Cumulus Shakes Up WLUP

Virgin, Marie, Pyke Join

CUMULUS/CHICAGO shakes up the lineup at Classic Rock WLUP (THE LOOP), bringing in TIM VIRGIN, LYNDSEY MARIE and PYKE. The station has also begun a nationwide search for CHICAGO’s "next great morning show personality."

VIRGIN is a former “Looper,” as he returns to CHICAGO for afternoon drive. VIRGIN’s previous radio posts include WXRK (K-ROCK)/NEW YORK, WHFS/WASHINGTON, D.C. and the former Q101/CHICAGO.

Also joining THE LOOP are LYNDSEY MARIE for middays. MARIE joins from sister station WNNX (ROCK 100.5)/ATLANTA; and PYKE, who loops back to CHICAGO to rock nights. His previous radio experience includes on-air stints at WXRK and WHTZ/NEW YORK and the former Q101/CHICAGO.

EVP/Programming and Content JOHN DICKEY said, "This is a part of the continuing evolution of WLUP. CHICAGO is a city known for great personalities and this new lineup continues that tradition.”

PD/OM WADE LINDER said, “CHICAGO has a high expectation for the personalities on THE LOOP, so we’re thrilled to have TIM, LYNDSEY and PYKE join us. Now, we start our search for LOOP’s next amazing morning team.”

VIRGIN said, “I’ve come full circle back to THE LOOP and CHICAGO -- my home. To say that I am excited to be back at the legend that is THE LOOP is a huge understatement."

MARIE said:, “I love Classic Rock, hockey and expensive beer, and I am so excited to be at THE LOOP in CHICAGO.”

PYKE said, “I lived and worked there in the late ‘90s, and love CHICAGO and the people. I’m so happy to be back.”

All the new faces means exits, and CHICAGORADIOANDMEDIA.COM reported late FRIDAY ( 9/12) that PATRICK CAPONE, MAXWELL and JOHN CZAHOR were out.

CAPONE wrote on his FACEBOOK page:

"It is with a sad heart that I must announce that after nine years at the legendary WLUP, the LOOP and I have parted ways. The new owners have wisely chosen to move the station in a new direction, and even though I will not be a part of that future I certainly wish them the best of success.

"Nine years, man. That's crazy. I would like to thank the incredible staff at CUMULUS, as well as the many talented people and jocks who came in and out of the doors since I began this cool journey. Its been a true pleasure to work with all of you.

"I wrote in my original bio that I grew up listening to the LOOP and it has always been my goal to do Rock radio on that station. I accomplished that goal ... and it feels damn good.

"Perhaps one day another radio station will have need of a long-haired, guitar playin, Harley ridin, whiskey drink'n, disc jockey like myself ... and off I'll go to talk rock and roll again. Perhaps.

"Mostly though, I would like to thank you for sharing it all with me. Its been a true honor CHICAGO and a dream come true.

Thank you very much!"

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