Former MD Radio Host Known For Parodies, 11-Day Broadcast Dies At 68

BALTIMORE, MD — A former radio host for 98 Rock died at age 68, the Baltimore station announced Tuesday.

Bob Rivers steered 98 Rock's morning show from 1987 to 1989.

Rivers was known for his parodies of Christmas songs. He was the man behind "The Twelve Pains of Christmas," "Wreck the Malls" and "The Chimney Song." He also pushed comedic limits with songs like "Walkin' 'Round in Women's Underwear" and "What If God Smoked Cannabis?"

"His 'Twisted Tunes,' parody masterpieces often recorded in collaboration with Sheffield Recording Studios, became a staple on our station and remain timeless gems for listeners today," 98 Rock said in its memorial post. "These parodies, along with his iconic 'Twisted Christmas' albums, cemented his legacy as a comedy genius in music."

Rivers will also be remembered for his 11-day marathon broadcast during the Baltimore Orioles' 21-game losing streak to open the 1988 season.

"Refusing to abandon hope as the Baltimore Orioles’ magic seemed to run dry, Rivers, like a genie in a bottle, vowed to stay on air until the Orioles ended their slump," 98 Rock wrote. "And though it wasn’t easy… news of his perseverance spread far. Word of the jock’s dedication ran strong through the river of rock radio and beyond with calls coming in from as far as Chile and a telegram arriving from Orioles General Manager Roland Hemond."

The losing streak eventually ended, and Rivers hosted Fantastic Fan Night at Memorial Stadium a few days later. Rivers threw out the first pitch at the grassroots celebration that drew over 50,000 fans supporting the team through its darkest times.

"That crazed, sleep-deprived, screw-it-we-go-big energy has solidified him as a hometown legend," 98 Rock said. "By the time his run ended, he’d jacked up the station’s ratings by 65%—because Bob wasn’t just talking into a mic; he was creating history."

Rivers eventually left Baltimore for Seattle, where he hosted "The Bob Rivers Show" and led his cover band, Spike and the Impalers.

Rivers retired in 2014 and moved to Vermont. Five years later, he started "The Bob Rivers Show Podcast."

In 2023, Rivers was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

Rivers was diagnosed with esophageal cancer three years ago, InsideRadio reported, noting that he underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Rivers moved to Las Vegas and continued podcasting and producing music after treatment.

"Today, we at 98 Rock remember Bob Rivers as more than a broadcaster. He was a pioneer, a mentor, and most importantly, a friend," the station said. "He made rock radio into an experience with zero apologies—masterfully blending parody with real-life grit, leaning into life’s chaos, and just freaking owning it. We at 98 Rock send our love to his family, friends, and legions of fans. Bob Rivers has left a legacy that will echo forever on road trip mixtapes and Christmas playlists."