Hello... I Must Be Going

12/29/2017

It’s time to say goodbye to not only another year, but what has been perhaps the most rewarding professional experience of my life. It has truly been a privilege to play even a small role in the creation and growth of what has become a thriving and successful broadcasting operation. Safe to say 17 years on we have put to rest the mantra surrounding us at the start, “Nobody will pay for radio, you guys are crazy!”

The Loft will continue under the guidance of Chris Muckley, leaving me secure in the knowledge that my baby will continue to grow up in good hands and ears. Speaking of which, while The Loft may have been “my baby” it would have never reached even this level without the enormous contributions of Franny Thomas, Meg Griffin, David Johansen and Larry Kirwan. They will thankfully all continue to weave their radio magic unfettered.

My plans include spending more time with family and friends, getting my health together and rooting for my beloved New York Yankees. My final batch of Wake Up Sets will take place Friday 12/29 starting at 6 AM (ET) and my last Loft Show will be Saturday 12/30 from Noon to 6 PM (ET).

Please accept my sincere gratitude for letting me into your lives for these last 17 years and listening so damn close. I will miss you all.

Love,

Mike

P.S. Have an absolutely beautiful rest of your life.

I will still be here:
http://mikemarrone.com

91 Comments

Steve Hunt

12/29/2017 12:31:50 am

Thanks for everything Mike! You and Meg and Franny have opened my ears to a heretofore unknown music universe. I signed up for Sirius and stayed because of Disorder. After the merge I was pissed but you and the Loft brought me back to earth and gave me a new home on the beautiful airwavws. You are appreciated and will be missed.

Christine

12/29/2017 07:54:49 am

Mike I sincerely wish you the best for the rest of your life. Thank you for all the music you turned me on to. I’ll truky miss you. I woke up to you every morning!! God bless. Listening to your love of 🎵 really changed my life for the better. The music 🎶 (in the hundreds ) that I listen too I learned of on the Loft. Miss you already!

Bob perry

12/29/2017 01:26:49 am

Thanks for all the great wake up sets Mike. I'll miss you on the Loft. Have a great everything!

Dan Navarro link

12/29/2017 01:32:16 am

After nearly 30 years on the road, I have seen radio floutish, change, grow, struggle, flounder, sell out, get brittle and occasionally break, and persist. Through it all, you and your channel were a beacon of light and hope, for meaningful music that moved both hearts and asses, for a medium that could be both fresh and loyal, for a place I could still call home waaaaay past my sell-by date. I will miss your voice and taste, I will miss the Loft’s welcome embrace, I will miss the laughs when I would invade Eccleston Pl, and mostly miss hangs to come. Be safe, be well, be busy and cool, and in the most humble and heartfelt manner I can muster...thank you. xx/dn

Janiva Magness link

12/29/2017 01:51:36 am

Noooooooo! Faaaaaack! Im so bummed (selfishly speaking...) I am happy for you you will be hanging with family and critters (also family) and taking good care of my friend Mike M. The Loft will not be the same without you AND you cannot be replaced so they will have to morph on I guess...waaaaaa! WIll stop whining about this eventually... maybe... Then again... LOVE YOU MAN! XOX JANIVA

Fred Norris

12/29/2017 07:04:14 am

Mike, I think we've all been bracing for this day. Didn't realize it would be so "sudden". Was hoping to have you and the Loft back on satellite after the streaming only session. Oh well. Can't thank you enough for the countless hours of entertainment you've brought me, as well as the exposure and discovery to new music, whether it be new releases or old nuggets I had not heard before. I think the Loft is in good hands as you depart. A great staff remains in place. Enjoy your new chapter in life. I wish you nothing but the best. Have a healthy and happy new year! Loyal listener, Fred

Neal Wrightson

12/29/2017 07:26:46 am

Mike! Your musical wisdom and guiding hand have brought me so many happy hours of listening. The depth of my sadness is commensurate with the love and dedication you brought to The Loft every day. Thank you for all the years of listening, and the joy and support your good work engendered. I will miss you more than you can know.

Mark Costner

12/29/2017 07:53:34 am

Mike- it was during a basement remodel project in March 2008 when my ears were opened to the most creative and personal music sets I’d ever heard on radio. I remember telling my wife about finding “this guy on sat radio whose musical taste and enthusiasm is eerily like mine, but that he has an endless record collection.” Been a loyal listener and fan since that morning almost 10 yrs ago. Mornings won’t be the same without you Mike Marone. I’m sorry to see you go. Wishing you good health and prosperity my radio friend. All the best- Mark

Jack Isquith link

12/29/2017 08:38:32 am

Mike - You did radio like Lou Gehrig ...day in and day out at a remarkably high level.

