Radio News
Dallas radio station 97.1 FM returns to Eagle classic metal rock format
As rumored, Dallas radio station 97.1 FM has returned to rock: The station, which took an ill-fated but blessedly brief excursion into talk radio that ended on April 26, has officially returned to the kind of metal/hard rock music for which it was previously long known.
The new format made its official debut on April 29 at 10 am with "Kill the King" by metal rock band Megadeth, and a declaration that "97.1 The Eagle Rocks Again."
The return to rock came after station owner iHeartMedia pulled the plug on 97.1 The Freak, a talk show format it debuted in October 2022 that was lagging badly in ratings, despite a great fanfare that included luring radio brand name Mike Rhyner out of retirement.
"There’s been something missing - a sonic vacuum," an announcer said. "The void of noise pollution in Dallas Fort Worth is about to end. Today we answer that call at 97.1 FM The Eagle. Today, rock 'n' roll history is being made."
They also got Metallica's James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich to vouch, with a quote that said, "We're excited to report the Eagle is back on the radio in Dallas."
The debut was preceded by a lead-up consisting of a noisy pastiche of songs by rock bands like Pearl Jam, System of a Down, and Linkin Park.
The initial lineup of songs included:
- Kill the King, Megadeth
- Master of Puppets, Metallica
- Back in Black, AC/DC
- Best of You, Foo Fighters
- Man in the Box, Alice in Chains
- I Hate Everything About You, Three Days Grace
- Walk, Pantera
- Blurry, Puddle of Mudd
- Paradise City, Guns N Roses
- Bring Me to Life, Evanescence
- Come Out and Play (Gotta Keep 'Em Separated) Offspring
- Holiday, Green Day
Between every song came a reminder that "97.1 The Eagle rocks again," and "Dallas Fort Worth rocks again." They were also doing droll bits such as "Hopefully we're not your last resort," and "Make us the first on your radio pre-set, please."
The only question looming would be, How long would it take them to play "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots? The answer was, One hour. They played it at 11 am.
While Green Day and the Offspring both suck, Dallas does not currently have a classic rock station, whereas it already has plenty of-more than enough-too freaking many male voices droning on about this and that. Less male voices and more rock is a win.