*First of all, to be clear, this is NOT about Christianity or Christian beliefs. It is not about "Christian Rock" or Christian music.  I do not generally care for it.  It's not my thing.  I have seen over 50 concerts and have seen everyone from AC/DC and Motley Crue to Korn and Metallica.  If a person prefers Christian music or has those beliefs that is perfectly fine.  But to be clear, this isn't about that.

98.9 The Rock is a hard rock/heavy metal radio station in Kansas City and is the #1 station in the city... and one of the biggest and best rock stations in the country.  They promote every hard rock and metal concert that comes through town, they hold many of their own, and they play all sorts of classic/current rock.

However, because Skillet has roots originally in Christian Music, The Rock refuses to play their music, even if a particular song on the rock charts has nothing to do with spirituality.  They will not allow them to play concerts promoted by the station, nor do they get any song they've ever written on the station.  They have been banned. Apparently, 98.9 thinks The Rock's image will be tarnished if they play a Top 5 rock hit.

Skillet is a great hard rock band.  They've made many records that have nothing to do with religion... and simply rock.  On each record, some of their songs can allude to it, and if you want to interpret some words in those ways, you could.  But take the video attached to this petition:  Monster.  There's not one single thing about that song that screams "Christian Rock".  (Listen if you are not familiar with them, or even if you are.)  Their lyrics do not mention Jesus or God directly.  Many times the lyrics could read to refer to anyone or anything important to you.  Some of it could be described as inspiring, but isn't that what all music is supposed to do?

Hero, Monster, Not Gonna Die, Awake and Alive, Sick of It... I can go on and on... all of those songs, if any other group did them, would get played on 98.9 The Rock.

I even learned that Skillet was kicked off the bill of a concert The Rock promoted that I attended last year!  Papa Roach and Shinedown played KC and normally Skillet was on the bill, but The Rock would not let them perform.  You have to be kidding me.

Because of 98.9 The Rock, the group rarely comes through Kansas City and no one around this area knows the band.  This is insane.  There's no reason for this.  It's based on a mis-perception.  The Rock is simply closed-minded and they don't listen to their songs.  They think this will hurt their image.  What's wrong with simply playing the secular rock hits?  If they come out with a 'Christian" single... fine, whatever, don't play it.  If it's Monster... play it!  How can playing a chart-topping group hurt your station?  (Their last album Rise opened at #1 on the rock charts.)

If you agree that Skillet and their songs that hit the rock charts should be played on rock radio... and that they should be allowed to play their rock hits on stage... please sign this position!