(WGHP) — Regular listeners of Vancouver’s KISS-FM radio station were treated a little differently when they tuned in Wednesday morning. and Wednesday afternoon. And Wednesday night. and Thursday morning.
According to Rolling Stone, KISS-FM 104.9 began playing the machine’s fiery protest anthem, “Killing in the Name,” at around 6 a.m. Wednesday after layoffs at the station. As of Thursday morning, the song was still playing on loop.
The Vancouver Sun reported that at least three DJs would no longer be working at the station. Two relaxing morning shows DJs, Kevin Lim and Sonia Sidhu, issued a statement on twitter,
“KISS is changing and unfortunately we were informed that we will not be part of this new chapter,” he wrote, partly. “While it comes with mixed feelings, we want to express an overwhelming feeling: gratitude. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their mornings with us and brought us into their lives through the radio and our podcasts. Invited. We never took you lightly.”
Rolling Stone stated that listeners who tuned into the station reported hearing the song, only for listeners to request the song once again, although some Twitter users report that their request to change the song was refused. Other times, the song was paused for listeners to mimic parts of a normally censored track.
Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello has since become aware of the station’s playlist, retweeting a fan who shared the news on social media.
“It’s beautiful” Fan wrote.
It’s unclear who’s behind the rage-loop at Vancouver’s KISS-FM, but at least some Twitter users believe it’s a publicity stunt – perhaps a sign of a format change – and layoffs. Not a straight answer.
“Killing in the Name” was released in 1992 on Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut album. It went triple platinum, with Rolling Stone naming it one of the greatest metal albums of all time.