Here's wishing you the bluest sky
And hoping something better comes tomorrow
Hoping all the verses rhyme
And the very best of choruses

-Jack

Kenny Curtis

12/29/2017 08:43:44 am

Godspeed, my friend. Over the past 17+ years I’ve had the privilege to work with some truly remarkable people — but you are one of the greats among them. The things I’ve picked up from you simply through “professional osmosis” could fill a book. Eckington Place will be a little colder when I return after the New Year, but at least the Loft will still be warm. Miss ya already.

Rob Greenberg

12/29/2017 08:47:14 am

I wish you the very best, Mike, as you move on from radio for very valid reasons. I've been a listener since the WHTG, Rock Wave of the Jersey Shore days and am a avid fan of The Loft. Thank you for expanding my music horizons, exposing me to new and alternative sounds over the decades. One memory I want to share: You were hosting a band at a bar in Long Branch and I offered to buy you a beer. You were drinking apple juice and did an impromptu brief "PSA" extolling its health benefits. Best wishes to you and your family, and a new Yankee dynasty.

Larry Thomas

12/29/2017 09:08:57 am

Many thanks for the music, but more so for mentoring Miss Mary Frances, my daughter and alter ego. You rock. Keep on shining. And even if Giancarlo and Aaron combine for 400 strikeouts (not that far fetched) it will be a memorable year to be a full time Yankees fan.

Tony Wolf

12/29/2017 09:09:32 am

Mike, All the best for a wonderful retirement. Thanks for bringing back radio the way it was meant to be! You will be missed!

john soss

12/29/2017 09:13:24 am

Throughout what has been such a crummy year – in our country and around the globe – I always knew that I could wake up in the morning and rely on you to prove that music can make the world a better place. Even on the bleakest of days, between your knowledge of recorded music and your approach to connecting with your listeners, you always found a way to hit the right tone.

Over all the years that I’ve been on the receiving end of your program, I’ve told people that listening to your show has been endlessly rewarding. Each and every day I knew I’d hear songs that I’d never heard before, whether from new artists or obscure artists or tracks unearthed from the past that I missed out on the first time around.

Your influence on me – just one listener out here in Chicago – has been far-reaching. Thanks to you I’ve gone to the record store and bought an old copy of a Gil Scott-Heron album. I’ve gone to a local club and seen a young John Fullbright perform, feeling like I was in on some kind of emerging secret that nobody else in town was aware of. I’ve driven my kids to school while listening to your program, allowing you to contribute to their growth as fans of music and culture. I once drove through the desert on my birthday and felt that somehow you were playing songs that were directed specifically at me. I’ve felt a kinship with another person who loves Brian Blade as much as I do. I’ve experienced the unexpected beauty of the perfect segue.

I give you my sincere thanks for enriching my life and showing me that each day can bring new and beautiful things into the world. I know that nothing lasts forever, but in this case I really wish it would.

Laura Mulry

1/2/2018 05:58:44 pm

Ditto what John Soss said....
I am heartbroken, but wish you the best.

peter Hodson

12/29/2017 10:09:15 am

There is an art to curation and you are uniquely talented in this. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

Judy Cook

12/29/2017 10:19:52 am

Trying to hold back the tears...Thank you, Mike. Thank you for opening my ears up to so much wonderful music, over the years.

Krista Dills link

12/29/2017 10:56:44 am

I have learned so much more about music from you alone than I would have ever known otherwise. Thank you for sharing your incredible musical knowledge, introducing new artists and for keeping me company on road trips. You will truly, truly be missed on The Loft, but I hope you'll still provide some of your awesome playlists here from time to time. Enjoy your retirement!

Deb horne

12/29/2017 11:34:27 am

Hope you’ll still produce an occasional playlist here
😎

Joe Rapolla link

12/29/2017 11:57:37 am

Way to go, Mike! Well done! Ps. I still have my WHTG Softball jersey.

Brian McInerney

12/29/2017 12:10:12 pm

Say it ain't so!!

Earl Cambron

12/29/2017 01:17:11 pm

I will have to remember the adage “Don’t be sad it’s over, be glad it happened”. Thanks for the great music Mike!

Cliff Keller

12/29/2017 02:31:11 pm

I am very sorry to see you go. There is no other station on SiriusXM with a music venue as close to my tastes. I especially like the progression of new music that is constantly moving forward. Having been a young person in the 60s and 70s, I would have been unhappy to have been stuck in that era of music forever, though I don't mind hearing the good stuff from now and then. Through the Loft we have heard from the old musical artists on what they are doing today. Some of which is excellent. I've also learned about so many young serious rock musicians playing the good stuff. I wouldn't know about them without your baby, the Loft. Thanks Mike, appreciate all you have done for us.

