Many of us remember from the Windows 98 days, as well as the introduction of MP3s, the uprising and popularity of Winamp Media Player. Before iTunes, it was the only well-known alternative to Windows Media Player at that time. Known for its slogan “It really whips the llama’s a**,” the long-time running media player will no longer be continuing next month.

According to PC Magazine, Winamp Media Player was originally created in 1997 by Justin Frankel and Dmitry Boldyrev, who were students attending the University of Utah. The popular Internet provider AOL acquired the player in 1999 during the purchase of Frankel’s company Nullsoft.

Unfortunately, Winamp Media Player will no longer be available for download on its website of Winamp.com after December 20th, 2013. This also includes other various software for download on the media player’s website as well. A statement published on its website communicates to viewers their shutdown:

“Winamp.com and associated web services will no longer be available past December 20, 2013. Additionally, Winamp Media players will no longer be available for download. Please download the latest version before that date. See release notes for latest improvements to this last release. Thanks for supporting the Winamp community for over 15 years.”

PC World states that the shutting down of Winamp marks “The End of An Era.” It basically is, because Winamp did also help fuel the music downloading software Napster while it was in its prime. One of the great features of Winamp was the ability to change the design and appearance of the media player by customizing its skin.

To see how Winamp has evolved, YouTube user “TheRasteri” elaborates on the various features Winamp has included throughout its various releases.

Various Winamp fans and users have expressed their sadness and nostagia on Twitter:

Winamp shutting down Dec. 20th. A sad, sad day 🙁 http://t.co/kOxSetqmTK

— Sean Merron (@seanmerron) November 21, 2013

I can't believe Winamp is shutting down. I used to player for many a year in my youth… Crazy how things change. http://t.co/v9P887FeOv

— Wolf Schröder (@proxywolf) November 21, 2013

" It's the end of Music 1.0" In a way, I agree. Farewell #Winamp. You will be missed <3 http://t.co/kvTK4Y0OB4

— Jasu Jaranka (@Jasounited) November 21, 2013

Winamp the player is all well & good. Who remembers Winamp skins? So dope! Something for everyone, from sports cars to naked ladies

— Sahil Rizwan (@SahilRiz) November 21, 2013

Damn, #winamp was my jam back in the day, i had sooo many different skins haha technology is constantly changing, gonna be crazy in 10 yrs

— Valentino Arteaga (@youngfuego) November 21, 2013

RIP winamp — thanks for providing the soundtrack for my first kiss. (also, i didn't know you still existed.) http://t.co/KwDvpcYKev

— lauren drell (@drelly) November 21, 2013

[Image source: YouTube]