After a tribute over the Labor Day Weekend, Heftel Broadcasting’s “Highway Rock” 96.9 KNAC Lenwood/Barstow, 94.9 KHDR Baker CA and 99.7 KHYZ-HD3 Mountain Pass CA/Las Vegas will relaunch under the “KNAC” brand at midnight on Friday, October 31.
President of Rock ‘Gonzo Greg’ Spillane, who began his career at the original 105.5 KNAC Los Angeles and rose from intern to morning host, will oversee the relaunched brand. He commented, “KNAC was never just a station; it was a lifestyle, a brotherhood, and a giant middle finger to boring radio. Bringing it back means unleashing that energy on a whole new generation while giving the old guard their soundtrack back. And no, we’re not asking for permission.”
Spillane says that the opening hours will be loaded with archival clips, insane highlights, and the legendary voices that made KNAC infamous in the first place. Expect familiar air-checks, notorious IDs, and those “did they really just say that?” moments KNAC fans still talk about. Core artists will include Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Omens, The Pretty Reckless, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, and Poison.
Rich Van Slyck will serve as imaging voice with Spillane and Mel Rox providing segments during the day. Former KNAC personalities including Thrasher and Jack Trash will contribute with the station airing Charlie Kendall’s Metalshop, LA Lloyd’s Rock 30, and Full Metal Jackie on Sunday evenings.