Mike Fogarty

12/29/2017 04:25:20 pm

Mike,
That news absolutely ruined my weekend. From a fellowJersey guy that grew up there in the same era as you, but moved away after college to the music wasteland of IN, its been great listening to your show and discovering all the music from out there during the 80s, as well as all the new music you’ve exposed me to. Would not have known about the outstanding new Dream Syndicate album if it weren’t for you. The list of music I need to check out that I have on my IPhone is almost entirely comprised of music I’ve heard on your show. You will be greatly missed. Please
get the word out if you ever come back via podcast, online radio etc. Thanks for all the great music through the years and I hope 2018 finds you in good health. Go Yankees!

Wayne Bingham

12/29/2017 04:43:30 pm

Well, Sat Radio will never be the same Mike, although I sense I should have suspected something. I think that you have done as much as anyone to preserve the kind of programming LOFT listeners are looking for. For that, I'm supremely grateful because it is so hard to find these days. I'm fortunate to have grown up in the DC Metro area, and have true free-form radio with WHFS. When that died a slow painful death, I was left with a bleak landscape musically. However like you, I have been a life-long collector of recorded music, and still have most of it. I can create my own playlists anytime I want. Still, I'll miss someone with an ear tuned to what's happening, an ear much like my own it seems, entertaining me everyday. I'll leave you with a suggestion (and since I know you are a Bruce Cockburn fan) that you check out (if you haven't yet) Steve Kimock & Leslie Mendelson's take on Bruce's Waiting For A Miracle. I think you'll like it. Happy Trails -----

Mikeb

12/29/2017 04:54:42 pm

Mike first let me say i love you, your a beautiful human being, 2nd im a fellow jersey guy, thank you for all your hard work & exposing me to your world of fantastic music, i will continue to listen, but will miss you immensely, thank you mike!

Jon Erickson link

12/29/2017 05:08:22 pm

Mike, I am heartbroken. I have been a subscriber since the early 2000s and have lived through your curated music for 15 or 16 years. I still remember you calling me after I sent an email asking for the name of a song I had heard the night before. I only can hope you will find a new avenue to share your vast musical knowledge.

2017 we lost so many great artists but I almost feel that this news is my greatest musical loss of the year. May you find peace and happiness and maybe we can cross paths again in the future.

Charlie link

12/29/2017 09:08:04 pm

Thanks for everything Mike. The Loft is a great station, one of the best in America,and I can't wait for it to return to the satellites in January. Take care of yourself. We'll miss you.

Andrew

12/29/2017 09:27:17 pm

First I missed Vin, now I will miss you too.
Ugh :(
Mike, please remember that you have done good work; don't ever doubt that. Personally, I appreciate your support of "free form radio" and keeping it alive; it the only way to learn of new music.
Maybe some day well will meet at record store :).

John Carr

12/29/2017 10:46:31 pm

Mike, you are a precious gift to music. Your gift of sharing your enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge while making it seem effortless has been an inspiration to me. I didn’t like all the music, but what a joy to be educated, to have doors opened to so many people out there creating music.

I’m looking forward to several volumes of your memoirs…let us know when they are coming out.

Scott

12/30/2017 09:11:54 am

Mike, I’ve been listening to radio for close to 60 years and over that time there have been some stations that were very instrumental in my appreciation and enjoyment of music. But none has ever impacted me so much for so long as The Loft. Thanks for all the hard work and passion you put into every show, particularly the Wake Up Sets. You will be missed. I wish you all the best in the future as you deal with health issues. Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies is it? Thanks again.

fred levin

12/30/2017 12:27:18 pm

Mike,
My wife and I have been fans since we found you after the merge (we were XM fans and mad about it!!!) But you changed our minds and hearts. We started our day with you and even spoke at nights about the awesome music and insights we heard in the mornings from you. We are both sad (for us) and happy (for you!!). You will be sorely missed and our mornings and Saturday's will not be the same. Thank you for the awesome experience you have given us...we are better for it!!!

Steve V

12/30/2017 12:27:57 pm

Mike-
Had no idea that today was your ‘last show’ until I tuned short time ago. So sorry to hear you are departing but I wish all the best for you and your family.
It’s safe to say your enthusiasm is unparalleled! I came to Sirius to follow Howard and was instantly hooked on Disorder and it has continued with the Loft.
I’ve discovered so many artists listening to you and the whole crew there. Easily the best music mix out there—and don’t even get me started on getting dissed for ‘Road Trip Radio’....ugh...
Will definitely miss hearing your voice and everything you have brought to listeners every day. Thanks so much.

