Patrick Capone BIO
Rock and roll is not merely a ‘thing.’ It’s not just a ‘type of music.’ Rock and roll is a lifestyle and few people define that more than Pat Capone.
No different than a power chord from a flying V or the fuzz of a Les Paul through a Marshall amp, Pat Capone is synonymous with rock radio. More importantly, Capone is synonymous with Chicago rock radio. For over 30 years this Chicago native has been rocking the airwaves in ways few have ever done.
Routinely #1 in the ratings, Capone is a proven winner. Starting his radio career at WXTB in Tampa, Capone hosted mornings and dominated the ratings in the 18-34 demographic. After 5 years he pivoted to WRCQ where again, he dominated Southwest Florida topping competitors such as syndicated giants Howard Stern, Bob and Tom and Bubba the Love Sponge.
It was in 2005 that Capone’s dream job came true, he was called home to rock at the legendary WLUP-FM, The Loop in his hometown of Chicago where he ended up hosting middays. Within six months of sliding into the driver’s seat, Capone took The Loop’s midday rankings from somewhere in the high teens to #1. The national staple for rock radio for thirty years and the station he listened to growing up was now his own stomping grounds and for 9 years until their format flip, he defined those six string airwaves.
From a charity standpoint, few stand as tall as Capone. An avid guitar player of 45 years as well as a Harley enthusiast, Capone serves as the frontman and lead guitarist for Mr. Capone’s Bootlegger Band who perform year-round at various festivals and charity events. As President and Founder of the “Rock Mafia Charity Riders” he and his fellow riders have logged over one million miles for charity and have never said no to a children’s or veteran’s charity. He is also the Founder and Creator of “Mr. Capone’s Ultimate Christmas Party,” a live Christmas concert featuring local musicians. While the event is free for fans to attend, they are asked to bring food and/or unwrapped toys which are then distributed to local children and families in need.
When he’s not behind the mic, Capone likes to turn wrenches on old muscle cars, snowboard, fly fish and take his old wooden boat out on the Fox River. It goes without saying that he also enjoys attending every cool live concert the great city of Chicago has to offer.
From segments like his Vinyl Vault to his insanely in-depth knowledge of rock and roll history, Capone connects with listeners on a level few are able to. The reason that is possible is simple, he is one of them.
No need to listen to us, however. The fans are what make or break anyone in rock and what they say about Pat speaks volumes.
“LOVE Patrick’s show! So enjoyably old school, nothing like it and he makes my day every day. Patrick brings this refreshingly unpretentious humanality to the fans of rock music like no other.” – Karen Danielson
“One of the few DJ’s that is really all about the music!!” – Fritz Cripe
To anyone who really knows and enjoys rock music and music of all kinds. Pat has always had a one of a kind voice. He brings education and listening to the radio to a whole new level. He knows what we the people want to hear/” – Bill Spyrison
“Intelligent and insanely popular DJ..has a pulse on the music industry and what people are listening to…the ONLY guy i trust when it comes to rock radio” – Jeff Augustyn
“Pat brings what’s missing to most radio – human selection of the songs rock and metal fans actually WANT to hear. Pat’s brings the joy of having a like-minded music lover curating a delightfully unpredictable playlist just for you. And for the “but does it fit our demographic” types; I’m a 70s-born mom of 3 with a massive vinyl collection and a stereo that’s on all day and night. My 14-year-old son listens to Capone & falls asleep to Alice Cooper.” – Jill Cataldo
