Trending...
- DuoKey to Unveil Encrypted Financial Intelligence Use Case at GISEC Global 2025
- Tampa-Based Digital Marketing Agency Launches New Website to Help Local Businesses Grow Online
- Divorce-Online Marks 25 Years Transforming Family Law Services in the UK
LOS ANGELES - AussieJournal -- Edwin Jed Fish Gould III, better known to generations of Southern California music fans as Jed the Fish, passed away on April 14, 2025 at the age of 69. A legend of the airwaves, Jed was a pioneering voice in alternative radio, a beloved agent of chaos and the man who made Los Angeles afternoons weirder, louder and infinitely more interesting.
From the moment he joined KROQ-FM in 1978, Jed made it clear he wasn't there to play it safe. Over 34 years on the afternoon drive, he transformed the airwaves into a launchpad for revolutionary new music and culture. He was instrumental in breaking countless bands to American audiences, sometimes even before they cracked the charts overseas including Depeche Mode, The Cure, Duran Duran, The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The B-52's, The Go-Go's, The Germs, The Pretenders, Devo, Blondie, The Ramones, The Runaways, Oingo Boingo, The Motels, Missing Persons, Josie Cotton, The Pandoras, X, Social Distortion, Oasis, Dramarama, No Doubt, Katy Perry, Teenage Fanclub, The Donnas, The Offspring and System of Down.
Listeners came for the music, but stayed for the madness. Jed's show wasn't just a program, it was a happening. Segments like Catch of the Day kept fans hooked, highlighting bold new tracks with Jed's trademark irreverence. He later hosted the nationally syndicated Out of Order, where he counted down the top 10 songs each week, intentionally out of order, of course. It was peak Jed: clever, chaotic and committed to keeping things unexpected.
More on Aussie Journal
He captured the zeitgeist of the alternative era, understanding that music wasn't just entertainment, it was the heartbeat of a generation. He was at the pulse of the cultural shifts happening around him, bringing listeners the soundtrack to their rebellion, their youth and their identity.
He loved to provoke and surprise. He never met a boundary he didn't try to cross. He was the instigator of multiple formal FCC violations for his on-air antics at KROQ, honors he wore like badges of pride. He once claimed to have a "kink-like attraction to fireworks", a metaphor as apt as any for his radio career: explosive, dazzling and a little bit dangerous.
His love of radio rebellion started early. At just 16, Jed landed his first radio gig at KPIN-AM Casa Grande (now known as KFAS) in rural Arizona, only to get fired for reciting George Carlin's infamous "seven dirty words you can't say on the radio." Even then, the writing was on the wall: this kid wasn't going to play by the rules.
Throughout his career, Jed had the privilege of interviewing some of the most influential figures in music. In October 1995, he sat down with David Bowie at the KROQ studios, discussing art, identity and the ever-evolving soundscape of Bowie's Outside era. The conversation was irreverent, insightful and just weird enough to make perfect sense for both of them. Afterward, Bowie signed a piece of memorabilia for Jed with the perfectly understated note: "Jed, it's been fun…" Coming from the Thin White Duke himself, it was both a compliment and a cosmic wink, exactly the kind of farewell Jed might've hoped for.
More on Aussie Journal
In addition to Bowie, Jed's on-air interviews spanned a who's who of rock and alternative royalty, including U2, Sting, Elvis Costello, Brian Eno and The Police. His conversations were unfiltered and human, often veering delightfully off-script, just the way he liked it.
Jed never locked a door or pulled down a window shade. He lived as he broadcast; open, unscripted and joyfully unfiltered.
Born in Orange County, California, Jed earned his First Class Radiotelephone Operator License in 1971 and later graduated from USC's Annenberg School of Journalism with a mind for media and a heart for pure creative disruption. He was twice named Billboard Modern Rock Personality of the Year (1997, 1999), won Radio & Records' Local Modern Rock Personality of the Year (1998) and was named one of Los Angeles' top radio personalities in 2004.
