The airwaves feel a little quieter, a little less…weird, now that Jed the Fish, the iconic KROQ DJ, has passed away at 69. It’s a tough loss for anyone who grew up with KROQ blasting through their car speakers, a testament to the power of a DJ who didn’t just play music, but curated a cultural moment.
For over three decades, Jed, born Edwin Jed Fish Gould III, reigned over the KROQ afternoon drive-time slot. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was a tastemaker, a champion of the underdog, and a purveyor of all things cool. Seriously, the man’s playlist reads like a who’s who of alternative music royalty: Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Smiths, Duran Duran – you name it, Jed spun it. And often, he played them *before* they were cool. Imagine that. Being *ahead* of the curve. Jed the Fish lived that life.
The Fish That Swam Upstream
Jed’s journey to radio royalty wasn’t exactly conventional. His “resume,” a salmon-pink flyer featuring a (possibly) scantily clad Jed in a wheelchair, landed him a gig at KROQ in 1978. Talk about making an entrance! From there, he transformed a struggling FM station into a cultural powerhouse. His quirky on-air persona, punctuated by a trademark cackle (a medley of family laughs, apparently!), made him instantly recognizable. He wasn’t just playing music; he was creating a *happening*.
More Than Just a DJ
Jed’s influence stretched far beyond the radio booth. He was a drummer, a visual artist (his Alice in Wonderland-esque Pasadena home is legendary), and a true connector of people. He championed local bands, giving them a platform they wouldn’t have found elsewhere. Noodles from The Offspring credits Jed with playing “Come Out and Play” for the first time on the radio, a move that catapulted the band to stardom. That’s the kind of impact Jed had. He changed lives, one song at a time.
Jed’s Legacy: A Ripple Effect
So, what can we learn from Jed the Fish? Maybe it’s to embrace the weird, to champion the underdog, and to never underestimate the power of a good laugh. He reminds us that music is more than just entertainment; it’s the soundtrack to our lives. And sometimes, the best DJs aren’t just playing the hits; they’re creating them.
5 Things You Might Not Know About Jed the Fish
- He earned his radio license at 16! This guy was practically born for radio.
- He got fired from a teen radio show for reciting George Carlin’s “Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television.” Rebel with a cause, right?
- He once played Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” on KROQ and got a ton of complaints. He knew what was good, even if his listeners didn’t at first.
- He was a visual artist and his home was filled with whimsical sculptures. This guy was creative through and through.
- He played drums with System of a Down at a KROQ Weenie Roast. Seriously, is there anything this man couldn’t do?
Jed the Fish is gone, but his legacy will live on in the music he championed, the artists he supported, and the generations of listeners whose lives he touched. So next time you hear a song that makes you feel something, maybe raise a glass (or a fin?) to Jed. He’d probably like that.
Remembering Jed: Share Your Stories
Jed the Fish wasn’t just a DJ; he was a shared experience. He was the soundtrack to our first dates, our late-night drives, our angsty teenage years. He was the voice that connected us, the weird uncle we all loved. Now, we want to hear *your* Jed stories. What’s your favorite Jed memory? What song did he play that changed your life? Share your stories in the comments below – let’s keep the Fish’s spirit alive!
Jed’s Influence on Today’s Music Scene
It’s hard to overstate Jed’s impact on the music we hear today. He championed bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and The Smiths, who continue to influence artists decades later. He helped shape the sound of alternative rock, paving the way for bands like The Offspring, Blink-182, and countless others. Jed wasn’t just playing music; he was shaping the future of music.
The KROQ Family Remembers Jed
Jed wasn’t just a DJ; he was family. And the KROQ family is feeling his loss deeply. Fellow KROQ legends like Rodney Bingenheimer and Richard Blade have shared their memories and condolences, painting a picture of a man who was as kind and generous off the air as he was on. Stay tuned for special tributes and remembrances on KROQ in the coming weeks.
Keep the Music Playing: Jed’s Essential Playlist
Want to experience the magic of Jed the Fish for yourself? Check out our curated Spotify playlist featuring some of his favorite tracks and artists. From Depeche Mode to The Smiths, this playlist is a sonic time capsule back to the golden age of KROQ. Click the link below and let the music transport you.
Listen to Jed’s Essential Playlist on Spotify
Five Fishy Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
At what age did Jed the Fish get his radio license?
He earned his radio license at the ripe young age of 16!
Why did Jed get fired from a teen radio show?
He got the boot for reciting George Carlin’s infamous “Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television.” Rebellious, indeed!
What Michael Jackson song caused listener complaints when Jed played it on KROQ?
Believe it or not, spinning Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” generated a surprising amount of negative feedback.
Aside from radio, what other artistic pursuits did Jed dabble in?
Jed was a visual artist, and his whimsically decorated Pasadena home was a testament to his creativity. He also played the drums!
With what famous band did Jed once play drums at a KROQ Weenie Roast?
He drummed alongside System of a Down. Talk about range!
Jed’s Enduring Echo
Jed the Fish may be gone, but his impact resonates through the music he championed, the artists he nurtured, and the countless listeners whose lives he enriched. So, the next time a song stirs your soul, raise a glass (or perhaps a fin) to Jed. He’d undoubtedly appreciate the gesture.
Comments
Username1: I remember driving home from prom, windows down, KROQ blasting, and Jed playing “A Letter to Elise.” That song, that night, that feeling…pure magic. Thanks, Jed.
Username2: My first concert was The Cure at the Hollywood Bowl, and I swear Jed was there, right in the thick of it. He just *got* the LA music scene. RIP, Fish.
Username3: He introduced me to so many bands I never would have heard otherwise. He was a true tastemaker. I’ll miss that cackle!
Username4: I still remember when he had Noodles on the show after “Come Out and Play” blew up. Classic Jed! Always supporting local music.