About Lin Brehmer

March 20, 2010 11:51 PM

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lin 3851 About Lin Brehmer

Nothing much survives from Brehmer’s high school years except rumor and innuendo. He distinguished himself as the starting pitcher for the varsity baseball team from 1969 to 1972. He also spent winters in a Kelly-green Speedo as a member of the McBurney swim team. All pictures were destroyed by the government. College radio seduced him in the summer of 1974 at Colgate University. So did his future wife. After a collegiate experience of one part pocket billiards and two parts obscure literature seminars, Brehmer turned to WQBK-FM in Albany, New York for a job in January, 1977.

Dubbed the Reverend of Rock and Roll, Brehmer drew on the influence of Old Testament prophets and AC DC to fashion a radio program designed to break down rational consciousness. When this didn’t work, Brehmer accepted a job in 1984 at WXRT, Chicago. Brehmer spent ’84 to ’90 as the Music Director of WXRT. During that time he lived in the bleachers, learned to match wines with food and demonstrated a predilection for extolling rock bands that no one would ever listen to. Lin was named “Music Director of the Year” by trade magazine, The Friday Morning Quarterback, in 1987, 1988 and 1990. In 1990, the Hard Report’s readers chose Brehmer as the “Music Director of the Decade.” This last award made just as much sense as a Playgirl article in 1985 naming him as one of America’s Sexiest D.J.’s. C’mon! His picture is right in front of you!

In 1990, Brehmer accepted a job as the program director of KTCZ in Minneapolis because Chicago just wasn’t cold enough. In Minnesota, he learned to ski. And as a Chicago baseball fan, he enjoyed a whole new experience. The Minnesota Twins played in a tournament known as the World Series. Excited by the prospect of the Cubs or White Sox being allowed to participate in such an event, Brehmer moved back to Chicago almost immediately after the conclusion of the 1991 fall classic. Nursing bad knees, Brehmer failed to secure his dream job: vending cotton candy at sports arenas. Instead, he began an odyssey as the morning D.J. of WXRT that continues today. Lin Brehmer continues to find spiritual direction from Keith Richards. His motto is borrowed from the writings of Gerard Manley Hopkins, “Flesh fade and mortal trash fall to the residuary worm’, you and I might as well Rock and Roll.”

Eating Rocks

Restaurant guides are an enduring fascination for me. I keep a Zagat in my car at all times. What you and I need, however, is a guide to places to eat after a concert. There’s too much pressure trying to dine before a concert. If I have to emcee a concert, my stage fright prevents me from thinking about food until the concert is over. Then, of course, I am ravenous. A ravenous Lin Brehmer is not a pretty sight, not that a well-fed Lin is.

Allow me then to direct you to some dining experiences near some of our favorite concert and theater venues. Steppenwolf Theater: Boka is at the corner of Willow and Halstead not more than half a block from the theater. I once had a chance to work in Charlie Trotter’s kitchen for a charity auction and when I was there, Charlie wasn’t. The guy running the kitchen was a friendly savant named Giuseppe. He’s the new chef at Boka, a warm, casually hip room that has always made cuisine a priority. Two words. Veal cheeks.

House of Blues: Bin 36 is a well established mecca for the wine lover. John Caputo’s tasting menu is an enduring temptation. Why not try the “Oven Roasted Artic Char, lobster dumplings & english pea ragout, chanterelle mushroom gravy.” Nice. For dessert, I can’t resist a flight of fine cheese with a glass of vintage port. If the concert runs late, they have a very comfy, casual café area that has a late night menu.

Favorite Restaurants In Chicago

Best Total Dining Experience:Spiaggia
Best Sushi on the Northside:Katsu
Best Upscale Mexican for when you want to leave the kids home: Topolobampo
Best Upscale Mexican for when you have the kids with you:Don Juan’s
Best Legendary Rib Joint:Twin Anchors
Best Best New Rib Joint:Smoque
Best Italian Before a Sox Game:Franco’s
Best Place for Martinis and Oysters:Shaw’s Crabhouse
Best Hidden Luncheonette: Heaven on Seven in the Garland Building
Best Old School Steakhouse: Myron and Phil’s
Best New School Steakhouse:Keefer’s
Best East Coast Pizza: Piece
Best Late Night Steak Burrito: La Pasadita

Larry Meneghini

Hi Lin,
Growing up I was passionate about the band “Chicago.” I’ve never heard a Chicago song on XRT and this morning prior to the Rahm Emmanuel interview I thought , “Cool, a Chicago song.
Now as a long time listener to XRT I understand that XRT doesn’t play flowery pop songs like “Colour my World” et al… however many Chicago tunes are not flowery pop songs. “I’m a Man” for example.They have recorded many a gritty tunes that meet XRT’s repetoire. Thanks!
Paul Bernacki

Yesterday at 5:30am, you played a comdey bit on donkey basketball. It was very funny, and I was wondering who performed that bit, or what album was that from
jerry Morrow

Lin:
Great to see you at the Misericordia Family Fest last summer. I am planning a second Easter Seals (Kids Twist Party) benefit with our ole Albany buddy /hero E Angel and the LosStraitjackets Oct 23rd at Fitzgerald’s. Lookin for a silent auction item….maybe a time machine or something. Keep up the great work Lin….yes you’re my hero too!
Dave Barbieri

Hey Lin,

I have a question for Lin’s bin.