Even after his departure from KROQ, Jed's voice continues to echo across the airwaves. His iconic "K-R-O-Q" voice branding, recorded during his time at the station, is still in regular rotation today, serving as a constant reminder of his profound influence on KROQ and Los Angeles radio.
Outside of radio, Jed pursued a dizzying array of creative ventures. He drummed live with System of a Down during a KROQ Weenie Roast and produced for local punk acts like El Centro. In 2019, he unveiled The Shimmering, a sprawling public art installation at Hollywood & Highland that fused color, light and sound into a surreal sensory experience, just like his broadcasts always had.
He is survived by a community of artists, misfits and fans who were changed by the sound of his voice and the daring freedom it represented. Jed the Fish didn't just play the hits. He was the disruption, the detour the spark in the signal.
Obituary written in tribute by Jed's dear friend, Paul Sinacore.
From the moment he joined KROQ-FM in 1978, Jed made it clear he wasn't there to play it safe. Over 34 years on the afternoon drive, he transformed the airwaves into a launchpad for revolutionary new music and culture. He was instrumental in breaking countless bands to American audiences, sometimes even before they cracked the charts overseas including Depeche Mode, The Cure, Duran Duran, The Smiths, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The B-52's, The Go-Go's, The Germs, The Pretenders, Devo, Blondie, The Ramones, The Runaways, Oingo Boingo, The Motels, Missing Persons, Josie Cotton, The Pandoras, X, Social Distortion, Oasis, Dramarama, No Doubt, Katy Perry, Teenage Fanclub, The Donnas, The Offspring and System of Down.
Listeners came for the music, but stayed for the madness. Jed's show wasn't just a program, it was a happening. Segments like Catch of the Day kept fans hooked, highlighting bold new tracks with Jed's trademark irreverence. He later hosted the nationally syndicated Out of Order, where he counted down the top 10 songs each week, intentionally out of order, of course. It was peak Jed: clever, chaotic and committed to keeping things unexpected.
More on Aussie Journal
- ScreenPoints Puts Film Investors in the Credits—and in the Money With New FinTech Platform
- Pathways to Adulthood Conference May 17 at Melville Marriott Honoring NYS Assembly Member Jodi Giglio, Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa
- Adster Techologies awarded US Patent for breakthrough innovation in reducing latency in Ad Serving
- This Mother's Day, Give the Gift of Comfort Climate Green Offers Big Discounts on Air Conditioning
- Robert Fabbio Inducted into the Austin Technology Council Hall of Fame
He captured the zeitgeist of the alternative era, understanding that music wasn't just entertainment, it was the heartbeat of a generation. He was at the pulse of the cultural shifts happening around him, bringing listeners the soundtrack to their rebellion, their youth and their identity.
He loved to provoke and surprise. He never met a boundary he didn't try to cross. He was the instigator of multiple formal FCC violations for his on-air antics at KROQ, honors he wore like badges of pride. He once claimed to have a "kink-like attraction to fireworks", a metaphor as apt as any for his radio career: explosive, dazzling and a little bit dangerous.
His love of radio rebellion started early. At just 16, Jed landed his first radio gig at KPIN-AM Casa Grande (now known as KFAS) in rural Arizona, only to get fired for reciting George Carlin's infamous "seven dirty words you can't say on the radio." Even then, the writing was on the wall: this kid wasn't going to play by the rules.
Throughout his career, Jed had the privilege of interviewing some of the most influential figures in music. In October 1995, he sat down with David Bowie at the KROQ studios, discussing art, identity and the ever-evolving soundscape of Bowie's Outside era. The conversation was irreverent, insightful and just weird enough to make perfect sense for both of them. Afterward, Bowie signed a piece of memorabilia for Jed with the perfectly understated note: "Jed, it's been fun…" Coming from the Thin White Duke himself, it was both a compliment and a cosmic wink, exactly the kind of farewell Jed might've hoped for.
