It’s back! 89X returns to Windsor-Essex airwaves

Bell Media is getting back with 89X radio station in Windsor. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has details.

A beloved alternative rock station has officially made its return.

iHeartRadio Canada announced Thursday morning the rebrand of Pure Country 89 to 89X, Windsor’s Alternative.

The shift back to 89X began at 8:08 a.m. this morning.

89X initially launched on May 13, 1991. It became one of the most influential modern rock radio stations in North America before switching to Pure Country 89 in November 2020.

After a five-year hiatus, 89X returns with a bold, classic look and a fresh yet familiar sound.

Program Director Brad Gibb says Windsor residents were asking for the station to return.

“People from Windsor love a Windsor thing, and this is one of those great Windsor things. For the 30 years that 89X was around previously, it was one of the most influential modern rock stations in North America. Bringing this brand back in what looks and feels like its original form, like when it launched back in 1991, is just a really good feeling.”

Gibb says it will be fresh but nostalgic for those who used to listen to 89X.

“It’s going to be an inclusive radio station, if you’re in with us, then we’re in with you. It’s going to feel like it did on day one, where it’s just a different spot. We’re all about what’s happening in and around our community, in and around alternative lifestyle and culture in this city and this area, and just welcoming to all.”

According to Gibb, the first and last song played on 89X was Stop! by Jane’s Addiction, which was a major Easter egg for the station’s return.

“We knew that that song needed to be the song that started this version of 89X, and the interesting thing with that song is that it does start with 20 seconds of a Spanish woman talking. So we decided to put the audio cues out in Spanish, and if you translated it you could figure out what was going on.”

The Tea Part drummer Jeff Burrows, said the station returning is beneficial for local bands.

“What a great thing for Windsor, Detroit, Essex County, and young Canadian rock bands,” said The Tea Part drummer Jeff Burrows. “It’s always good when a local radio station gives you support and it makes a difference. There’s such incredible young talent around here now.”

Burrows said the station’s return is a boost for local talent, telling CTV News that the loss of 89X in 2020 left a gap in exposure for bands coming through the region.

“Oftentimes in Canadian rock radio, the border ends in London and that really, really sucks when it disappeared because it affects everything,” he said. “Radio really still matters.”

For Windsor duo The Blue Stones, the return of 89X also carries personal meaning.

“It felt like when it went away originally, that was like a sad marker for where rock music is,” said drummer Justin Tessier. “Having that come back, I think is definitely a bright light for artists like us who are making the music that we kind of make.”

Guitarist and vocalist Tarek Jafar said the revived station will help fill a void in the market.

“It’s just nice to have a place for, you know, music in our lane to go,” he said. “As far as the channels available in this region, we’re kind of lacking that bridge between alternative and rock. So it’s nice to have a place for that music to finally live.”

Online job applications are still open for a morning and afternoon announcer until Sept. 1.

89X is available at 88.7 FM and online at 89XRadio.com.

All iHeartRadio Canada stations are available across Canada via live stream on iHeart.com and the iHeartRadio Canada app.

— Meagan Delaurier/AM800 News