TBT #03: Sirius Satellite Radio from 2007.
Now, we're taking a look at Sirius, instead of XM. What was it like in 2007?
Thursday, June 30th, 2022 (The final day of the month)
Hello all! Welcome back to the newsletter and time, once again, for another Throwback Thursday newsletter!
This time, we’re gonna take a look at an old Sirius lineup from 2007. That’s right! I was able to find an old one from 2007. Though I don’t have a picture from it, trust me when I say that this was THE old lineup from Sirius in 2007.
And yes, if you’re wondering: Howard Stern was already a year into Sirius when this lineup was released, though you won’t see it mentioned here, because…
Once again, this will be split into two parts since there were so many categories to look over. This part will go from Pop and Rock to Jazz + Standards and Classical. The rest will be looked at next week.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at what satellite radio used to be like when there was competition.
Before I do so, let’s offer a key or a legend as they call it. These are notes to keep an eye out for when looking through this lineup. I didn’t do this on the last one as I should have, but I will do so now and include one when I can from now on.
Legend…
♦ = Stations that were available on Sirius Internet Radio
○ (any circle; light or dark) or ◊ = May be preempted for sports coverage.
Pop/Rock
So unlike XM where it was separated by category, Sirius had these two together. It makes sense since some of the pop songs merge into rock and vice versa. But its obvious today that it has since been split into two different categories. Here’s what they offered back then, with most of the Rock stations today came from Sirius while most of the decades’ channels came from XM.
Sirius Hits 1 ♦ was on Channel 1 and considered THE flagship channel on the service. Today, its still on-air but is now known as SiriusXM Hits 1 and on Channel 2 to accommodate a SiriusXM Preview channel on Channel 1.
Star Lite ♦ was on Channel 2 and had lite hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and today (today being the 2000s). Interestingly enough, there’s no research about this station to find out where it exists today if any, but nothing was found so its safe to assume nothing replaced this channel. There is a ‘90s, 2000s, and 2010s channel called Pop Rocks on Channel 12 that kind of made up for it.
Sirius Love ♦ was on Channel 3. Now known as SiriusXM Love, its still on-air but now only on streaming platforms. It was moved various times, first to Channel 17 (where The Bridge is at now) and then to Channel 70 (where ‘40s Junction is at now) before being entirely moved to online-only on Channel 708.
Movin’ Easy ♦ was on Channel 4. These were soft pop hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. In terms of replacements, there were none as music from these decades was split amongst their own decades’ channels that Sirius offered at the time.
Sirius Gold ♦ was on Channel 5. Easy… ‘50s hits. Today, that’s ‘50s Gold on Channel 72.
’60s Vibrations ♦ was on Channel 6. Another easy one… ‘60s hits. Today, that’s ‘60s Gold on Channel 73.
Totally ’70s ♦ was on Channel 7. Feeling the trend? ‘70s hits. Today, that’s the ‘70s on 7.
BIG ’80s ♦ was on Channel 8. Keep going… ‘80s hits here. Today? The ‘80s on 8, of course.
The Pulse ♦ was on Channel 9. This was more of the ‘90s and 2000s mix of music. This is the old version of The Pulse where it later became the ‘90s on 9. The new version of The Pulse carries today’s Adult Hits and is on Channel 5.
The Bridge ♦ was on Channel 10. All about soft rock, its still on-air but is now on Channel 17.
BBC Radio 1 ♦ was on Channel 11. Yes, THE BBC Radio 1 from the U.K. Home to Greg James, Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Annie Nightingale and more from the world’s most popular Top 40 radio station, Sirius subscribers had access to BBC Radio 1 in the states first before the internet exploded and the BBC later allowed it to listen live online on their sites. It was taken down in 2011, long after the merger. However, it was revived only a week later but online only. In 2014, the plug was pulled for good but still lives on BBC’s Sounds website and their app.
Super Shuffle ♦ was on Channel 12. This station carried a Super Shuffle mix of pop and rock. However, no research can be found about this station today but the closest replacement it probably offers is Pop Rocks that’s also on Channel 12.
Elvis Radio ♦ was on Channel 13. You know it… all Elvis, all the time. This was one of those channels that survived the SiriusXM merger and today, you can find it on Channel 75.
