Chicago’s music scene has been rocked to its core after the sudden death of Landon Wallace — widely known and celebrated as DJ Commando, the electric force behind Power 92.3’s signature sound and the Chicago Bulls’ high-energy game-day atmosphere. Wallace, just 36 years old, passed away last week, with his family publicly announcing the heartbreaking news this past Friday.
For many Chicagoans, DJ Commando wasn’t just a name on the radio — he was the pulse of the city. His rise began humbly, spinning tracks at neighborhood parties and school events from the age of 17. What started as teenage curiosity quickly ignited into a lifelong devotion to hip-hop, scratching, mixing, and the intoxicating spirit of live music. Power 92 said he grew “more and more enthusiastic” with each year behind the turntables, carving out a reputation as a young talent with unmatched drive.
After attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Wallace joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Beta Eta Chapter, where he became a known figure in the SIUC Black Alumni community. But Chicago always had his heart. Returning to his hometown, he launched his career at Power 92 as a guest mixer before rapidly becoming a staple voice on Maha’s Midday Show, where listeners tuned in daily to hear his signature blends and magnetic energy.
On social media, Power 92 honored him as “a quiet force with a powerful presence,” a DJ who represented the station “with pride at concerts, van hits, club nights, and community events across Chicago.” And they weren’t exaggerating. Wallace wasn’t just playing music — he was shaping the soundtrack of the city.
His influence extended well beyond the station. As the official DJ for the Chicago Bulls, as well as for Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball, Wallace brought arenas to life. Fans remember him as the unseen conductor behind some of the loudest, most adrenaline-pumping nights in Chicago sports. He even worked with Notre Dame athletics, further cementing his status as one of the most versatile and respected DJs in the region.
Despite his already impressive résumé, Wallace was nowhere near finished. Power 92 said he was actively expanding his footprint in the entertainment and nightlife world, dreaming of going international while stepping into music production and fashion. His versatility was legendary — from hip-hop clubs to Top 40 dance floors, from ’90s throwbacks to corporate galas and weddings, DJ Commando could do it all.
Chicago’s grief was on full display Saturday during an emotional balloon release in Bronzeville, where friends, fans, and fellow artists gathered to honor the man who spent nearly two decades uplifting their spirits.
Landon Wallace leaves behind a legacy of sound, passion, and undeniable cultural impact — a legacy that ended far too soon. His absence leaves a silence in Chicago that may never be filled, but his music, his energy, and the moments he created will echo through the city for years to come.
A beloved DJ. A hometown star. A Chicago icon — gone at 36.
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