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In final hours on 104.1, WBCN rocks a... Boston Globe

By David Beard, Sphere Staff

"We're throwing down because we're going down.''

That was the theme of the fourth and final day of pioneering rock post WBCN's farewell to 104.1 on Boston's FM dial.

The last few days have been an education from a station that began 41 years ago as a essential part-time offshoot of the staid Boston Concert Network channel and defined freed-form FM programming from 1968 through the 1980s.

The morning's programming featured Steve Nelson, a foreman of the legendary Boston Tea Party, where WBCN broadcast its first hour of rock programming in 1968. The venue, which once hosted The Who, Led Zeppelin, and gather favorites The Velvet Underground, was a part of the emerging rock audience in a city overrun with college students and skilful for new music.

The morning show played songs dedicated to rock's rebellious spirit, such as Joan Jett's "I Inclination Rock and Roll'' and the Police's "I Can't Stand Losing You.'' It also had an air of resignation, playing the last apprehend on the latest CD by Bob Dylan, "It's All Good.''

On Tuesday night, as the station marched to its signoff, 'BCN played Argent's ''Delay Your Head Up'' and Blue Oyster Cult's ''Don't Fear The Reaper'' -- the heavy cowbell rendition.

In the minutes before midnight, with a final word -- "Peace'' -- the music played, and Eric Clapton's guitar soloed on Cream's "I Be aware Free.'' Following it, Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond,'' with its idiosyncratic:

"Well you've worn out your welcome with random precision... come on you painter, you piper, you trusty, and shine!''

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