A Philadelphia radio legend was found dead in his home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, leaving behind more than four decades of memories for rock music fans across the region. Pierre Robert, whose unmistakable voice and signature greeting “Greetings, Citizens” had welcomed listeners to 93.3 WMMR since 1981, was 70 years old.
According to police reports, Robert was discovered at his residence that afternoon. No foul play is suspected in his death, though the circumstances surrounding his passing remain under investigation. Beasley Media Group, the parent company of WMMR, confirmed the news to staff and listeners shortly after authorities responded to the scene.
Born William Pierre Robert in California, the disc jockey got his start on San Francisco’s KSAN rock station before making the cross-country move that would define his career. His legendary tenure with WMMR spanned 44 years, making him one of the most enduring voices in Philadelphia broadcasting. The station broadcast his midday show from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, featuring everything from classic rock to emerging local talent.
Robert’s programming went far beyond simply playing music. His daily features included Noontime Workforce Blocks, Pierre’s Vinyl Cut, exclusive artist interviews, live in-studio performances, and On This Day history lessons that educated listeners about rock music’s rich past. He treated the station as what colleagues later called his pulpit, preaching what he referred to as the gospel of rock and roll.
Just days before his death, Robert had shared a moment of contentment on social media. In one of his final Instagram posts on Sunday, October 26, he posted a photograph of himself reading a book on a park bench in Rittenhouse Square, enjoying a cup of La Colombe coffee. He described the scene as watching the world lazily drift by, calling it pretty close to perfection.
The radio personality’s commitment to Philadelphia extended well beyond the airwaves. He regularly hosted and participated in charitable events throughout the city, from the AIDS Walk to MANNA’s Pie in the Sky fundraiser, which provides Thanksgiving meals to people and families battling serious illness. His generosity and genuine connection with listeners made him a beloved figure in the community.
In 2019, the Philadelphia Music Alliance cemented Robert’s legacy by adding his star to their Walk of Fame. He had become one of the city’s most recognizable celebrities, greeting legions of fans as personal friends whether at intimate club shows or massive stadium concerts. His presence at live music venues made him as much a part of Philadelphia’s rock scene as the artists themselves.
Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison, who hosted the morning Preston and Steve Show on WMMR before Robert’s midday program, remembered their colleague with deep affection. According to Elliot, Robert had a profound love for music and for presenting that music to people, describing him as the biggest music fan he had ever met. Morrison emphasized that Robert legitimately cared about everybody and was one of the true legendary rock DJs in the country.
Rock icon Jon Bon Jovi joined the outpouring of tributes, sharing memories of their friendship on Instagram. He described Robert as someone who truly loved all types of music, not just famous artists or chart toppers, but local musicians and tomorrow’s rising stars as well. Bon Jovi noted that Robert’s voice helped the hungry and homeless through his charitable work, adding that he did it because he genuinely cared about making the world a kinder place.
Caroline Beasley, chief executive officer of Beasley Media Group, said in a statement that the company had heavy hearts following the loss. She described Robert’s unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners as what made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices, adding that he would be greatly missed.
WMMR suspended its regular programming on Wednesday to mourn Robert’s death and allow staff to process the sudden loss. Concert venues across Philadelphia, including the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Met, and the Fillmore, displayed tributes to the disc jockey that evening. The station has not yet announced plans for a replacement or permanent changes to its midday programming slot.
Days after his death, hundreds of fans and colleagues gathered at Rittenhouse Square for a celebration of life, returning to the same location where Robert had spent one of his final peaceful afternoons. The gathering reflected the deep impact he had made on Philadelphia’s music community and the countless listeners who had welcomed his voice into their lives for more than 40 years.
Robert had signed a contract extension with WMMR in January 2024, solidifying what everyone expected would be several more years of his distinctive presence on Philadelphia radio. His sudden death cut short a career that had defined rock radio in the region and influenced generations of broadcasters and music fans throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Maryland.