Andy Ohmer

12/30/2017 03:12:51 pm

Man, that is tough to take. I'm your age and we share a lot in common. Too many people I know will only listen to classic rock. So many of the artists you have exposed me too, I have shared with those "classic rock only" listeners, and, it never fails that they like the tune.
Chris Muckley is great, well done replacing yourself.
Don't go away, brother.
Peace
Love
Happiness

Leslie and Rob Black

12/30/2017 04:45:28 pm

Dear Mike
Your musical acumen on the Loft allowed me to understand my husbands music choices in such a wonderful way and made a convert of me as well. You and Franny and Meg and Dan led us through those tumultuous first days of November 2016 before we knew that the world was NOT going to end and that music, its history and it’s guiding past and present might show us how to weather this world. You were all welcome harbors from the storm.
Thank you from the bottom of my soul. You are setting off on a new path. Take good care of your luminous musical soul cause we need the light!
Leslie B

Eric

12/30/2017 05:38:38 pm

Mike:

Thank you, thank you, thank you. We are losing an old friend here in our family when you sign off today. You've been with us through good times and bad over the past ten years, and it was always a comfort to have you on the road and in our living room. We wish YOU an absolutely beautiful rest of your life! Thanks for sharing your gift for all these years.

Sal Mancuso

12/30/2017 06:13:09 pm

Whaaaat!
I just heard you say that this is your final show (all this time I thought it was the final show of 2017)

Your show had softened the blow of losing Vin.
Being about the same age, I felt you were able to bring perspective to the new music you were presenting. A great mix of old and new.

Plus you gave my music obsession moral cover. I came to trust your judgement to the extent that I followed our instruction on the MediaMonkey set up.

Try to keep your website updated so we don't lose touch entirely. Who is going to play Zappa now!
Going to miss you buddy

Ruth Johnston

1/1/2018 11:55:54 am

Mike - I'm so bummed! When the station went to Eagles I was so frustrated. Loft is the best! And we lost the Mountain here in Seattle some time back so was so happy to find the Loft as nothing else came close. Thanks for all you've done for my morning wake up and long commute. You've enriched my musical taste.

Joe C

1/1/2018 02:30:39 pm

Mike, listening to one of the best music curators ever has been an essential part of my daily flow. Keep the fires burning! Hope you don’t mind I have adoped from you the following musical philosophy, There are two types of music: Music you like and Music you don’t like. Really sums it up. Best wishes, Joe and a group of diehard listeners in Boston.

Jack H

1/1/2018 02:47:00 pm

I wish you a happy and healthy retirement! I just retired myself in the last year and it is wonderfully liberating.
With that, I am very saddened to see you - and the Loft - go. Radio is still my favorite tech device, from sneaking it under the pillow for the late BB games - to the Good Guys - to the old ABC - to FM - to The Loft. I'm a bit ticked at Sirius (to say the least) so I'll probably drop it now.
A good radio DJ is a therapist, a shaman, an innovator, an artist, a friend. So my friend, with moist eyes, I bid you farewell. Thank you so much for all of the great music you brought to my radio.

Laura Mulry

1/2/2018 06:04:47 pm

Ditto what Jack H said...
I am so very sad. Words fail.

Deb K

1/1/2018 08:21:07 pm

Mike,

OMG! WTH am I going to do in the morning to get myself motivated for the workday!? I've been listening to the wake-up sets since 2004. (5am - 7am PT) I can't thank you enough for all the cool new music you've turned me on to. (The music industry thanks you too, for all the shows I've been to based on music heard on your show every day!).

I know retirement is enticing (I think we are the same age) but I hope you reconsider your decision after a brief break and return to the Loft, or as others have suggested, a blog or an email with your suggestions for the best new music?

Be well! I hope you get your batteries recharged and you keep in touch with all of your friends here. You'll be sooo missed.

Ed T

1/1/2018 08:42:20 pm

Hi Mike,

Well all good things come to an end. I hope you went out on your terms. I am happy for you but sad for all the listeners.

Thank you for the many hours/years of listing enjoyment! I hope you will consider some new adventure to showcase the music you are listening to (maybe with Vin) and share your musical suggestions with us. I would pay for this, and I think others would too.

Your shows highlighted why I listen (Frank Zappa, The Zulus, O Positive, Dumptruck, Wonder Stuff, The Mighty Lemon Drops, and many more). No one plays these (let alone together), but they should be played!