What’s the deal with bands that use the name of the front man and then a name for their backing musicians? You know what I mean, like Bill Haley and The Comets or Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Who was the first to do this and why. Is it just a way to make it easier to split up the money? As my former RMAT proctor I am sure you will have an answer.

Thank you,

Dave Barbieri
Terry

EmmyLou says Hi.
I had breakfast with EmmyLou Harris in Telluride last week. When I told her I was from Chicago she said to make sure I passed along her fond wishes to you. See you soon.
ddkk

Lin!! Heard you this morning claiming you are nothing less than a Portuguese Man o War, nice! But you must fill us in, you must… what IS that music playing behind your voice in your intro.
All the best!
Paul G. and Lee

Hi Lin, My fiancee’ and I are longtime listeners and fans of you and XRT. We have been networking on a small project for a couple weeks when I suddenly realized we should check with our best friend in the whole world (whom we have never met!) because it is a Chicago area music question.

We are in your age group (few years younger probably) and putting together a party at our house soon. I wanted to hire a musician/singer for this party who was grounded in classic rock and blues, and keeps current with rock n roll. Do you run across anyone like this locally? You and family would be invited too as our best friend? Or how would you suggest finding someone? Thanks for listening and love your work. Best DJ ever!
Tommy Coleman

It’s great to be alive…. Tommy Coleman.. Marge Arnolds Brother playing with my wifes facebook… Remember me? and my Brother Brian?? Shteve Earle? Ryans Wedding.. Milwawkee? Be my wifes friend.. It’ll blow her mind.. ps. i cry on that back to school Lynns Binn 3 Yrs in a row…

Tommy Coleman

I ment Lin.. I’m Drunk forgive my spelling…

John

Lin, I have a question for ya for Lin’s bin

If you were forced to quit DJing for XRT, what job would you get other than DJing or hosting a radio show?

John

Oh and i loved today’s topic. The part about staying inside and watching baseball on a beautiful Saturday is so true for me

bill pisano

“The Christmas Crook” is The Surface Plugs new Christmas single

If you like and would like to play I can send the hi-res file on disc.

http://www.reverbnation.com/surfaceplugs

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/surface-plugs/id468549074

Thanks for listening!

Bill
Nancy

Lin did a Lin’s Bin on “Best Wedding Song”. It was a song that I had never heard and it was before Shazam or texting the station to get the last 3 songs was available. Does anyone remember what it was?

Lin Brehmer

Was it Lowen and Navarro “Not Like You”?
Nancy

I never actually heard the name of the song…so I will have to go listen to make sure. I appreciate your reply, thank you.

http://www.VerdeEvents.com Karen

let’s face it…Lin is sort of the Gandhi of Chicago…
bob

Hey Lin .. can not believe I found you on here … I listened to you faithfully on WQBK for your humpday unusual moments .. the best radio dj ever .. I also now am in business as a dry cleaner and 2 of my customers worked with you . Do you remember Doc Perryman and Steve Fitz ? Steve passed away about a month ago and he always talked highly of you … I am also a record collector . If you get a moment could you send me an email . Would be great to chat with you .. Remember Peggy Apple and John Cooper …? recordguy bob at yahoo dot com is my email . Thank Lin

Lin Brehmer

My email is linsbin@wxrt.com. Peggy is on facebook I know.

http://www.lakeshoredrivemusic.com Skip Haynes

Hi Lin and Lake Shore Drive fans,
We’re recording a new Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah album to be released in July and need a little help to finish recording. The link below has all the information.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/351484117/please-help-ahj-finish-our-first-new-album-in-15-y?ref=email
We need several hundred people for this to be successful and we only have 26 days to do it. Any help will be appreciated. Please pass this link along. Thanks for playing our music.

Skip Haynes & Mitch Aliotta
Nancy Mengel Baird

Nice piece in the Chicago Trib Sunday! I listen to you everyday at work. Never knew you went to Colgate which is where I went! Don’t think I know you, but there were so few women at Colgate then..do I know your wife? I graduated 1977. What’s her maiden name?
Great place. WRCU still lives on. My nephew was a DJ there while ‘vacationing’ in Hamilton and when he was not at the Jug.
Linda

Hi Lin, Just reading a book called SIN BOLDLY by Cathleen Falsani and loving it and the message and also the chat with you she had. Had to check out your station and listen the music you play and so off I go. Thanks, Linda ‘from the land of the tall trees’
Kathy Gorkis

Hey Lin…Just wondering…….When did I become such a problem? I’ve noticed that saying “no problem has replaced “you’re welcome.” i.e. Me: “Thank you for the refill. Server “No problem” Me; thank you for bagging my groceries. Bagger; “No problem.” Is it really a problem to do your job or am I really problem?