Classic Vinyl ♦ was on Channel 14. Consisting of the ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock, its still on-air today on Channel 26.
Classic Rewind ♦ was on Channel 15. This was the ‘70s and ‘80s classic rock and its still on-air today on Channel 25.
The Vault ♦ was on Channel 16. The station is composed of deeper cuts from classic rock legends so the obvious replacement for it today is Deep Tracks and that is on Channel 27.
Jam_ON ♦ was on Channel 17. Jam bands played here and its still on-air but now on Channel 309.
The Spectrum ♦ was on Channel 18. Adult album rock from the ‘60s to today where old meets new, it really did cover a wide Spectrum (get it?) full of rock music. Its still on-air today but on Channel 28.
Buzzsaw ♦ was on Channel 19. A pretty interesting name but simple too. It is meant for classic hard rock. Today’s replacement is a no-brainer, Ozzy’s Boneyard. Yep, named after legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne, the channel can be found on Channel 38.
Octane ♦ was on Channel 20. Its still on-air today playing the best in new hard rock and can be found on Channel 37.
Alt Nation ♦ was on Channel 21. Its still on-air today playing the best in alternative rock and its available on Channel 36.
First Wave ♦ was on Channel 22. Home to some classic alternative tracks, its also on the air today and is now heard on Channel 33.
Hair Nation ♦ was on Channel 23. There were lots of bands in the ‘80s with awesome hair so its all here and its still on the air today on Channel 39.
‘90’s Alternative ♦ was on Channel 24. It carried a lot of ‘90s Alternative and Grunge music. Today, you can find that as Lithium on Channel 34.
Underground Garage ♦ was on Channel 25. Its the channel that’s still powered by Little Steven to this day and Little Steven’s Underground Garage, as its better known today, is on Channel 21.
Left of Center ♦ was on Channel 26. This had it all: Indie, alternative, and college rock. Plus, DJ Liquid Todd was a huge part of this channel (he’s now on the Dance/Electronic channel, BPM). Today, its now known as SiriusXMU and is on Channel 35.
Hard Attack ♦ was on Channel 27. Home to today’s heavy metal, it got merged with XM Liquid Metal to form today’s Liquid Metal on Channel 40, and yes, its an XL channel.
Faction ♦ was on Channel 28. Home to some hard rock, hip-hop, and punk, at one point, this channel had Bam Margera. Yes, the same Bam Margera who became a legend within the Jackass television and movie franchise. Today, its now known as Faction Punk and just solely becoming a punk rock channel now. Its available on Channel 314 and is an XL channel.
The Who Channel ♦ was on Channel 29. Yes, Sirius once had an entire channel devoted to The Who, meaning you could listen to Baba O’Riley (Teenage Wasteland) if you wanted to again and again and again whenever it came up. Today, it no longer exists, though there are several other permanent artist-led channels on the service, including those from Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, and yes, even The Beatles, among others.
The Coffee House ♦ was on Channel 30. All about those who sang and wrote, a.k.a., singers who are also songwriters. Its still on the air today and way down on the channel position now to Channel 6.
Radio Margaritaville ♦ was on Channel 31. Yep… you can head down to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and enjoy yourself. If you want to, its still on the air today on Channel 24.
Sirius Disorder ♦ was on Channel 32. This had more of an eclectic, freeform and diverse mix of music. Technically, nothing replaced it today. However, much of its music and programming now remains with The Loft which is online-only on Channel 710.
Final note… its weird seeing this category rolled into one. However, you can tell which ones came from Sirius and which came from XM. Its clearly obvious.
Dance/Electronic
Now, this is one of my favorite categories right here, mainly because its the music I spend more time listening to than anything else on earth. Its interesting to see a lot of this category still surviving today in some way, shape, or form.
Area 33 ♦ was, obviously, on Channel 33. This channel has had a long history, first on 63, then on 33. Back in 2010, it became Electric Area and in 2018, became today’s Diplo’s Revolution which is available on Channel 52. The one thing that hasn’t changed is that it still continues to host a number of shows from popular worldwide DJs.
