Jon Bon Jovi honors the memory of his longtime friend, legendary Philadelphia radio host Pierre Robert, who died at the age of 70.
Beasley Media Group confirmed Robert’s death on October 29 and said he was found in his home. No cause of death has been announced, although foul play is not suspected.
Shortly after the news spread, Bon Jovi shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on the DJ’s undeniable passion for music and the people who made it.
The rocker wrote: “Today we lost a great friend. Someone who really loved music. All kinds of music. Someone who loved musicians. Not just famous people, or chart-toppers. He admired local artists and the rising stars of tomorrow.”
He paired his message with two photos of the couple together.
He went on to describe Robert as “curious” and “smart,” calling him “a true musicologist” who understood artists’ influences.
Bon Jovi added that Robert was a loyal friend who didn’t care about hype or trends, he cared about the music and the people behind it. He said that made a difference.
The singer also remembered how much Robert cared for others, writing, “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 and more wonderful place to live.”
He called Robert “the loneliest man in show business,” someone dedicated to sharing the “gospel of song” with everyone who listened.
Bon Jovi said Robert “passed away in his sleep” and expressed gratitude for the time they shared.
“The station was fortunate to have him on the air. We were all fortunate to have him as a guide to its musical galaxy. And I was fortunate to have him as a friend. Thank you Pierre. Godspeed, JBJ.”
Known for his signature greeting, “Greetings Citizens,” Robert joined WMMR in Philadelphia in 1981 and quickly became a beloved voice. He hosted popular segments such as Noontime Workforce Blocks, Pierre’s Vinyl Cut and his history notes ‘On This Day’.
In a 2011 interview, Robert once joked that Bon Jovi was “the most famous person in my cell phone,” a testament to their longstanding bond.
Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley remembered Robert, saying his love of music and strong connection with listeners made him “one of the most enduring and beloved voices on radio”, adding that he will be dearly missed.
Bon Jovi’s tribute captured the DJ’s lasting impact on music, on communities and on the many people fortunate enough to know him.