Good luck, and Best Wishes,
Ed T

Tommy Janssen

1/2/2018 09:26:44 am

Mike -

Thank you so much for all of the great music and all of your efforts to make the Loft the best station anywhere. I wish you good health and happiness with whatever comes next. As a Mets fan, however, I will remain respectfully silent regarding the fortunes of the Yankees.

I suspect that like many of the Loft listeners, I have ears that appreciate classic sounds but don't want to live exclusively in the past like so many of our friends do. That is the unique niche that the Loft fulfilled for me. Each of you, Franny and Meg bring something different to the table, each of you with things in my comfort zone, but also with things that expand that comfort zone to new territory. It's a great balance of DJs - and one of the most important things you did was chose the staff. The station is great 24/7 and that's largely to your credit as an administrator. I hope that the spirit of the Loft as you created it will continue.

If the Loft doesn't return to satellite, that would be the end of my subscription to SiriusXM. There are other decent stations, but the Loft is the only one I'd pay to hear.

Radio is obviously changing and is being reinvented in many ways, but if stations like the Loft continue to disappear, the next generation will be missing the experience of listening to real DJs who bring music to life instead of just filling up narrowly-constructed playlists on the orders of marketing people.

John Carr

1/2/2018 09:37:35 am

I responded before and have enjoyed reading others comments….what a tribute to Mike. Shows how you can impact others when you follow your passion. I made the decision last night to cancel Sirius, despite their many offers to keep me. I hope we'll find a new source like the Loft has brought us for so many years.

Mark Pucci

1/2/2018 11:08:22 am

Been great working with you,Mike, all these years & I wish you all the best in your coming adventures!

Janet Billig

1/2/2018 11:18:46 am

I echo so many of the comments here! "Happy for you and Sad for us" stands out!! Thank you for everything you brought to radio.

Brad Bradsher

1/2/2018 11:45:35 am

Thanks Mike for all the music you have turned on to. In my mid 70s and enjoyed the loft since XM started. Have a great retirement

Tom in Buffalo

1/2/2018 12:58:17 pm

Wow...thank you so much Mike - you and the Loft were always a constant positive - peace and happiness!

Eric Raaen

1/2/2018 02:29:12 pm

Thanks for the many years of music. You will be missed. I hope they put the Loft back on the air - you leave a good crew behind to carry the torch.

Wayne Anderson

1/2/2018 02:30:06 pm

Good for you Mike.
I can remember times and music that you shared with me 25+ years ago and also days back on WHTG.
I will miss my morning wake up sets.
You are a pro in the business and only wish the best for you and the family.

Laura Mulry

1/2/2018 06:08:29 pm

Merci beaucoup, Mike. Your genius has no parallel and will be missed. I am so sad, but wish you the best.

John Griffin

1/2/2018 06:20:43 pm

Thank you for providing interesting and innovative programming for so many years. Wish you nothing but the best but wish there was some other means by which I could continue to experience the great enjoyment that I got for so many years on the Loft. Like losing a dear friend.

Jeff P

1/2/2018 06:37:38 pm

OMG....As a former air personality for many years at KGB, San Diego......I never thought I'd evolve from 'deep tracks,' but I was stunned by the incredible programming of The Loft...And for the past several years have been a Lofter for about 6-hours every day.
Your incredible programming skills have upped my knowledge & appreciation of other types of music. Your retirement has stunned and saddened us all.
I' never met you.....but you are a true 'radio friend,' and I wish you nothing but peace and success in your retirement.--------Now, please come back :)

John Melcher

1/2/2018 09:30:25 pm

Mike,

Like so many have said - congratulations on your retirement but you'll be truly missed. I have been tuning in every day for the past 12 years and can't thank you enough for the great channel, shows, and insights. Mornings and Saturday afternoons just won't be the same. Perhaps Franny, Chris, and or Meg will be "Playing Records with Mike" someday! Best wishes!

Jack Regan

1/3/2018 09:45:48 am

Thanks for all you have done over the years in the service of the music we love. I hope this next chapter of your life is everything that you want it to be.

David

1/3/2018 01:43:44 pm

Mike
I was eagerly looking forward to hearing you this morning as it was supposed to be the end of Eagles Radio. Despite being an XM subscriber since 2004 and having two radios, I still don't have online or app access so I have sorely missed The Loft these last 6 weeks and was awaiting the return.

When I got in the car and heard Eagles again, I started looking online for some explanation. After seeing that Eagles has been extended to Feb 1 [or later?], I saw something that suggested you had retired. I then googled Mike Marrone retire and sure enough was directed here.

