Seattle Rock Radio Icon Kevin Diers Dies: KISW and Local Music Scene Mourn Beloved Voice of “Loud & Local
This week, a somber silence fell over the Seattle music community and the airwaves of KISW, as news spread of the passing of Kevin Diers, a beloved radio personality, journalist, producer, and fierce advocate for the Pacific Northwest’s hard rock and metal scene. Diers, whose unmistakable voice and dedication made him a local icon, has died—leaving behind a profound legacy and a deeply grieving community.
A Voice That Carried the Spirit of Seattle
Kevin Diers wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was a bridge between the stage and the fans. As a long-time contributor to KISW’s “Loud & Local”, a show devoted to promoting local hard rock and metal bands, Diers carved out a space where underground talent could thrive and be heard. With an ear finely tuned to the grit and energy of Seattle’s sound, he championed emerging acts with the same passion he gave to established legends.
Whether interviewing bands, curating playlists, producing shows, or showing up at local venues, Diers exuded authenticity. To countless musicians, he wasn’t just a media figure—he was a friend, an ally, and often the first person to give them a real shot at exposure.
“Kevin was the heartbeat of Loud & Local. He gave everything he had to the scene,” said one colleague at KISW. “He didn’t just play the music—he lived it.”
A Community in Mourning
Tributes have poured in from across Seattle and beyond. Fellow DJs, musicians, venue owners, and loyal listeners have taken to social media and the airwaves to express heartbreak and gratitude.
Local band members recalled his warm demeanor and genuine interest in their work. One artist shared: “He made us feel seen. Kevin was more than a host—he was family to this scene.”
In a statement released this week, KISW expressed deep sorrow at the loss:
“Kevin Diers was more than a colleague—he was a brother. His passion for music and his love for this city will forever echo through the halls of this station and the hearts of our listeners.”
A Legacy That Endures
Though Kevin Diers is gone, his impact will continue to resonate. His contributions shaped not just the playlists, but the spirit of a musical movement rooted in authenticity, raw power, and community support. The “Loud & Local” program remains a vital platform, thanks largely to his dedication.
Diers also worked as a music journalist and producer, extending his influence beyond the microphone. His interviews, music reviews, and event coverage helped countless fans discover bands that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Honoring Kevin Diers
In the coming days, several tributes and memorial events are expected to take place. Fans and friends have called for a special memorial concert or on-air tribute show that captures Kevin’s love for the loud, the local, and the live. KISW has indicated it is working on something fitting to honor his memory.
Listeners are encouraged to share their favorite moments or songs that remind them of Kevin using the hashtag #LoudForKevin. Already, stories of his kindness, humor, and enthusiasm are filling timelines and inboxes, a testament to the lives he touched.
A Final Salute
As the Seattle skyline fades into dusk and the sound of a power chord cuts through the static, the city remembers Kevin Diers—not just for the voice that rocked the radio, but for the heart behind it. He was a fan, a friend, a fighter for the music, and an irreplaceable part of Seattle’s soul.
May his memory remain as loud and local as the life he lived.
Rest in Power, Kevin Diers.
You gave Seattle’s music scene a voice—and it will never stop echoing.