R.I.P.: Veteran Programmer Bill Scott

Bill Scott

Veteran Rock radio programmer and air personality Wild Bill Scott has died due to complications of a stroke in Auburn, CA.

The "Wildman" had been doing consulting for DSN Radio, as well as voiceover work. Scott launched the hard rock radio network Z-Rock in 1986, and did stints at stations across the U.S. such as KROQ-FM, WLUP-FM, KDKB-FM, WLLZ-FM, WMET-FM, KUPD-FM, KNAC-FM and WKLS-FM.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Wild Bill, and can't forget his contributions to the radio and record business over the years" stated longtime friend and Digital Syndicate Network President Guy Giuliano.

Z-Rock was a nationally syndicated radio network based out of Dallas, Texas, USA, in the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s that played heavy metal and hard rock music. The format was one of ABC Radio Network's (now Cumulus Media Networks') 24-hour satellite formats (formerly Satellite Music Network). Z-Rock debuted on Labor Day 1986. In March 1990, Z Rock was nominated for Billboard Awards, the only full-time hard rock/metal programming ever nominated in the history of Billboard magazine. After several changes in personnel and programming direction, the network was discontinued on December 31, 1996.

Slogans used for Z-Rock's imaging and promotions included "If it's too loud, you're too old!", "Flip us on and flip them off", "We don't brake for wimps" and "If you're not crankin' it, you must be yankin' it!" and "Lock it in, and rip your knob off". It also used to mock classic rock programming, then say "Who cares?! Z-Rock RULES!"

When the Z-Rock radio network was shut down by the end of 1996, affiliates were free to adopt the Z-Rock name and/or imaging. Some of them are still using it today.