LIN BREHMER,
1954-2023

Lin Brehmer, a popular host on Chicago’s WXRT-FM 93.1, died Sunday after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68.

WXRT host Terri Hemmert announced his death in a statement that read, “We must inform you that we all lost our best friend. Lin Brehmer fought cancer as long as he could. He passed early this morning, peacefully, with his wife (Sara) and son (Wilson) by his side.”

Brehmer became music director at WXRT in 1984 and handled the morning drive shift from 1991 until 2020, when he moved to midday. In July he took a leave of absence for treatment, returning in November. He began his radio career at WQBK-FM in Albany, N.Y.

Tributes have poured in from far and wide.

Wilcoworld Radio continues through Tuesday, Jan. 24th in honor of Wilco's dear friend and local DJ, Lin Brehmer. The Chicago airwaves will never be the same. 💔

Listen at https://t.co/fCTwKatIc4 pic.twitter.com/IH6hfxQKFV

— WILCO (@Wilco) January 23, 2023

The Cubs mourn the passing of legendary Chicago radio personality and lifelong Cubs fan Lin Brehmer.

We send our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/2SiHRmacxY

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 22, 2023

Lin Brehmer, Our Best Friend in the Whole World, 1954-2023. https://t.co/f7ejAF6viy pic.twitter.com/X9FXdJRa51

— WXRT Chicago (@93XRT) January 22, 2023

It's hard to imagine anyone who supported the Chicago music scene with more verve than @LinBrehmer, a man who stood on every stage in the city to welcome all of us to a night of great music. It's with the utmost respect and love that we say goodbye to this giant of a man. pic.twitter.com/EsT6tjIjVf

— Jam Productions (@JamUSA) January 22, 2023

It's w/ the heaviest of hearts we mourn the passing of our pal & 6th Lobo @LinBrehmer. We had no better friend or bigger supporter on earth. His smile when he got up & played maracas w/ us at his bday party could have lit up Wrigley. Rest in peace our brother @93xrt
📷@nunupics pic.twitter.com/6miV3KC1Jr

— Los Lobos (@LosLobosBand) January 22, 2023

RIP to the Chicago rock radio legend @LinBrehmer of @93XRT 💐 A wonderful man who was a friend to the label and was always a joy to interact with. Hail fellow well met. Godspeed 📻 https://t.co/JsLEbMHuj8

— Rhino Records (@Rhino_Records) January 22, 2023

Lin Brehmer was the voice of Chicago. His voice was unique and a perfect way to start the day. An ambassador for the city’s music scene and a dear friend, I announced the Uptown music district concept on his show.

I’ll miss hearing his voice on XRT. May his memory be a blessing.

— Rahm Emanuel (@RahmEmanuel) January 22, 2023