Philadelphia rock radio icon Pierre Robert has died, according to Beasley Media Group. He was 70.
Robert was found dead inside his home on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the media group said. The cause of his death is unknown at this time.
Robert has been with 93.3 WMMR since 1981 and was the host of the midday radio show.
He was known for his iconic welcoming to his show: “Greetings, citizens.”
“We all have heavy hearts today,” Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley said in a statement. “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.”
Rock superstar Jon Bon Jovi posted a lengthy tribute to Robert, who he considered a friend.
"Today we lost a great friend," Bon Jovi said on social media. "Someone who truly LOVED music. All types of music. Someone who loved musicians. Not just famous ones, or chart toppers. He admired local artists and tomorrows rising stars."
"This man was as curious as he was clever, he was a real musicologist," Bon Jovi said. "He knew your influence and your influences."
"The DJ, someone who preached the gospel of the song to anyone who would listen," he continued. "This man was also very in touch with his humanity. His voice helped the hungry and the homeless, and he did it because he cared."
"We were all lucky to have him as a guide to his musical galaxy And I was lucky to have him as a friend," Bon Jovi said.
Robert was known for interviewing many prominent rock stars. On Wednesday night, during Bryan Adams’ concert at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the singer dedicated his song “Heaven” to Robert, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, who was there for the concert.
Adams said he was scheduled to do a 15-minute interview with Robert on Wednesday on Zoom, but Robert never showed up.
Robert was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance in 2019.
Robert’s passing comes on the same day as the death of KYW Newsradio legend Harry Donahue.
