Think less Bob Seger and Bachman-Turner Overdrive and more Beck and Beastie Boys.

That’s the gist of KQRS’ Thursday morning relaunch, which sees the long-running classic rock FM station freshening its playlist from a focus on ’70s and ’80s mainstream rock to more alternative-leaning ’80s, ’90s and ’00s offerings, with an emphasis on Minnesota artists like the Replacements, the Jayhawks, Husker Du and, of course, Prince.

The station also seems to be focusing on personalities, doubling down on former Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman as not just the host of the “KQRS Morning Show” but as the face of the new KQ.New hires include former Cities 97.1 host Paul Fletcher and Jade Tittle, who left 89.3 The Current in 2023 after a 15-year run as midday host.

KQRS took all its DJs off the air last week and ran “We’re under construction” banners on social media. On Tuesday, which happened to be April Fools’ Day, they spent much of the day spinning local band Soul Asylum’s 1992 hit “Somebody to Shove” on repeat.

Once the market’s most-listened-to station, KQRS ratings have slipped in recent years, even before the departure of outspoken “Morning Show” host Tom Barnard, who retired after 36 years in 2022.

“KQ is now a complete rock station,” read a message posted to the station’s website Thursday morning. “We’re led by Steve Gorman in the morning with the sounds and perspectives by and for Gen-X. … This isn’t just a change — it’s a natural progression; time for us to grow again.”

Gorman kicked off the station’s refresh at 6 a.m. Thursday with a run of songs that speaks to the new focus: “Seven Nation Army,” the White Stripes; “Refugee,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; “Loser,” Beck; “The Ocean,” Led Zeppelin; “Comedown,” Bush; “How’s it Going to Be,” Third Eye Blind; and “Runaway Train,” Soul Asylum.

“As we’re ramping this sucker up, we really hope you’ll enjoy it,” Gorman said on air.

Fletcher has joined the “Morning Show” crew, which also includes Ryder Rox, a holdover from before the reboot. Last month, the station laid off longtime morning co-host Brian Zepp.

Tittle will handle the 3-7 p.m. weekday drive-time shows.

The revamp isn’t quite as radical as it may appear. Many of the acts that appear to be staples of the new KQ — Talking Heads, U2, the Cars — were already in rotation. And, so far, many of the same songs can be heard on other local stations like The Current, Jack FM and Kool 105.

But KQ management still appears ready to shed some older listeners in the process. “The truth is you might listen to KQ now and realize it’s not for you (pardon the Pearl Jam pun),” read the station’s website note. “That’s OK. This isn’t meant to be for everyone but if you give us a chance and some trust, you’ll fit in perfectly.”