Boombox ♦ was on Channel 34. This had an interesting format considering Breaks, Nu Skool, DnB (Drum and Bass), and Mashups. DJ Liquid Todd was also heavily involved in this channel as he was the founder of the channel. The channel no longer exists and there’s no replacement for it today.
Sirius Chill ♦ was on Channel 35. Home to some of the best smooth electronic, downtempo, and deep house, its still on the air today as SiriusXM Chill and now airs on Channel 53.
The Beat ♦ was on Channel 36. This is where the best of all of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) was played, including top hits and remixes. Today, the music and programming are essentially over on SiriusXM’s flagship EDM channel, BPM, which can be found on Channel 51. However, ironically enough, there is still an online stream named The Beat that still plays the same format (with no commercials too, also ironically enough) as what the Sirius version played back then. If you wanna listen to it, then click here.
The Strobe ♦ was on Channel 37. Playing ‘70s disco and classic dance, it still exists today. However, its now known as Studio 54 Radio which is named after the former legendary nightclub in New York City. It plays more classic dance hits, not just from the ‘70s, and can be found on… Channel 54. How fitting.
Final note… Because I listen to this category more than the rest, I’m able to offer my experience and expertise to this category. I know I’m biased towards it but I thought I offer my disclaimer here now before we move on to our next categories.
Hip-Hop / R&B
Can you tell that the fellow category’s music channels today came from Sirius? Six channels, and outside of two, all are still around with the exact same names as back in 2007. Isn’t that amazing? Here’s what you need to know.
Hip-Hop Nation ♦ was on Channel 40. Playing non-stop uncensored hip-hop that still continues to this day on Channel 44 as an XL channel.
BackSpin ♦ was on Channel 43. This was old-school hip hop and rap. This was a very-long serving channel but it got replaced four years ago by LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio, which still carries the same format and is still… on Channel 43 all these years later. Its an XL channel though so be warned.
Shade 45 ♦ was on… Channel 45. This is Eminem’s own channel (one of three artists now, alongside LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio on Channel 43 and Drake’s Sound 42 on Channel… 42.) and is still on the exact same spot as back in 2007, and yes, still an XL channel.
Hot Jamz ♦ was on Channel 50. Today’s R&B and hip-hop hits, though that no longer exist by name. But the spirit and the music of the channel live on in The Heat on Channel 46.
Heart and Soul ♦ were on Channel 51. Devoted to R&B hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and today (today being the 2000s), its still on the air today on Channel 48.
Soul Town ♦ was on Channel 53. Home to music from Motown Records plus a lot of classic soul and Motown from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, its still on the air today on Channel 49.
Final note… its amazing that all of them exist in some form today. However, it has since been expanded to include more artist-led channels (Drake’s and LL Cool J’s having been added since), and more classic R&B and love songs, among others.
Country
Not a big category back in 2007, but it has since expanded in some way since then. And yes, all channels are still on the air today, but some have changed their names.
New Country ♦ was on Channel 60. With today’s country hits, it goes by a different name today: The Highway which is on Channel 56.
Prime Country ♦ was on Channel 61. Home to classic country hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s, its now heard on Channel 58.
The Roadhouse ♦ was on Channel 62. Some of the biggest country legends play here, including Willie Nelson, whose channel is now named after Nelson since he took over part-ownership of the channel. Now, its Willie’s Roadhouse on Channel 59. This is where you can hear the Grand Ole Opry live which originates from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Outlaw Country ♦ was on Channel 63. Talk about country music genres most of us never heard of before: Outlaw, renegade, and rabble rouse country, whatever that means. Regardless, you can find it on Channel 60.
Bluegrass ♦ was on Channel 65. It was simple… Bluegrass music. Its on Channel 62 but it goes by a modified name today: Bluegrass Junction.
Final note… there were only five channels in the category. Today, its ten channels include two artist-led channels (Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney) and more old country hits.
Christian
There were only two channels in the category and today, it still hasn’t changed much with just three today.
Spirit ♦ was on Channel 66. This was Sirius’ flagship channel for Christian music. Today, its all found on The Message on Channel 63.
Praise ♦ was on Channel 68. Kirk Franklin took over this channel as part-owner and continues today, still with the Gospel music format, on Channel 64.
