Q101 signs off with style

Longtime Chicago alternative radio station 101.1-FM, Q101, went out rocking Thursday.

It is expected to switch to an all-news format this morning, following its purchase last month by Merlin Media.

Q101 launched its alternative rock format in 1992 and was largely responsible for introducing thousands of listeners to bands like Green Day, Jane's Addiction and Local H.

Thursday's broadcasts were seeped in nostalgia as current and former on-air personalities said their goodbyes.

The station was expected to close out programming with a final broadcast of James VanOsdol's “Local 101,” a show that focused on helping launch indie Chicago bands.

A message on the station's website promises the music will live on at Q101.com.