, 1954-2023. https://t.co/f7ejAF6viy pic.twitter.com/X9FXdJRa51
— WXRT Chicago (@93XRT) January 22, 2023
Brehmer was born in Queens, New York in 1954. His profession in radio started in 1977 when he received his first DJ job at WQBK-FM in Albany. It was there he earned the nickname “The Reverend of Rock and Roll”.
He departed the station after seven years, relocating to Chicago, Illinois to hitch WXRT-FM 93.1 as music director. Brehmer turned morning host in 1991, and remained in that slot till switching to middays in 2020.
Yesterday (January 23) noticed WXRT-FM 93.1 air a particular tribute to Brehmer (through NBC Chicago).
The Chicago Cubs have additionally paid their respects to the influential DJ, as has town’s fifty fifth mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Lin Brehmer was the voice of Chicago,” the latter wrote on Twitter.
“His voice was unique and a perfect way to start the day. An ambassador for the city’s music scene and a dear friend, I announced the Uptown music district concept on his show. I’ll miss hearing his voice on XRT. May his memory be a blessing.”
See these posts and extra tributes beneath.
The Cubs mourn the passing of legendary Chicago radio character and lifelong Cubs fan Lin Brehmer.
We ship our condolences to his household and mates. pic.twitter.com/2SiHRmacxY
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 22, 2023
Lin Brehmer was the voice of Chicago. His voice was distinctive and an ideal approach to begin the day. An ambassador for town’s music scene and an expensive pal, I introduced the Uptown music district idea on his present.
I’ll miss listening to his voice on XRT. May his reminiscence be a blessing.
— Rahm Emanuel (@RahmEmanuel) January 22, 2023
RIP to Chicago legend Lin Brehmer who sadly simply handed away – he was the voice of WXRT – the perfect music station in Chicago – the kindest man you may ever meet – a lifelong cubs fanatic – and one in every of coolest warmest man you may ever meet –
He was really Chicago’s most interesting –— John Cusack (@johncusack) January 23, 2023
Wilcoworld Radio continues by way of Tuesday, Jan. twenty fourth in honor of Wilco’s expensive pal and native DJ, Lin Brehmer. The Chicago airwaves won’t ever be the identical. 💔
Listen at https://t.co/fCTwKatIc4 pic.twitter.com/IH6hfxQKFV
— WILCO (@Wilco) January 23, 2023
Growing up with Lin on @93XRT after which getting meet him/be championed by him was the dream of a lifetime. We’ll miss you @LinBrehmer ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TNOS6dHEYT
— Neal Francis (@thenealfrancis) January 22, 2023
Hey Lin, Lin right here. Not actually on right here anymore, however signed in once I heard about your passing. Our chats have been all the time one of many brilliant spots. Grateful for you. Hope you’re feeling how a lot your metropolis and followers love you and can miss you, wherever you might be. ❤️❤️❤️ -LMM @LinBrehmer https://t.co/wnKeIR2uCT
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) January 23, 2023
Lin Brehmer was everybody’s greatest pal.
We love you, Lin.
Listen: https://t.co/xQln0rPj2g pic.twitter.com/BLt3ECMYuc
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) January 23, 2023
Lin, what an exquisite soul. Pure strolling magic, an encyclopedia of music, and pal to all. Thank you, you’ll be so missed. Our condolences to all who knew Lin and the entire metropolis of Chicago. 💙 @93XRT @LinBrehmer https://t.co/TDbKAZXFmf
— The Record Company (@therecordcomp) January 22, 2023
And then there was the day I received to fulfill @93XRT’s legendary Lin Brehmer. RIP Lin. You have been our greatest pal in the entire world. pic.twitter.com/WLnZPcypEW
— Patrick Ryan (@the_patrickryan) January 22, 2023
A word from Steve:
The first time I performed in Chicago after “Guitar Town” got here out was at a WXRT greenback live performance at Park West and Lin Brehmer put me on stage. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/PgSnBmP4AP
— Steve Earle (@SteveEarle) January 24, 2023
It’s w/ the heaviest of hearts we mourn the passing of our pal & sixth Lobo @LinBrehmer. We had no higher pal or larger supporter on earth. His smile when he received up & performed maracas w/ us at his bday celebration might have lit up Wrigley. Rest in peace our brother @93xrt
📷@nunupics pic.twitter.com/6miV3KC1Jr— Los Lobos (@LosLobosBand) January 22, 2023
REMEMBERING @LinBrehmer
1954-2023
YOUR BEST FRIEND pic.twitter.com/CoYw0eKcS1— The Riviera Theatre (@TheRivChicago) January 23, 2023
REMEMBERING @LinBrehmer
1954-2023
YOUR BEST FRIEND pic.twitter.com/Hyo8EELysm— The Vic Theatre (@TheVicChicago) January 23, 2023