“Wait, What?! KRZR? Gone??” Sadly so, I’m afraid. Wednesday, October 16th, the Wild Hare became another part of Fresno’s past, and they will be sadly missed by many who, through the years, have enjoyed the “in your face” style of rock and aggressively funny personalities they were known for. KRZR was the go-to station for everything rock, and you could always count on them to play everything from AC-DC to ZZ Top.

How about the “Front Row Morning Show?” When the constant canned laughter of the “Bob and Tom Show” on 95.7 become overwhelmingly irritating, people could always rely on the Front Row to kickstart their day with everything from prank phone calls to the Darwin-inspired “Freak of the Week.” Often times, the deejays could be a bit crass and more than once, offensive, but they had a brand of humor that worked beautifully with their audience.

The Wild Hare was never content staying in the studio either. You could always count on KRZR broadcasting live on location at all sorts of events ranging from hole-in-the-wall bars to sell-out concerts at the Save Mart Center, and contests and giveaways happened on a daily basis. Also, the Wild Hare loved to promote our local rock scene in regards to Fresno’s homegrown bands and music venues.

KRZR was, for the last two decades, the ONLY hard rock station in town and now, Fresno’s left with an empty void. Where is Fresno supposed to go for good hard rock music now? 104.1 KFRR seems to be the only decent choice, but they’re hardly the style of gritty cigarette-stained rock KRZR delivered for the past twenty years. 96.7 the ALICE is alright… if you don’t mind being subjected to the occasional Michael Buble or Ke$ha song. 95.7 the FOX is great if you want to hear the same Aerosmith song fifteen times a day, and 105.1 the BLAZE seems to be the ignored little brother of 95.7 the FOX. News is that KRZR will be moving to HD Radio, but really… how many people even HAVE the ability to tune into HD Radio?

Now Fresno is stuck with a virtual clone of MEGA 97.9 with 103.7 the BEAT. Funny thing is that both stations are owned by the same company – Clear Channel Communications. Maybe they have some sort of Ace up their sleeves…
Whatever the case is, KRZR will be missed by many. My morning commute just won’t be the same but at least the Timmy T. Fan Club will be happy…

R.I.P. KRZR. Thanks for twenty great years of rock.