Final note… there’s not much to say about this category, considering how small it is. I will say that enLighten has since been added to the lineup, which plays more of that Southern Gospel music, over on Channel 65.
Jazz + Standards / Classical
This was interesting for sure. While SiriusXM mentions it today under one category, Sirius actually had it split into two different categories, Jazz as one category and Standards / Classical as a separate category. However, for the purpose of today’s categories, we’re putting them together as one here. But you will know which category belongs to which.
Jazz
Planet Jazz ♦ was on Channel 70. Home to some great contemporary jazz, there’s no replacement for this channel today. However, most of the same music can actually be founder on Watercolors which is on Channel 66.
Jazz Cafe ♦ was on Channel 71. This is where Smooth jazz comes into play with instrumentals and vocals. Watercolors also took over the music of this channel as well.
Pure Jazz ♦ was on Channel 72. This was classic and more serious jazz. Today, all of that is heard on Real Jazz on Channel 67.
Spa 73 ♦ was on… Channel 73. This is a different kind of channel because its more new age, ambient, and very instrumental. Its actually one of my favorite music channels, outside of the Dance/Electronic group of channels I usually listen to. Today, it now goes by the name of Spa because, obviously, its not on Channel 73 anymore. Today, it now airs on Channel 68.
Sirius Blues ♦ was on Channel 74. Simple… Blues music. Legendary Blues player B.B. King took over part-ownership of the channel in 2008, combined with the SiriusXM merger, and his estate continues in his name today. Its still found on Channel 74.
Siriusly Sinatra ♦ was on Channel 75. This one is kind of funny because, on the pamphlet where I found this, it said Coming Soon which meant that it probably debuted not too long after this. Standards and swing music, but mainly about music from the legend himself Frank Sinatra, the channel is still around today but on Channel 70.
Standards / Classical
Standard Time ♦ was on Channel 76. This was the original channel devoted to Timeless music, including standards. However, once Siriusly Sinatra debuted, it replaced Standard Time on the lineup, and its the former that survives today on the lineup.
Broadway’s Best ♦ was on Channel 77. If you love Broadway and its music, this was the place to showcase them. It was killed off as a result of the merger, however, XM’s version On Broadway was adopted and is still on the air today on Channel 77.
Symphony Hall ♦ was on Channel 80. One of the first three of Sirius’ Classical music channels, the best of the genre was, and is, played here. The key word is Is because its still on the air today on Channel 76.
Metropolitan Opera Radio ♦ was on Channel 85. Devoted to the finest in Opera and Classical vocals, it later moved to Channel 78 in 2008 and remained there for a long time before moving to Channel 75 and then, finally, moving in December 2020 to its present home today on Channel 355. Also known as Met Opera Radio, this is where all the live Metropolitan Opera broadcasts originate from The Met at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Sirius Pops ♦ was on Channel 86. Some of the most popular favorites of the genre are played here and are still on the air today. However, it goes by a different name, SiriusXM Pops, and is only available on streaming plans on Channel 745.
Final note… the two subcategories got merged into one after the merger, so as to avoid confusion, especially with channels like Spa, Sirius Blues, and Siriusly Sinatra not really playing jazz at all, so merging the two categories into one was for the best.
This is where I’m stopping for now. But next week, we’ll delve into part 2 of this lineup, hitting into other categories like News, Sports, Comedy, and yes, even Howard Stern. We’ll get into all of that in the next #TBT edition of the newsletter.
If you see an old lineup from Sirius or XM, or even from the early days of SiriusXM, then send them my way to roly4266@gmail.com. I would love to showcase it in a future edition of the newsletter. In the meantime, I still have plenty more old lineups to get through so don’t worry, the #TBT edition will be covered for quite some time to come. For those who read it and enjoy it, I know you’re in for a treat each week when reading this and I surely do appreciate it.
Tomorrow is the news edition and boy, do we have a big week of news and events for you. Not only what’s happened this past week, but also a look forward to the upcoming weekend since its the long 4th of July weekend and there are events, sports or not, galore. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.
Thank you for reading and subscribing to this newsletter and I’ll talk to you then.
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I concur that PopRocks is the present-day equivalent of Star Lite.