For the better part of four decades, Lin Brehmer was a fixture in Chicago radio, working first as Music Director at WXRT, following a 1984 move from Albany, New York, before moving on-air seven years later.

In the internet era, radio has struggled to maintain a once vital footing, with disc jockeys virtually interchangeable against a backdrop of format changes, consolidation and a continual shift toward an online consumption of music that’s driven by algorithms as opposed to humans.

But Brehmer thrived despite the clutter, truly fashioning himself, as he put it, as “your best friend in the whole world,” an honest, relatable presence, despite the accolades or notoriety, who proved the medium could still make a difference.

Following a bout with prostate cancer, Brehmer passed away this past January. But, on what would’ve been his 69th birthday, XRT will celebrate his legacy on Saturday, August 19 via “A Celebration Of Lin Brehmer,” a benefit concert hosted by XRT personalities that’s scheduled to include musical contributions from Bob Mould, Los Lobos, The LinBurgers (featuring Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan and Michael McDermott ) and more.

While most commercial radio stations in America find disc jockeys strictly following a pre-programmed playlist, XRT is different – a station where, to this day, DJs maintain a significant hand in the carefully curated music listeners hear on a daily basis.

“Lin was one of the earliest supporters of ‘Workbook,’” explained Mould, referencing the release of his 1989 debut solo album following the breakup of Minnesota punk rockers Hüsker Dü. “A lot of stations around the country noticed XRT was playing ‘See A Little Light.’ And some of those stations followed suit. Lin’s support had a big impact on my career and I am always thankful for his kindness.”

Despite countless (late) hours dealing with label reps, publicists or salespeople, Brehmer never lost his ability to approach music as a fan, as was made plainly obvious to any listener who found him at a concert mixing it up on a general admission floor past midnight, mere hours before the start of his next morning shift on any given Tuesday. 

As traditional live music began to make its return following the quarantine of early pandemic, Brehmer was just as excited as any fan or musician.

“You know, every artist I’ve seen over the last year-and-a-half, at some point in their set, either at the beginning or at the end – and it’s perhaps the most heartfelt moment – but they say that it means so much to be able to play in public again,” said Brehmer during a chat last summer, prior to the in-person return of his beloved Hot Stove Cool Music benefit concert in July 2022. “For Bob Mould, for example, it was really a sermon on the relationship between the artist and the audience and live music. And to have that back again means as much to the audience as it does to the musicians who say, ‘We’re so glad to see you again.’”

Brehmer was closely associated with the Hot Stove Cool music benefit concert series, working as co-emcee following the brand’s 2012 expansion to Chicago amidst a successful run in Boston. 

That event benefits former Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein’s Foundation To Be Named Later, endowing a series of scholarships named after Hall of Fame baseball writer and broadcaster Peter Gammons. 

Saturday’s “A Celebration Of Lin Brehmer” will take the place of this year’s Chicago Hot Stove Cool Music installment, benefitting local charities Intonation (which works with local children and music) and Nourishing Hope (who battles hunger throughout the city).

Donations are also currently being accepted toward the new Lin Brehmer Foundation To Be Named Later College Scholarship, which will be launched on stage Saturday night at Metro. (XRT has also launched a new Brehmer-themed t-shirt benefitting the scholarship fund).

Prior to the 7 PM Metro concert, the Cubs will also honor Brehmer before and during Saturday’s 1:20 PM game against the Kansas City Royals at Wrigley Field, with a special pre-game culinary experience taking place as part of “Lin’s Binge.”  

“Baseball and music is the perfect marriage in my world,” said Brehmer during a 2020 conversation. For Mould, that collision of baseball and music provided a particularly fond moment alongside Brehmer early in the morning on the Northside.

“My most memorable time with Lin was the Cubs opening day show at Yak-Zie’s in April 2016,” said Mould, looking back at the live, early morning broadcast. “I knew these opening day shows were a highlight for Lin. But I remember being nervous about doing well. He picked up on this, and was very kind and calming before we went on stage for the Q&A. Thankfully, everything turned out well!”

Looking ahead to Saturday night’s celebration, Mould is clear on just what Brehmer means to both XRT listeners and the city alike.

“Lin truly understood the power of music,” he added. “And across the decades at XRT, the musicians and the listeners knew he was the real deal. Lin and the folks at XRT have been such an important and enduring part of the fabric and history of the City of Chicago. Lin was a thoughtful, articulate, caring person who always brought his passion to the airwaves.”

---

Bob Mould performs at Metro on Saturday, August 19 as part of “A Celebration Of Lin Brehmer.” For additional details, visit BobMould.com, WXRT.com and MetroChicago.com.