What happened with Pierre Robert and Kid Rock? Legendary Philly radio personality refused to play singer's songs for decades

Celebrity Sightings In Philadelphia - October 18, 2024 - Source: Getty
Radio disc jockey and on-air personality for 93.3FM WMMR Philadelphia Pierre Robert is seen arriving to The 33rd Philadelphia Film Festival - Source: Getty

Pierre Robert, the iconic disc jockey and longtime radio host in the South Jersey-Philadelphia area, passed away on October 29, 2025. He was 70 years old. He was found dead at his home in Philadelphia during a wellness check early that morning.

He was best known for his signature greeting, “Greetings, Citizens,” on 93.3 WMMR. It became a hallmark of his radio presence, helping to build a deep connection with his audience.

Robert was highly respected in the rock music community. He was celebrated for his love of music and his support for the Philadelphia community.

According to a report in Philadelphia Magazine, Robert reportedly refused to play Kid Rock's songs for decades because of his anti-g*y remarks. The refusal was not a personal rivalry between the two but a part of Pierre Robert’s ethical principles regarding the music he allowed on his show.

Continue to read more.


Pierre Robert refused to play Guns N' Roses

Pierre Robert refused to play Guns N’ Roses because of their notorious no-show incident at a Philadelphia concert in 2002.

When Philadelphia Magazine asked him if he had ever refused to play a band or a song, he spoke about his refusal for GNR. He told the outlet that he hasn't played GNR since their no-show incident in Philadelphia. Following this incident, Pierre Robert issued a moratorium on playing their music.

The infamous incident happened in December 2002 at the arena then known as the First Union Center in Philadelphia. It is now called the Wells Fargo Center.

The band was set to perform as part of their tour supporting the album Chinese Democracy. The incident led to violence caused by disappointed fans after the band failed to take the stage.

After several years, during a GNR concert at Electric Factory in Philadelphia, Axl Rose, the lead vocalist of GNR, publicly apologized for the incident. He stated that he canceled the show due to sickness, but his manager did not properly communicate the message. He also accused Clear Channel of wanting the band to fail.

Celebrity Sightings In Philadelphia - January 28, 2023 - Source: Getty
Celebrity Sightings In Philadelphia - January 28, 2023 - Source: Getty

In addition to these bands, Pierre Robert revealed to Philadelphia Magazine that he refused to play Skid Row, a rock band which was formed in New Jersey by bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave Sabo. It was mainly due to its lead singer, Sebastian Bach's, onstage behavior and controversial remarks.

While sharing more details on his refusal for the band, Pierre Roberts said that in the 1990s, Bach wore a shirt with the offensive slogan AIDS Kills Fags Dead, which is a highly inflammatory anti-g*y statement. Roberts also opened up about his refusal of Ted Nugent.

Robert told Philadelphia Magazine that he refused to play him mainly because of his political views. He mentioned that although he liked the artist and had spoken with him in brief interviews, his politics became radically conservative. This led to his decision not to play Nugent on his show.

Nugent is not only a rock musician but a controversial political figure. He is known as a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and his outspoken advocacy for conservative and libertarian principles. He champions small government, individual liberties, gun rights and a hardline stance on immigration.

Beasley Media Group confirmed the death of Pierre Robert in a statement. They mentioned that his voice has been woven into the fabric of Philadelphia for more than 40 years. They added that WWMR was his pulpit where he preached the gospel of rock n' roll and gave his listeners a common ground to dance.

Born William Pierre Robert, he completed a broadcasting program in San Francisco. He then started his radio career at KSAN-FM in San Francisco before moving to Philadelphia. Sources indicated that he was married to a woman named Mrs Dawn Stensland at the time of his death.

Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Edited by Aastha Dass