R.I.P.: Kevin Diers, Influential Seattle Radio Host

Kevin Diers, a beloved Seattle radio host, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2025, at the age of 39. 

Diers was a prominent figure in Seattle’s radio and music scene, particularly as the longtime host of Metal Shop and Loud & Local on 99.9 KISW-FM, a mainstream rock station owned by Audacy. He also worked as an announcer and board operator at KUOW, Seattle’s public radio station, contributing to shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

 
Diers’ radio career began at Green River College’s KGRG, where he hosted Dead Air with Ian Reas. His talent led him to win a contest to co-host Metal Shop on KISW, a platform he used to champion heavy metal and Seattle’s local music scene. He later became the sole host of Loud & Local, a show dedicated to promoting Pacific Northwest bands, earning him widespread admiration for uplifting emerging artists. Colleagues described him as a passionate advocate for local musicians, with KISW stating, “Local musicians and metal fans lost one of their biggest champions and we all lost a dear friend.”

The announcement of his death came on May 8, 2025, via KISW and KUOW, with no specific cause disclosed, though some sources mentioned unannounced health issues.