I am personally sad that I will no longer spend my mornings here in Houston with you. But I am happy for you if this is the direction you want to take your life. I thank you for so many musical discoveries that I never would have made had it not been for you and the rest of the crew at The Loft [not only Meg and Franny now, but Kate and Jerry and Dan and Vin before]. As others have noted, my wife and I specifically bought tickets to see an artist I had first learned of through The Loft.

People can talk about how great the Pandora algorithms and the Spotify playlists are. But absolutely nothing beats six hours of settling in and listening to the best curated station I can ever remember listening to [and I'm closing in on hitting 60].

So thanks. And I hope that YOU have an absolutely beautiful rest of your life!!

Stu Dunkel

1/3/2018 01:44:07 pm

Godspeed good buddy. Found you and Kate Bradley in 2005 with the purchase of a Delphi home/auto system. Over the years never occurred to me that you'd be gone.....Loft is my no. 1 preset. Still have the Delphi and Mostly Music subscription......I'm still not over the Blues channel going, now the Loft, this is almost too much to bare. When my renewal comes may just take lots of your artists and program Pandora. Absolutely the best of luck, my mornings will never be the same.......

Laura Mulry

1/3/2018 01:56:31 pm

Ditto what Stu wrote. He describes so well the appreciation, sense of loss, and good wishes for you, Mike. Can't say enough how much you have meant to me. Laura

Sharon

1/3/2018 09:06:35 pm

We miss you Mike. I hope you enjoy the next phase with your family and friends. I truly enjoyed your show and will miss your musical breadth dearly. Who else plays Garland Jeffreys but you? Please, have a beautiful rest of your life. You will be missed by many on the air waves. Peace and love to you and yours.

Dakota Sean

1/3/2018 09:31:49 pm

Hey Mike, where do I send the check to get you to start a weekly webcast? :-)

John Carr

1/3/2018 10:32:37 pm

I second that!

Mystery Librarian

1/3/2018 09:51:15 pm

Thanks, Mike. My morning drive to work won't be the same. Thanks for all the great tunes, the new artists you turned me on to, the countless old favorites you played. I didn't think I'd ever hear Garland Jeffries on the radio, but you played him. And promoted him. As Duke Ellington said, music always good if it's real. Thanks for keeping it real. Good luck as you move on.

Charlie (again) link

1/4/2018 08:26:19 am

I thought The Loft was supposed to return on January 2nd. But Hotel California is still there. I've always been a big Eagles fan but their repetitive station is starting to turn me into Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski. You can't build a station around only 7 studio and 2 live albums. Enough already!!!! Can someone help me? When is The Loft coming back?

Jim Hartman

1/4/2018 04:03:09 pm

Thanks Mike! The Loft was the main reason I stuck with XM. I'm lucky enough to live down the road from the Beachland Ballroom and tavern in Cleveland and a lot of artists and bands I see there you guys turned me on to. Being about your age I need to thank you for making me seek out new bands and new material from familiar bands and artists. I even started collecting records again. Peace and light my friend!

Scott

1/4/2018 08:52:15 pm

Wow. Mike, thanks for 32 years worth of musical soundtrack (I started listening to you on FM106.3 at the Jersey shore). I have more than a few dozen LPs and CDs in my collection exclusively thanks to you. From the days of that little 3,000 watt FM station with the overworked limiter to a great Waterboys, Afghan Whigs, Let's Active infused set this past Fall on The Loft, it's been a hell of a ride. Hope you'll find the time to do something online musically; my ears will be waiting. Cheers.

Thomas Harris

1/4/2018 09:24:02 pm

Mike,
Always wished those morning shows were a little later for us Westcoasters. But the Saturday show always rocked. If they could be archived, I'd store them with my favorite albums...
Happy trails!

Ralph Sands

1/5/2018 07:12:51 am

Mucho thanks for all the great music Mike, and best of luck in 'retirement'. The Yanks should keep you busy soon, pitchers and catchers reporting...not soon enough. As others have said better than I, appreciate all the great new music you turned me on to over the last years and all the old favorites...a great gift. Living in Pittsburgh in the 70s we had a free form station, WYEP, that I loved, and the loft was the closest thing I found. Thanks again for the memories.

Rob Mayberry

1/8/2018 01:26:53 pm

Just want to echo the sentiments expressed so well by so many others already. What else can be said? Thank you for all of the musical discoveries made by listening to the you and the rest of the crew at The Loft. The early days of XM / Loft brought me back to a time long ago (70s) and all of the joy I got from listening to the personalities on WNEW in New York. Enjoy the rest of your life and thanks again for what you helped create at the Loft.

