Los Angeles radio icon Edwin Gould III, widely recognized by his radio persona “Jed the Fish”, has sadly passed away at the age of 69. His departure marks the end of an era for many fans and music enthusiasts.

On April 14 at 6 AM, a heartfelt message on the DJ’s official Instagram account announced, “The world lost one of its most unique and brilliant personalities.” The post further revealed that Jed the Fish died peacefully in his cherished home, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and his fans. Reports from Variety indicated that he succumbed to lung cancer, a condition he had only recently been diagnosed with, highlighting the suddenness of this tragic loss.

Gould began his illustrious journey at KROQ in 1978 when the station was still a small, struggling FM outlet. Over the next two decades, he played a pivotal role in transforming KROQ into a powerhouse of new wave, punk, and alternative rock music. His influence helped launch the careers of numerous now-iconic artists, including Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Duran Duran, and The Pretenders, who all received their first significant airplay on KROQ thanks to Jed’s dedicated efforts. Recognized for his keen ear for emerging talent, his popular segment “Catch of the Day” became essential listening for any LA music aficionado eager to discover the freshest sounds.

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Known for his eccentric style, sharp wit, and infectious laughter, Gould was a standout figure amidst a multitude of radio voices. As KROQ solidified its status as a national authority in alternative radio, he emerged as one of its most celebrated stars. His accolades include being named Billboard’s Modern Rock Personality of the Year in both 1997 and 1999, as well as winning the Major Market Alternative Radio Personality of the Year award in 1998 and 2000. Additionally, he made a memorable appearance on the cover of Reel Big Fish’s 1996 album Turn the Radio Off, further cementing his place in music history.

In 1995, Gould launched the nationally syndicated show Out of Order, which he hosted until 2013 when the reins were handed over to current host Ted Stryker. After a remarkable tenure as the afternoon drive jock at KROQ, he made the decision to leave the station in 2012, marking the end of a significant chapter in his life.

On a personal note, this writer’s career was profoundly shaped by working alongside Gould for over a decade. We spent countless hours passionately discussing music, ranging from Devo to Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails to David Bowie, and virtually everything in between. His unique perspective and formidable presence in rock history will never be forgotten, and his influence continues to resonate.

Musicians and Fans Honor the Legacy of Jed the Fish

Following the news of Gould’s passing, KROQ encouraged fans and fellow musicians to share their tributes on Instagram, celebrating his remarkable life and career.

“RIP JED! Thank you for everything,” commented Papa Roach, while Flea, the bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, shared a series of heart emojis with the heartfelt message, “bless his heart.” Richard Patrick, frontman of Filter, expressed his sorrow, stating: “He was awesome. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.” Reggae rock band Pepper added their own tribute, saying, “Rest in paradise, brother! Your legacy will be carried in our hearts forever.”

“This is such sad news. We were fans of Jed and his shows on KROQ long before we ever met him,” shared The Offspring in a separate post, highlighting how Gould was the first to play their hit song “Come Out and Play.” They remembered him as “very smart and funny,” with a distinctive worldview. His amazing sense of humor will be sorely missed, and he will always be revered as a local hero.

Renowned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who began his career on the KROQ morning show Kevin and Bean, also paid a heartfelt tribute to Gould. He recalled, “After my first time on the air, this man, who was already a legend, pulled me aside to reassure me and tell me I was doing great. His world meant the world to me then and still does. There was no one like him, no matter how hard they tried.”

Similarly, Carson Daly, another KROQ alum, described Gould as “the maniacal magician of the alternative airwaves.” He reminisced about a Thanksgiving when he was feeling particularly homesick while working at KROQ. Suddenly, Jed burst into the studio carrying a full homemade Thanksgiving dinner, having driven all the way from Pasadena. He shared his own memories of working holidays early in his radio career and knew how challenging it could be. That hour spent together is a cherished memory for Daly, one he’ll never forget.