“Greetings Citizens”: Pierre Robert, Philadelphia radio legend and voice of WMMR for over 40 Years, Dies At 70

Having grown up in the city and listening to the great Philly rock radio station WMMR, I think I can speak for thousands, maybe even millions of Philadelphia radio listeners and say that we’re extremely saddened and heartbroken to hear the news about the passing of WMMR’s legendary mid-day DJ, Pierre Robert. Announced by ‘MMR, he passed away today at the age of 70.

Over the years, since his start at ‘MMR in 1981, Robert became a true radio legend and icon. Known for his greeting of “Greetings Citizens,” he was the ultimate lover of music, especially the Grateful Dead, The Hooters, Tom Petty, The Kinks, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and especially Neil Young, and so many more. I always loved when he played the Dead, he’d intro them by saying “God Bless The Grateful Dead.” In fact, I told Pierre that I often say that whenever I play the band on XPN, and I always give him credit.

Pierre loved his listeners as much as he loved the music he played for them. You could always hear it in his voice. You could see it when you’d see him out at shows, which was often. He was almost always out and about at concerts, at venues large and small shaking hands, giving hugs.

To many, Pierre was their friend with a heart of gold and an always-welcoming and warm heart, making people feel good. In 2021 he celebrated 40 years on the radio at ‘MMR, having driven his Volkswagen bus cross-country from San Francisco in 1981 to start as the new mid-day host at ‘MMR, then located in the Wellington Building, 19th and Walnut Streets on Rittenhouse Square.

Pierre was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 2019. He was a long-time member of XPN. When I was a volunteer evening DJ back in the late 80s, I was on the air one night during a member drive, and he called in his donation. I had just played “Alabama” by Neil Young and along with his donation, his message to me was “play more Neil Young.” I did.

The owner of WMMR, the Beasley Media Group announced Pierre’s passing today and released this statement:

“A true radio icon, Pierre was one of the most recognized personalities in the City of Philadelphia. He joined the rock station back in 1981 and hosted the midday show with his unabashed love for music, his listeners, and the city. The legendary rock radio personality was best known for his welcoming ‘Greetings Citizens’ salutation, along with his big heart and warm voice! Pierre encompassed everything that rocks – the new and familiar, rock and alternative, punk and singer-songwriter… whether presenting in the air studio, on-stage, or unearthing treasures in the MMaRchives.

His daily features, including Noontime Workforce Blocks, Pierre’s Vinyl Cut, exclusive artist interviews, live in-studio performances and “On This Day” history lessons were fully enjoyed by a large and dedicated audience.

In addition, Pierre’s generosity was unparalleled- from attending and hosting the Aids Walk to his on-air support of Manna’s Pie in the Sky fundraiser, along with his active and genuine support of all charitable initiatives of WMMR. He truly cared about his listeners and the people of Philadelphia.

“We all have heavy hearts today,” said Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley. “Pierre’s unwavering love for music and his deep connection with listeners made him one of radio’s most enduring and beloved voices. He will be greatly missed.”

XPN’s Robert Drake had the opportunity over the years to work with Pierre on various community events. “A lot can be said about Pierre Robert and his love of radio and of Philadelphia,” Drake told me. “Pierre’s passion for the Mummers was quite visible, but what I think set him apart from many was his steadfast commitment to Philly’s LGBTQ+ community, especially its constant fight to support those living with HIV/AIDS. Pierre was front and center when the AIDS Walk Philly made its debut thirty-eight years ago. The same goes with other events he embraced, which supported a rainbow of non-profit organizations. He not only used his professional position to educate and celebrate, but he also quietly supported the community when it mattered. Pierre demonstrated with unbridled joy all that is Philly Love. He will truly be missed, and I will think of him each time I sit behind a mic.”

XPN’s Bob Bumbera said, “I began listening to Pierre as a teenager, and while in college, seeing him at countless Hooters & Beru Review shows at the Cabarets. As an intern at WMMR in 1986, I got to meet him and hang out in Rittenhouse Square. He was so friendly and encouraging. Later, when I entered the radio world, shockingly, he was my Philly radio colleague, and I so appreciated his support and membership in public radio & XPN. Pierre was one of a kind and a true citizen of this city. I will miss him deeply.”

Former XPN mid-day host Helen Leicht worked with Pierre when she worked at WMMR. “Pierre was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” says Leicht. “Caring and loving. Always there to listen if I needed to talk. Passionate about music and our community. I cannot believe he’s gone.”

Former World Cafe host David Dye told me: “I remember a social media post I made years ago where I talked about wanting to have Terry Gross’s (of Fresh Air) ease with interviews and Pierre’s ability to communicate. He wrote me a card thanking me for saying that. In a city of amazing DJs he was the absolute best.”

Everyone who knew or met Pierre had their story. One that I can remember is from June of 2024 when the Rolling Stones played the Linc. I went to the show with my son Max and wanted to stop by the ‘MMR broadcast booth as both Pierre and Jacky Bam Bam were broadcasting live to say hello. I was standing a bit back in the crowd and they spotted me and signaled me to come to the booth. Little did I realize they actually wanted me to go on the air with them. While somewhat reluctant, I think it was Pierre who said into the mic: “Let’s get Bruce from WXPN to come over and talk to us.” He gave me a nice intro with some great words of praise for XPN and for supporting public radio (and yes he gave the phone number to make a pledge). We talked about seeing the “great bands” in Philly over the years and seeing the Rolling Stones on this night, was already in the books – without them even playing a note yet. Sure, we were on ‘MMR, but it was like walking into a conversation with another music fan, talking about what we love the most: Music, Seeing bands big and small in Philly, and the fans.

Pierre was all about music, Philly and the audience and fans. It’s hard to imagine turning on ‘MMR and never hearing him live again. He’ll be missed. Our sincerest condolences go out to Pierre Robert’s family, friends, his colleagues, and his fans. I know Pierre will continue to be rockin’ even as his spirit soars.