New format? New call letters? New morning show? Bye-bye classic rock in Akron?

Uh, no.

The big "farewell" on Akron's WONE radio Monday morning was to announce a chance to win tickets for the farewell tour of Kiss.

Shortly after 7 a.m., with a tiny bit of mystery and build-up, and some remarks about having loved working at the station, morning hosts Jeff Kinzbach and Sandra Miller told listeners they could enter to win Kiss tickets at the Q arena on St. Patrick's Day, and how to qualify to also see the band in New York.

The classic rock station (97.5-FM) had generated buzz following an on-air commercial last Thursday: "After sharing over 30 years of your life, it’s been fun. On Monday, March 11 at 7 a.m., the time has come for 97.5 WONE to say farewell."

Playing along with the "suspense," Kinzbach initially said, "I just want to say that this is probably the best radio station I have ever worked for. This is a dynamic place."

"It's a great station," added Miller. "I've been here for over 20 years and I love being on the radio with you, Jeff. Everyone talks about what a big ego you have. It's not true."

Listeners had wondered if the station might be abandoning its longtime format, or whether the "farewell" was just going to be a promotional ploy, perhaps tied into giveaways for Peter Frampton's upcoming "Farewell" tour stop at Blossom in August. The Frampton show was a good guess. But it turned out to be Kiss.

WONE, which launched in 1985, is owned by the Rubber City Radio Group. The radio group, on West Market Street in Akron, also owns WQMX (94.9-FM) and WAKR (1590-AM).

So, yes, Akron. You still have your same old classic rock station.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Clint O’Connor covers pop culture. He can be reached at 330-996-3582 or coconnor@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClintOMovies.