Emmis Communications sold WKQX 101.1 FM to Merlin Media, a company spearheaded by ex-Tribune exec Randy Michaels.
The station was continuing to play rock music Friday, but without DJs.
Chris Payne, host of Q101's Local 101, closed out the last official "Q101" broadcast with a tribute to local music, playing the Smoking Popes, Lucky Boys Confusion, Alkaline Trio, Patrick Stump, Kill Hannah and many more. Payne closed the Local 101 show around 12:45 a.m., playing "Tonight, Tonight" by the Smashing Pumpkins, then played one last song -- "Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure, which was the station's first song in 1992.
Payne told listeners after midnight that he was no longer legally allowed to call the station "Q101."
Veteran DJ James Van Osdol also made a phone cameo during Payne's show Thursday and announced he will be writing a book about the station's history.
Personalities Sherman and Tingle, Electra, Tim Virgin and Tim Pogo also did their last Q101 shows Thursday.
