Who was Kevin Diers? Details explored as radio host passes away at 39

Kevin Diers was a very popular name among Seattle residents. He was the host of the “Loud & Local” show on 99.9 KISW, a Seattle-based radio station. In addition to Loud & Local, Diers was also the co-host of “Metal Shop,” which is still on the same radio station.

Before joining KISW, Kevin Diers started his radio career with KGRG-FM, the radio station of Green River College. There, he met Ian Reas, and together, they hosted a show called “Dead Air.” After a while, both of them migrated to KISW, where they took over hosting Metal Shop, a show that was previously anchored by Steve Rock and Kevin Jacober, also KGRG alumni.

Kevin Diers was well known for his musical tastes, which encompassed everything heavy, including proto metal, black metal, doom metal, and more.

The news of Kevin Diers' passing at the age of 39 was shared via X on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

More details on Kevin Diers’ passing

KISW announced Diers’ passing on Thursday, where they described his death as the loss of a family member.

“Kevin has been a part of the family here at The Rock after winning a contest to host Metal Shop with his friend and co-host Ian Reas. He later went on to be the long-time host of Loud and Local as well.”

The station continued:

“Kevin brought infectious enthusiasm and passion for everything he did-especially Seattle music, the metal scene and pro wrestling. Local musicians and metal fans lost one of their biggest champions and we all lost a dear friend.”

They concluded the statement by stating that he would be missed. The station also announced that special episodes of Metal Shop and Loud & Local will be aired this weekend as a tribute to the radio host.

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Following the station’s announcement, colleagues and other associates shared their tributes.

“He had as much passion for public radio as he did for hosting Metal Shop. He brought smiles to work and a desire to learn, grow, and lend a helping hand,” said Arvid Hokanson, KUOW's director of audience.

Cathy Faulkner, a fellow broadcaster, describes the late radio host as an “amazing, gentle, kind soul with an amazing work ethic and an obsession and passion for the local community.”

Before his passing, Diers had a deep relationship with DEFY wrestling, where he served as a ring announcer, social media producer, and co-host of The Defyant Ones podcast.

“We are deeply saddened to hear that our brother, Kevin Diers, has passed away. Kevin has worked with DEFY since day one. RIP, my friend,” DEFY wrestling organization said in a tribute to Kevin Diers.

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In addition to being a radio host and working with DEFY wrestling, Diers was also a producer, freelance music writer, and cat lover. At the time of writing this article, no further details surrounding his death have been released.

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