After months-long absence, Steve Seel to return to Current and MPR airwaves

After stepping away to "do some work on myself," Steve Seel has announced his return to Twin Cities airwaves – though he won't resume his duties on The Current's Morning Show.

The Current revealed on its website that Seel will return as a "host-at-large" for The Current, and will have his first shift back on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

He will be splitting his time between The Current, where he will continue to host its Policy and a Pint series, and Classical MPR, which was his original role after joining Minnesota Public Radio in the '90s.

In an open letter, Seel explained that his absence over the past few months during which he stepped back from his presenting duties was because "I hadn't been taking care of my health and overall well-being, and it was affecting me both personally and professionally."

"Unfortunately, that left team Current short-handed in my absence, but luckily for me, MPR saw that with time I might come back with a clearer sense of what I should be doing, and as a healthier person all around," he added. "Believe me, I have not taken this time lightly."

Seel's spot on the Morning Show was filled by Sean McPherson, of St. Paul band Heiruspecs, who joined regular co-host Jill Riley. But The Current's program director Jim McGuinn has said with Seel not returning, the search is now on for a permanent host.

Seel meanwhile said that his new role flitting between The Current and MPR is ideal for him, because: "I'm one of the few weirdos in the world who is as passionate about a 19th Century symphony as a three-minute Replacements tune, and I've missed my weekly dose of Brahms and Stravinsky greatly since being away from the classical chair."

The Pioneer Press notes that it comes after a turbulent period from The Current, which shortly after holding events to mark its 10th anniversary fired popular midday host Barb Abney, who has since moved to rival Go 96.3 FM.

Afternoon host DJ Mary Lucia then took a leave of absence in April after dealing with a stalker, with no timeframe yet set on her return.