This week’s column was not unplanned. It’s about legacy. Something we often overlook. Especially now. I’m writing it last minute after processing the sudden and shocking death of WMMR broadcasting legend Pierre Robert.
I do not profess to know Pierre well. In fact, I’ve only met him a handful of times, (once with his beloved dog Lucy which I will never forget). However, we did work for the same company (twice) and we both understood the importance of having a strong, connected midday show, getting out in the public, and connecting with the audience and community outside of drive time hours.
On Wednesday, when my phone started blowing up with messages from colleagues, industry folks and friends, it took my breath away. “How could someone so vital to his profession and community be gone in an instant”? “The eternal, ageless rock fan”?
I asked myself – “Is This Death Of Rock Radio”?
What occurred In the days following for radio was remarkable.
Pierre was one who still believed in the medium. He understood it, and never abandoned it for a new shiny business model. He was a true believer.
I remember streaming WMMR and hearing him talk about a contest. “They want me to ask you to text to win, no, CALL ME to win. I’m here. I want to talk to you”.
Not many are brave enough to go to the wall for that one. Pierre believed in people, listeners and connection. Not the digital ear static we have been fed.
Artist tributes poured in from everywhere. Bon Jovi, Sublime, The Offspring, Billy Idol, George Thorogood, Geddy Lee, I could go on. Bryan Adams dedicated “Heaven” to Pierre at his Philadelphia show. His death was national news with USA Today, Rolling Stone, and the NY Times covering it.
It seemed radio was relevant once again. Because of one man.
Listener tributes poured in, photos with Pierre from those that counted on him everyday to navigate them through life. Not just an air shift but their actual lives.
Multi generations of people STILL listening to the radio, for their favorite DJ. Good times, troubled times, businesses he affected, charity causes he touched. The tributes kept coming. His loss was massive.
Pierre also united. Not just when he was working, but even after his death. The attention from other radio groups and their staff, who abandoned “competition” for the moment and focused on honoring a man who dedicated his life to connecting with his listeners, his community, and the artists and their music.
He gave a crap. Pierre championed the live voice, the voice of a city and state, and his local community. He loved the music and that was evident in what he did everyday. He was a champion, not a yes man. The true spirit of the rock music he played every day.
I spoke to one of Pierre’s co-workers in Philadelphia who told me. “Today, we were all united. No talk of business, or BS. It was all about radio. It felt like it used to feel, when everyone believed in and loved the business of radio. We laughed, we cried, we were all together. We need more of those days. Radio needs those days.”
In today’s troubled radio waters, that IS a legacy. One I believe Pierre would have been proud of.
So I say ‘Thank You’ to Pierre Robert. Thank you for reminding us how important those of us behind the mic are and have been to the audiences that share life with us everyday. The good, the bad, the moments in between, life as we know it. The final act of our Good Radio Citizen.
What a legacy indeed. I truly hope radio is listening.
PS – Pierre had a final conversation with Mike Stern the day before he passed away. Click the YouTube video below to hear it.
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