More on Aussie Journal
- Cybersecurity is Protecting Your Personal Information and Your Portfolio
- L2 Aviation Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Managing Summer Staffing Surges with Confidence: Why Name Badges Are a Must for Seasonal Success
- Visa Named Title Sponsor of Ascending Athletes' Business Owners Summits for NFL Entrepreneurs
- The Paris Court of International Arbitration Elects Dr. John J. Maalouf as its New President
In addition to Bowie, Jed's on-air interviews spanned a who's who of rock and alternative royalty, including U2, Sting, Elvis Costello, Brian Eno and The Police. His conversations were unfiltered and human, often veering delightfully off-script, just the way he liked it.
Jed never locked a door or pulled down a window shade. He lived as he broadcast; open, unscripted and joyfully unfiltered.
Born in Orange County, California, Jed earned his First Class Radiotelephone Operator License in 1971 and later graduated from USC's Annenberg School of Journalism with a mind for media and a heart for pure creative disruption. He was twice named Billboard Modern Rock Personality of the Year (1997, 1999), won Radio & Records' Local Modern Rock Personality of the Year (1998) and was named one of Los Angeles' top radio personalities in 2004.
Even after his departure from KROQ, Jed's voice continues to echo across the airwaves. His iconic "K-R-O-Q" voice branding, recorded during his time at the station, is still in regular rotation today, serving as a constant reminder of his profound influence on KROQ and Los Angeles radio.
Outside of radio, Jed pursued a dizzying array of creative ventures. He drummed live with System of a Down during a KROQ Weenie Roast and produced for local punk acts like El Centro. In 2019, he unveiled The Shimmering, a sprawling public art installation at Hollywood & Highland that fused color, light and sound into a surreal sensory experience, just like his broadcasts always had.
He is survived by a community of artists, misfits and fans who were changed by the sound of his voice and the daring freedom it represented. Jed the Fish didn't just play the hits. He was the disruption, the detour the spark in the signal.
Obituary written in tribute by Jed's dear friend, Paul Sinacore.
Source: Paul Sinacore
0 Comments
Latest on Aussie Journal
- NASDAQ Uplisting for Higher Market Exposure and Wide Corporate Benefits to AI Boosted Marketing Company On Track Towards $1 Billion Revenue by 2027
- Congressional Men's Health Caucus Shows Bipartisan Consensus and Focus on Prevention, Mental Health, and Closing the Lifespan Gap
- DuoKey, Axiomtek and Blue Edge Network Partner to Enhance Smart Cities with Privacy-Preserving Urban Safeguarding and Fleet Management
- Climate Green: Melbourne's Trusted VEU Accredited Provider Making Electrification Easy with Expert
- Surf Coast Region Emerges as Victoria's Entrepreneurial Powerhouse
- Austin Keen Joins WakeFX RopePal as Official Brand Ambassador
- Bonelli Systems Expands Managed IT Services Nationwide, Leveraging Microsoft Azure Expertise
- $4.3 Million Patent Application Waiver Fee Granted by FDA on New Drug Application Fee for Treatment Addressing Suicidal Depression & PTSD: NRX Pharma
- Whistleblower Claims Dental Patient Deaths Likely Due to Book Ban
- xREnergy up as much as +3,094,634% on first day listed on the XRP Ledger. Ticker : $XRE
- Psychiatry's Legacy of Racism and Coercion Highlighted in Restraint Deaths
- New Book 'Cybersecurity Leadership' Guides SME Leaders to Make Smart, Strategic Security Decisions
- "Stop scrolling and start watching" - Beloved film recommendation site Criticker gets a major makeover
- Green Energy Solar Expands with New Offices in Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach, and Orlando
- Events by Dubsdread Expands Services to The Venue at Lake Lily
- London Gala Emphasizes Trade, FDI and Ongoing Cooperation
- Freedom Presents Art-full-life. Where Homewares Become Masterpieces
- Sahit Muja Launches Trillion-Dollar Green Revolution with 10 Groundbreaking Cryptos
- Free and Low-Cost Dental Care Now Available in London Through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
- Garden State Gay Socials Turns One: 1st Birthday Celebration for Gay Men Who Want Real Connection