Arts & Entertainment

Tributes Pour In For Late Philly Radio Host Pierre Robert

From fellow local radio personalities to internationally touring bands, the music industry and more are honoring the late Pierre Robert.

PHILADELPHIA — Philadlephia's music scene took a hit Wednesday when it was announced longtime 933 WMMR Radio host Pierre Robert had died.

Robert was found dead in his home at 70 years old. Foul play is not suspected in his death.

In the wake of the announcement, tributes to the legendary on-air personality filled social media feeds.

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Those honoring the beloved host include fellow local DJs and platinum album selling artists.

Jon Bon Jovi, a regular guest on Robert's show, posted a heartfelt tribute to his friend.

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Today we lost a great friend. 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. He knew your influence and your influences.

He was a loyal friend. He didn’t care if you were the fad or the fashion of the moment. He just cared.

And that mattered.

I’ve often talked about the loneliest man in showbiz.

The DJ, someone who preached the gospel of the song to anyone who would listen.. 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..About you, about me, about making the world a little kinder wonder filled place to live.. his memory will live with us as it will with all of the people he touched.

That man is Pierre Robert

The legendary DJ at WMMR
In Philadelphia..he passed away in his sleep last night.

The station was lucky to have him on the air. We were all lucky to have him as a guide to his musical galaxy

And I was lucky to have him as a friend..

Thank you Pierre..
Godspeed,
JBJ

Philadelphia's own The Hooters also took to social media to mourn the loss.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we are writing this post. We have lost someone so special to all of us, a member of our “family” and we are gutted to the core. There are no words for what we are feeling right now, only despair. Pierre Robert, you are the original “good citizen”, you are irreplaceable. There is the brightest star shining in the heavens right now. You will be missed like no other.

We love you, Rest in Rock ’n’ Roll

Rockers Collective Soul shared their feelings online as well:

Some moments don’t need polish, or pixels even. This is one of them.

We realize this isn’t our usual type of post, but we want to make sure we honor the him in this moment. The rawness of grief and loss is something we have all experienced at one point or another in our lives.

Pierre Robert wasn’t just a voice on the radio — he was a friend, a constant, and a true believer in rock & roll. For decades, his spirit and love for music shaped the Philly airwaves and touched countless lives, including ours.

We’ll miss you, brother. Your light, your laugh, your heart. Thank you for always believing in the music and the people who make it.

Rest easy, Pierre. We love you, brother. This one hurts.

Classic rock icons George Thoroughgood & The Destroyers were among the artists who expressed grief over Robert's death:

Today we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pierre Robert. Pierre was a disc jockey in Philadelphia for the last 44 years at WMMR. A personality that cannot be replaced. Pierre spread love and positive energy…he genuinely cared about people (or in his words citizens). He was a once in a generation personality, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire Delaware Valley. He will be sorely missed.

Alternative rock-metal band Living Colour also shared their feelings about the industry's loss:

We just heard the news that 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia radio personality and great human Pierre Robert passed away.
Living Colour offers our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans worldwide and to the great folks at ‘MMR!
Fun story, while performing Glamour Boys at the MMR-BQ, it was great seeing him dance! Thank you Pierre for your love and support all these years! Rest In Power good citizen!

Bryan Adams, who performed at Xfinity Mobile Arena Wednesday night, dedicated his song "Heaven" to Robert's memory:

Fellow WMMR hosts Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison had this to say about their colleague:

It breaks our hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend Pierre Robert.

Pierre’s voice has been woven into the fabric of Philadelphia for more than 40 years. WMMR was his pulpit, and he preached the gospel of rock n’ roll, and gave us all common ground to dance on.

In good times, his optimism was infectious, and on tough days, his words offered familiar comfort to every Good Citizen.

Pierre opened his arms to anyone wanted to come along for the ride, insisting that WMMR is Everything That Rocks!

And he lived it.

Others who shared their thoughts on Robert's legacy focused on his good will, activism, and charity.

WXPN Radio host Robert Drake had this to say, in part:

A lot can be said about 93.3 WMMR's Pierre Robert and his love of radio and for Philadelphia. His passion for the Mummers was quite visible, but what I think set him apart from many was his steadfast commitment to Philly’s LGBTQ+ community, especially its constant fight to support those living with HIV/AIDS.

Pierre was front and center when the AIDS Walk Philly made its debut thirty-eight years ago," "The same goes with other events he embraced, which supported a rainbow of non-profit organizations including being a very vocal, proud longtime member of WXPN. He not only used his professional position to educate and celebrate, but he also quietly supported the community when it mattered.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania said Robert championed the annual I Bleed for Preston & Steve Blood Drive.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Philadelphia radio legend Pierre Robert of 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia. For two decades, Pierre was an instrumental part of the I Bleed for Preston & Steve Blood Drive, showing up year after year with unmatched enthusiasm for his listeners and our donors. He brought smiles, laughter and a powerful voice to the cause—encouraging thousands to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. His dedication helped save lives, and his presence always lifted our team’s spirits. Pierre’s legacy is one of generosity, joy and unwavering support for his community. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Evesham Fire-Resuce in New Jersey remembered Robert as "unforgettable:"

We learned yesterday about the passing of the legendary DJ Pierre Robert. Our crew at Evesham Fire‑Rescue had the distinct honor of welcoming him to our station a December many years ago — a moment we’ll never forget. In a profession where you never know who you’re going to meet, we met someone unforgettable.

Pierre once said, “I’m not interested in being your best friend; I’m interested in making this music your best memory.” That spirit resonated with all of us that day — a true voice for the ages who connected so many through the power of music

Rest in peace, Mr. Robert. Your legacy lives on.

Philabundance, the city's largest food bank, also said Robert was an advocate for altruism:

Our deepest condolences to the WMMR family on the passing of Pierre Robert.

As an integral part of Camp Out for Hunger, we remember his life and all he gave to the community.

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