Dion

1/8/2018 10:50:23 pm

XM Radio was a musical awakening for me, and The Loft, your shows as much as any, were a huge part of that. Eagles radio, moderately interesting if constrained to a couple of holiday weeks and giving the DJs a break would have been wonderful. As is, adding insult to injury with your leaving, but always cherish the long run of your outstanding shows. Thank you.

Steve Corona link

1/10/2018 05:09:27 am

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of music and for your leadership at The Loft. And thanks so much for providing a positive distraction to The Madness that now exists in our nation’s Capitol. If they only had XM radio in the White House....

John Chevy link

1/11/2018 08:00:24 am

Mike,
Wow, i thought you would be there forever. I really dug listening to you and your music. I guess The Loft is a gonner, as I guess XM will be soon enough. I very much enkoyed the LIVE aspect of The Loft with DJ's and little snippets of thought along with the great music. But it was last summer that the cut from The Loft to road Music or something. I figured it was vacation time and everyone needed a break. Then came this Eagles thing. Hey I like the Eagles but not 7 x 24. Like The Big Labowski said " F**k The Eagles man". Anyway I'm sorry to see the worm turn so to speak. Good luck where ever u go. Yes I am a Jersey Guy like u, only now living in the Shenandoah Valley of Va. Get out of Dodge whjile u still have some dough. PS; I still remember that story of the lady who ran the radio station that u worked at years before.

John C kb2loz

Jenny

1/13/2018 06:24:32 pm

Ah Shucks! Like others, I still miss my Sunday nights with Vin, but I always had you to count on for the mornings and weekends! I was introduced to so many artists who I now support by going to shows, purchasing their recordings and merch. My friends were always amazed how much new music I brought to them! All due to the Loft! Don't underestimate your contribution to the mental health and overall feeling of wonderfulness of your listeners that happens when we listen to music. Your quick responses when I asked a question about a band or song, your always encouraging support of musicians and your philosophy of wanting to hear when we LIKED something were always appreciated. I will continue to support the Loft on-line and think Chris is brilliant. I hope it survives! Best wishes to you in retirement, to your journey on your health and to whatever you decide to do next.

Pamela

1/16/2018 05:37:57 pm

I was wondering where you were after the holidays so I did some research and found your page and this message. I will truly miss you and your wake up sets. I work from home and have the Loft tuned in all day long so, you, Meg and Franny are like my cube mates! You and Meg always play the music that I love. I wish you much happiness in your retirement. Thank you for the music.

Jeff

1/17/2018 09:56:10 pm

Thank you Mike. Your musical taste and commentary and voice are among the best in the biz. I may drop my three subs now that you are gone. Good luck!!!!!

Lea

1/22/2018 09:28:46 pm

Noooo!! Sure did love listening to you-you are the best! Wish you great things in your retirement and take good care of yourself. Thanks for all the hours of great music you gave us-will so miss the ride in with you in the mornings.

David H.

2/1/2018 07:22:24 pm

Goodbye old friend. Although we never met, I've "known" you for many years. The wake up sets we're simply the best radio on radio. I wish you much love, peace and happiness in retirement. Our loss as you will be so missed.

neal eisaman

2/2/2018 10:06:52 am

nothing left but the blank tapes .

i hope you are leaving with a big pile of cash and
that it was easier for you to retire than it was for me to cancel my xm subscription. they refused to believe i didn't like your replacement , the billy joel station...

Miles Mccutcheon

2/2/2018 10:35:47 am

Thanks Mike !!! Your one of the good ones. Cheers!

Paul C

2/2/2018 05:00:34 pm

Mike,

I was so surprised when I asked what was going on the first time the Loft was on hold for a "pop up" station. You responded immediately. Sorry to learn that The Loft is no more in my car on my travels this time around.

As I read the comments of your loyal following, the common thread is that we all love "Free Form Radio" and your contributions.

Back at you: Have an absolutely beautiful rest of your life.

Anna K T-de

2/4/2018 08:17:05 am

Mike,

As a fairly new listener, I was deeply saddened to think of losing The Loft so early in my journey back to music and authenticity. Motherhood is an interesting journey that can have the potential to make one feel as though they've lost their identity. It sure happened to me as I went from a 20-something working in the Chelsea neighborhood NYC to living to the New Jersey suburbs and having 5 children. My entire adult identity was shaken, dismantled, and built up again over 15 years. I realized over these years that I gave up on music, and because I was anti-corporate America I refused to pay for "radio" for too long. My social circle was my husband and children. Anyway, it was a free year-long subscription to SiriusXM in my new minivan that helped me rebuild my identity, support me through grad school with my musical support system, and get me through my existential crisis. And then, it wasn't anymore.

