The classic rock radio community is in mourning today with the passing of legendary 93.3 WMMR Radio Personality Pierre Robert Wednesday.
According to police reports, Robert was found deceased in his home early in the day. The circumstances surrounding his passing are not yet known. No foul play is suspected, a Beasley Media Group spokesperson said.
“We all have heavy hearts today,” said Beasley Media Group (BMG) Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley. “Pierre’s unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed.”
A true radio icon, Robert was one of the most recognized personalities in the City of Philadelphia. He joined the rock station back in 1981 and hosted the midday show with his unabashed love for music, his listeners, and the city. The legendary rock radio personality was best known for his welcoming ‘Greetings Citizens’ salutation, along with his big heart and warm voice!
His dulcet tones and mellifluous voice connected with listeners and musical artists across every rock music genre type.
Robert encompassed everything that rocks – the new and familiar, rock and alternative, punk and singer-songwriter… whether presenting in the air studio, on-stage, or unearthing treasures in the MMaRchives said, BMG officials said.
His interviews with musical artists always found a way of unearthing details about songs or the artists themselves that might have not found their way to the broadcast spectrum had he not posed a particular question or gently and respectfully seek deeper meanings and answers.
In a summer interview with Wolfgang Van Halen (Eddie Van Halen’s son) he pushed the creator or Mammoth about the song “The End” which has a distinct Eddie sound on the recording.
Wolfgang told Robert that for that song he broke out his fathers famous cherry red-white black striped “Frakenstrat” Guitar and Marshall Amp to when he recorded the track. Adding he opened the song with the tapping technique his dad made famous with its distinct crisp tones that are unmistakably a Van Halen (the band) trademark to pay homage to his father
His daily features, including “Noontime Workforce Blocks, Pierre’s Vinyl Cut,” exclusive artist interviews, live in-studio performances and “On This Day” history lessons were fully enjoyed by a large and dedicated audience.
In addition, Robert’s generosity was unparalleled- from attending and hosting the Aids Walk to his on-air support of Manna’s Pie in the Sky fundraiser, along with his active and genuine support of all charitable initiatives of WMMR. He truly cared about his listeners and the people of Philadelphia.
Robert posted this photo over last weekend Credit: Pierre Robert
One of the city’s most recognizable celebrities, Robert was at the center of its live music scene, greeting his legions of fans as if personal friends in the smallest clubs and largest stadiums. His star is included on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.
The entire WMMR and Beasley Media Group family are deeply saddened by this incredible loss. Our condolences go out to Pierre Robert’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time BMG officials said.
10 of thousands took to social media across the world to share their thoughts and feelings about the man who opened his shows with “greetings citizens.”