KMET

KMET was a Los Angeles-based FM radio station that operated from 1968 to 1987, known for its album-oriented rock format and iconic disc jockeys such as Paraquat Kelly, Jeff Gonzer, and Sam Kopper. The station was a major player in the Southern California music scene, often featuring live performances by notable artists like The Doors, The Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac. KMET was also a popular platform for comedians and actors like Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong to showcase their talents. The station's influence extended beyond the music industry, with journalists like Hunter S. Thompson and Rolling Stone magazine frequently referencing KMET in their work.

● History

KMET's history began in 1968 when it was launched by Metromedia, a media conglomerate that owned several other radio stations, including WNEW-FM in New York City and WLUP in Chicago. The station's early years were marked by a freeform radio format, which allowed disc jockeys to play a wide range of music, including psychedelic rock, blues, and jazz. As the station evolved, it began to focus more on album-oriented rock, playing artists like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. KMET's success was also due in part to its association with other notable Los Angeles-based radio stations, such as KLOS and KROQ-FM. The station's programming was often featured in music publications like Creem and Circus, and it was a frequent sponsor of concerts and music festivals like the US Festival and the California Jam.

● Programming

KMET's programming was known for its eclectic mix of music, comedy sketches, and interviews with notable musicians and celebrities. The station's disc jockeys were given a significant amount of creative freedom, which allowed them to develop their own unique on-air personalities and radio shows. Some notable programs included the Morning Show with Paraquat Kelly and Jeff Gonzer, which featured a mix of music, news, and humor. The station also aired specialty shows like the KMET Comedy Hour, which featured stand-up comedy performances by Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and other notable comedians. KMET's programming was often compared to that of other notable radio stations like WBCN in Boston and KSAN in San Francisco, and it was frequently mentioned in music publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard.

● Notable_DJs

KMET was home to many notable disc jockeys during its heyday, including Paraquat Kelly, Jeff Gonzer, and Sam Kopper. These DJs were known for their witty banter, humor, and extensive knowledge of music. Other notable DJs who worked at KMET included Raechel Donahue, David Perry, and Scott Mason. The station's DJs often developed close relationships with the musicians they played, and many artists like Aerosmith, Queen, and AC/DC would frequently visit the station and perform live in-studio concerts. KMET's DJs were also known for their involvement in the Los Angeles music scene, often attending concerts and music festivals like the Whisky a Go Go and the Troubadour.

● Impact_and_Legacy

KMET's impact on the music industry was significant, as it helped to launch the careers of many notable artists like Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N' Roses. The station's album-oriented rock format also influenced the development of classic rock radio, with many other stations adopting similar formats. KMET's legacy can be seen in the many radio stations that have followed in its footsteps, including KLOS and KROQ-FM in Los Angeles. The station's influence extends beyond the music industry, with filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola often referencing KMET in their work. KMET's disc jockeys have also gone on to work in other areas of the entertainment industry, including television and film production.

● Decline_and_Closure

KMET's decline began in the mid-1980s, as the station faced increased competition from other radio stations in the Los Angeles market. The station's ratings began to decline, and it struggled to attract new advertisers. In 1987, KMET's owners, Metromedia, decided to switch the station's format to smooth jazz, which was a more commercially viable format at the time. The station's final broadcast under the KMET format was on February 14, 1987, and it was replaced by a new station called KTWV. The closure of KMET was met with sadness from the music community, with many artists and fans paying tribute to the station's legacy. Despite its decline and closure, KMET's influence on the music industry can still be felt today, with many radio stations and music festivals continuing to celebrate its legacy. Category:Radio stations in California