Jed the Fish, Influential Los Angeles Radio DJ, Useless at 69

Los Angeles radio legend Edwin Gould III, higher identified by his on-air identify “Jed the Fish,” has died on the age of 69.

“At 6AM on April 14, the world misplaced considered one of its most unusual and sensible personalities,” famous a publish on the DJ’s official Instagram account. “Jed the Fish handed away in his beloved residence, and the world won’t ever be the identical.” Selection famous that the reason for dying was lung most cancers, “of which he had solely just lately been identified.”

Gould began at KROQ in 1978 when the small FM station was largely unknown and struggling to outlive. Nevertheless, over the subsequent twenty years, KROQ emerged as a vastly influential station for brand spanking new wave, punk and alt rock. An extended checklist of now-famous artists – together with Depeche Mode, the Smiths, Duran Duran and the Pretenders – received their first main radio airtime on KROQ, and Jed the Fish was main the cost. An extended proponent of rising artists, the host’s “Catch of the Day” section turned a must-listen for any LA music fan determined to listen to the best new tunes.

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Recognized for his eccentric character, wry humorousness and irrepressible snort, Gould stood out among the many sea of radio voices. As KROQ emerged because the nationwide tastemaker for different radio, he turned one of many station’s largest stars. Gould was named Billboard’s Trendy Rock Persona of the Yr in 1997 and 1999, and the Main Market Different Radio Persona of the yr in 1998 and 2000. He additionally graced the duvet of ska band Reel Huge Fish’s 1996 album Flip the Radio Off.

Gould launched the nationally syndicated countdown present Out of Order in 1995 and stayed with it till the torch was handed to present host Ted Stryker in 2013. After many years because the KROQ afternoon drive jock, Gould departed the station in 2012.

On a private observe, this author’s profession was vastly influenced by Gould, with whom I labored for over a decade. We spent many hours debating music, from Devo to Pearl Jam, 9 Inch Nails to David Bowie, and every part in between. He was a particular determine in rock historical past and his affect will not be forgotten.

Rock Stars Pay Tribute to Jed the Fish

Within the wake of Gould’s dying, KROQ invited followers and musicians alike to pay their respects on Instagram.

“RIP JED! Thanks for every part,” commented Papa Roach, whereas Purple Sizzling Chili Peppers bassist Flea shared a sequence of coronary heart emojis alongside the phrases “bless his coronary heart.” Filter frontman Richard Patrick wrote: “He was superior. I’m so sorry to listen to of his passing. He will likely be missed,” whereas reggae rockers Pepper added, “Relaxation in paradise, brother! Your legacy will likely be carried in our hearts perpetually.”

“That is such unhappy information. We had been followers of Jed and his reveals on KROQ lengthy earlier than we ever met him,” wrote the Offspring in a separate publish, noting Gould was the primary particular person to spin their tune “Come Out and Play.” “Jed was very good and humorous with a really distinctive means of wanting on the world. His humorousness was insane in all the most effective methods. He’s perpetually a neighborhood hero who will likely be significantly missed.”

Late night time host Jimmy Kimmel – who received his begin on the KROQ morning present Kevin and Bean – shared a touching tribute to Gould. “After my first time on the air – this man, who was already a legend, pulled me apart to reassure me and inform me I used to be doing nice. His world meant the world to me then they usually nonetheless do. There was nobody like him, regardless of how arduous they tried.”

Likewise, Carson Daly, who additionally began at KROQ, described Gould as “the maniacal magician of the choice airwaves.” “I keep in mind as the brand new man at KROQ I needed to work on Thanksgiving as soon as and I missed my household significantly,” Daly shared. “When unexpectedly, the studio doorways burst open and there was Jed with a full home made Thanksgiving dinner. He had pushed from Pasadena and introduced me leftovers and shared that he too had labored holidays when he was beginning out in radio and remembered the way it sucked. He frolicked for an hour and it’s an hour I’ll always remember.”