Pierre Robert of WMMR fame has passed away
Jstas
Posts: 14,958
Only 70 years young. Apparently they found him unresponsive in his home. No word on cause of death but there's not suspected foul play.
He had health issues for a while.
You may not know this guy the farther away from the Philadelphia area you are but he, and WMMR by association since he was a DJ there, he was instrumental in the propagation of several musical genres that probably never would have gotten nationwide traction if he hadn't pushed them locally in Philly.
Philly was and still is a major market for music of all kinds. There's still lots of music produced here and despite the loss of venues like The Electric Factory, The Main Point, The Bijou, The Fret and The Trauma all being gone, there is still a lively scene where up and coming bands come to get exposure.
WMMR and Pierre used the station to promote many of these bands throughout the years and several very big names have credited Pierre and WMMR for being significant in getting then the exposure that got them there. Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, CREED and Nickleback have all credited Pierre Robert with career changing support for them.
Countless huge names in rock and roll have rolled through the studios just to get on the airwaves with Pierre to reach one of the largest markets on the globe.
But thing was, Pierre was easily accessible. Always time for a fan. I saw him at many concerts and venues, quite literally grew up hearing him on the local radio everywhere I went since I was a kid. His voice was a fixture in Philadelphia just like Harry Kalas, the Phillies announcer. As soon as you heard his voice, everyone knew who was speaking. Unmistakable to anyone from the Philly area. He was always ready with a big smile, kind eyes and a hearty, double handed handshake or if you were lucky, a big bear hug accompanied with a "Thanks for listening you fine Citizen!"
This is a sad day in rock and roll history.
Pour one out and go spin a copy of "Alice's Restaurant" for Pierre!
https://wmmr.com/2025/10/29/pierre-robert-philadelphia-radio-icon/
He had health issues for a while.
You may not know this guy the farther away from the Philadelphia area you are but he, and WMMR by association since he was a DJ there, he was instrumental in the propagation of several musical genres that probably never would have gotten nationwide traction if he hadn't pushed them locally in Philly.
Philly was and still is a major market for music of all kinds. There's still lots of music produced here and despite the loss of venues like The Electric Factory, The Main Point, The Bijou, The Fret and The Trauma all being gone, there is still a lively scene where up and coming bands come to get exposure.
WMMR and Pierre used the station to promote many of these bands throughout the years and several very big names have credited Pierre and WMMR for being significant in getting then the exposure that got them there. Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, CREED and Nickleback have all credited Pierre Robert with career changing support for them.
Countless huge names in rock and roll have rolled through the studios just to get on the airwaves with Pierre to reach one of the largest markets on the globe.
But thing was, Pierre was easily accessible. Always time for a fan. I saw him at many concerts and venues, quite literally grew up hearing him on the local radio everywhere I went since I was a kid. His voice was a fixture in Philadelphia just like Harry Kalas, the Phillies announcer. As soon as you heard his voice, everyone knew who was speaking. Unmistakable to anyone from the Philly area. He was always ready with a big smile, kind eyes and a hearty, double handed handshake or if you were lucky, a big bear hug accompanied with a "Thanks for listening you fine Citizen!"
This is a sad day in rock and roll history.
Pour one out and go spin a copy of "Alice's Restaurant" for Pierre!
https://wmmr.com/2025/10/29/pierre-robert-philadelphia-radio-icon/
Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
Comments
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So sad to hear this. He was a force in the business for sure. I loved listening to him. Rock on Pierre!"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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Yeah, sorry, I know most don't care but I think y'all just don't realize how big of deal this guy was and how much he actually impacted your lives and you don't even know it.
Today there have been sooooo many posts about it on Facebook from:
- Jon Bon Jovi
- Blues Traveler
- The Offspring
- Billy Idol
- The Hooters
- Collective Soul
- Bryan Adams
- George Thorogood and The Destroyers
- Kid Felix
- John Eddie
- Living Colour
- Sublime
- Alice Cooper
- The Struts
- Graham Nash
- Daughtry
- Chris Jericho (yes, the wrestler has a band called Fozzie, was on Pierre's show many times)
As the news gets out, more and more are chiming in. The list of celebrities, both local and national/international, posting about it is even longer.
Even Rolling Stone did a write-up on the guy.
Just driving to an appointment today, every place that had a marquee or sign with lettering had RIP Pierre or Miss you Pierre on it.
Everyone around here has a Pierre story and they are never anything but positive and joyful.
I don't know why this one is hitting so hard. We all talk about shining lights in the world that when they get extinguished and leave us, the world is noticeably more dark. This guy actually was that. Some of my favorite bands I found though Pierre's shows, listening while stuck in traffic or waiting for my next class or something. Some bands we might have never heard from if it wasn't for Pierre.
Heavens Edge said it bestWe are devastated to learn of the passing of the WMMR Philly legend Pierre Robert. To Philly radio listeners and music fans, he was their beacon. To any band who ever took a stage in the Philly area, he was their champion. To anyone who ever met him, he was their friend. To the city of Philadelphia, he was royalty.
We are so grateful and lucky to have known him. He gave us a chance on his show in the early days when we needed it most. He never forgot us when we were on hiatus. He welcomed us back when we returned. Always a hearty smile, kind words and a genuine love for music and the people who make it. Most of all, he was just a sweetheart of a guy.
We will miss you Pierre.
Anyway, I'll stop now but this is relevant to anyone who is a music fan, rock 'n roll or not. He was a champion of even the smallest bands and promoted everyone he came in contact with. He was an absolute nut and a joy to encounter wherever you ran in to him.
Godspeed, Good Citizen, you are sorely missed and greatly loved!Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