My subscription ended while The Eagles were playing and I decided against renewing. My last road trip, solely confined to the east coast, took up all my data streaming music, so I'll likely be going back sooner than I thought.

My support system IS The Loft, other SiriusXM channels, Spotify and Sound hound. Having found my authenticity again I am no longer at the mercy of corporate America and its executives. Through this last free trial I found that streaming The Loft at home may be what brings me back to SiriusXM without a grudge.

However, finding your basement through Sound Cloud has given me a nostalgic path to weave together these past 2.5 years, my family, my existential crisis, my grad school experience, my support system, my new authentic self, and my future into something really wonderful.

So, thank you for that.

-Anna

P.S. Have an absolutely beautiful rest of your life. ♡

Lauran Nohe

2/4/2018 01:44:40 pm

Mike, you are missed beyond compare. I credit you with my musical enlightenment over the past 13 years as a loyal listener of The Loft. Brilliant programming. Always inspiring and then some. Feeling a bit lost now, but recognize all things must pass. Here's to you continuing to reach for your happy. May the road rise up to meet you.

~Lauran

Mike Cote

2/5/2018 04:05:20 pm

I will miss your deep knowledge of music, but more importantly, the passion you brought to the work. I didn't know you retired until your voice was missing from my morning pre-work ritual, which always involves "The Loft."

Marshall Walthew

2/5/2018 08:02:32 pm

Having grown up listening to the great Philly DJs in the early days of free form rock music programming in Philadelphia (Michael Tearson, Carol Miller, Ed Sciaky, David Dye et al.) it was a tremendous pleasure to discover the Loft, which recaptured the creative spirit of those days. You and Franny and Meg have brought me countless hours of pleasure and introduced me to lots of great music over the past several years. You will be sorely missed. And i’m furious at Sirius constantly preempting the show. Godspeed.

Andrew Stewart

2/15/2018 01:17:34 am

I can relate. But for me it was DCs WHFS which is sadly now defunct. Good thing WXPN still survives today as a alternative music oasis!

Dick Dougherty link

2/8/2018 09:46:26 am

In the studio this morning listening the Loft and Chris in your spot. He does a great job but I miss your voice and knowledge and excitement about music. Glad you are having a great trip with your daughter out west. I hope The Loft can stay together, it is the only SiriusXM channel I listen to as I work in the studio. I constantly buy new music because of you and Meg in the afternoon. Thanks for keeping me up-to-date. You have kept me company as I work in the studio for years Thank You.

Tim Lloyd

2/12/2018 02:05:12 pm

I have been driving myself crazy since December trying to figure out what is going on with the Loft (I normally listen in the car, sometimes at home, but not streaming) -- and slowly concluded it must have been driven by your departure, of which I was uncertain until now. As a long time (I'm now 61) radio listener, I can say it has been a true pleasure to enjoy your shows and insights. Thank you. I hope to share your musical magic again one day, but more importantly, I hope you get healthy and enjoy your next adventures! Peace.

Craig Nickerson

2/13/2018 05:59:28 pm

With your departure and the LOFT changes, I feel like I've lost a good friend, someone who shares my musical tastes, and someone that understands me. Music is so personal. Your knowledge, enthusiasm for new music, and genuineness are contagious. I'm 70 years old now, but have never been a top 40 guy. Finding the next compelling artist has been a life-long quest, but often a difficult one. I needed an ally, some expert help in finding great music. Your eclectic range of music has enriched my life greatly over these many years. You made long commutes to work much more enjoyable. Thanks to you, I discovered scores of new artists and, embarrassingly, even some wonderful artists that I inexplicably overlooked over the decades (Big Star, DBT, Centromatic). Please know that you have made a profound difference for many people. And, please be comforted by the fact that you have countless "friends" that you have never met who sincerely value what you have given us over these many years.

Jim Deeks

3/28/2018 06:04:37 pm

I had been wondering what happened to The Loft and Mike Marrone for weeks, and finally did some digging, landing on this thread. I was about to leave my own salute to Mike, when I read Craig's above... which could have been written word-for-word by me! (Except I'm 68, not 70 :-) ) Mike, you were a great influence and a great presence for a long time, and boy, will you be missed. YOU have a great rest of your life!!

John Lanford

3/7/2018 01:28:58 pm

You rock, Mike. Rock on. Have a high time in Colorado. Seasons change. Peace.

Sarah Power

4/6/2018 11:54:07 am

I am so sad that you and Meg ate gone from loft. Can we still download an app to get Meg Griffin? I miss the loft and no longer listen to it with u 2 gone as its not the same.

Sarah

Hello... I Must Be Going

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