John O'Brien – The Voice of Rock 102's Unfiltered Mornings

John O'Brien – The Irreverent Voice of Rock 102

In the gritty hum of Western Massachusetts, where classic rock pulses through the Pioneer Valley, John O'Brien was more than a disc jockey—he was the soul of WAQY-FM "Rock 102." For over three decades, this Enfield, Connecticut native turned morning commutes into a raucous blend of wit, raw honesty, and rock 'n' roll. Known for the "Bax & O'Brien Morning Show," O'Brien's voice—gravelly, unfiltered, and fiercely authentic—captivated listeners until his abrupt exit in 2022. Now, at 65, as he faces a terminal cancer diagnosis with less than a year to live, O'Brien's legacy as a broadcasting legend and advocate for openness shines brighter than ever.

 

From Cop Dreams to Radio Waves

Born in Enfield, O'Brien's early ambition was to wear a badge, not a headset. At 20, he aimed to become a police officer, a nod to his working-class roots. Poor vision derailed that dream, steering him toward radio, where his quick wit found a home. After graduating from broadcasting school, he cut his teeth at WMAS and other local stations, only to be let go for being "too irreverent." That edge, however, was perfect for Rock 102. By the early 1990s, O'Brien joined WAQY, initially spinning classic rock anthems before his personality became the station's true draw.

 

The Bax & O'Brien Era: A Radio Dynasty

O'Brien's legend was cemented in the mid-1990s when he paired with Michael "Bax" Baxendale for the "Bax & O'Brien Morning Show." For 27 years, alongside producer Steve Nagle, they dominated the 6-10 a.m. slot with a mix of biting humor, local political roasts, and raw personal confessions. The duo's chemistry—described by Baxendale as an "Odd Couple" dynamic—fueled 6,500 shows and 19,000 hours of airtime, a rarity in radio. Their disagreements, from local issues to absurd hypotheticals, were the show's charm, drawing guests like former Springfield Mayor Michael J. Albano, who appeared weekly for eight years, joking, "I made that show."

O'Brien's openness about his struggles—cancer, depression, and failed relationships—made him relatable. He became a beacon for listeners, sharing his 14-year battle with melanoma on-air. His candor, paired with his irreverence, earned him and Bax a 2022 induction into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the only Western Massachusetts broadcasters to receive the honor.

 

A Bitter Exit and a New Chapter

In January 2022, O'Brien's world shifted. While on medical leave for mental health treatment, Saga Communications terminated him after 30 years. At 62, he told MassLive, "After 30 years, I would have liked to go out on my own terms." The messy breakup sparked fan outrage, with #BringBackOBrien trending locally. Undeterred, O'Brien launched the "OBNegative" podcast on iHeartRadio, where his unfiltered takes on politics and life kept his voice alive. Fans called it a spiritual successor to his radio days, with one Reddit user noting, "John carried the show on his back."

 

Facing the Final Fade

In 2025, O'Brien received devastating news: his melanoma had returned, with doctors giving him six to 12 months. From his Wilbraham home, where he now spends quiet days reading on his porch, he faces his mortality with characteristic candor. "I don’t welcome death, but I don’t fear it either," he told MassLive. Despite fatigue and heavy medication, he remains engaged, recently honored at a Chicopee Elks Lodge roast that raised over $10,000 for a police charity. Lifelong friend and former Springfield City Councilor Timothy J. Rooke called him "everybody’s favorite assh---," praising his advocacy for cancer awareness and his love for his mother.

 

A Lasting Legacy

O'Brien's impact transcends the airwaves. From his early days at WMAS to his Rock 102 reign, he lived his childhood dream of radio notoriety. His friendships—with Bax, Rooke, Albano, and countless listeners—reflect a man who connected deeply despite his prickly persona. As he navigates his final months, O'Brien's story is one of resilience, humor, and unapologetic authenticity. In a world of sanitized media, he remains a reminder of why radio once ruled: it’s the voice, not just the signal, that lingers.