PURE ROCK 105.5 … KNAC set to celebrate 40th Anniversary at the ‘Whisky-A-Go-Go’ on Sunset Strip

On January 8, 1986, KNAC 105.5 FM unleashed “Pure Rock” and detonated the music world.

LOS ANGELES, California — This week will mark the 40th Anniversary since KNAC first launched their radio brand onto the airwaves and into the ears of hard rock and heavy metal fans across Southern California.

Now, to celebrate the milestone the legendary station will hold court at the ‘Whisky-A-Go-Go‘ on Sunset Strip Thursday night January 8th 2026.

KNAC was originally found on the FM dial at 105.5 but went off the air on February 15, 1995, at approximately 1:59 PM Pacific Time, after playing Metallica’s “Fade to Black” as its final song before transitioning to Spanish-language music as KBUE (“Que Buena”).

After the FM station’s closure, KNAC.Com was established to continue the format as an internet radio station. In a recent development, the “Pure Rock” format returned to terrestrial airwaves across the I-15 corridor from Southern California to Las Vegas under new ownership and the iconic call letters.

Now, KNAC40 will for sure be full of ViP guests, surprise appearances and impromptu jams with the who’s-who of rock/metal, with the gathering likely to have a reunion atmosphere not to be missed.

As of this posting there have been numerous mentions that there will be several Q&A sessions with; Wendy Dio (Dio), Gilby Clarke (ex-Gn’R), Armored Saint and Taime Downe (Faster Pussycat).

There has also been mentions of others appearing, but whether they’re jamming or other has not been clear… but expect to see; Justin Smolian (Dirty Honey) along with Once Bitten (A Great White legacy, tribute to the late Jack Russell) that features Robby Lochner, Tony Montana-Cardenas, Sean McNaab and Dicky Fliszar.

Riki Rachtman of Cathouse and MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball fame will also be on hand to host the event.

In addition to the above mentioned artists, there will be several of the classic KNAC deejays on hand, all of whom are noted in the official press shared below.

Overview

KNAC40 is the celebration party for one of the most influential radio stations for hard rock and heavy metal!

KNAC40:PURE. FKN. ROCK.

This is KNAC40 and if you know, you know. The legends who scorched the airwaves are coming home for the loudest, rowdiest, most unapologetic rock throwdown of the year.

The original purveyors of Pure Rock return: THRASHER • LONG PAUL • GONZO GREG • DANGEROUS DARREN • PHILTHY PHIL • GREGG STEELE • JACK TRASH • STEW … and more maniacs still loading in.

Expect no rules, no fluff, no corporate radio BS; just rock lifers telling legendary stories, surprise performances, and an all-star L.A. jam that’ll peel the chrome off your skull.

When KNAC Hit the Airwaves, Rock Grew Teeth. On January 8, 1986, KNAC 105.5 FM unleashed “Pure Rock” and detonated the music world. While the suits played it safe, KNAC kicked the doors off the hinges and went all-hard-rock, all-the-time, long before anyone had the guts to do it.

They didn’t follow trends; they created them.
They didn’t chase hits; they broke bands wide open.

KNAC wasn’t radio.
It was a rebellion, a culture, a religion.
A war cry for every metal kid who lived too loud and felt too much.

KNAC blasted:

Sunset Strip fire: Mötley Crüe, Ratt, Poison
Thrash supremacy: Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth
Dark Seattle thunder: Alice in Chains, Soundgarden
Deep cuts and filthy riffs other stations wouldn’t touch

No nostalgia. No museum piece.
Just Pure. Rock. Carnage.

STAY TUNED — THE LINEUP GETS EVEN LOUDER

Beneficiary:
Rock Against MS Foundation — All proceeds go to Rock Against MS, fueling support programs and services for people fighting Multiple Sclerosis — proving rock still gives a damn.

Agenda:
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
VIP tix holders: EARLY ENTRY
VIP tix holders get in an hour early to see soundcheck and take photos with the artists that are available.