Bob Rivers ~ 1956-2025
HENDERSON, NV — After a courageous and determined three-year battle with esophageal cancer, Robert (Bob) Rivers left this earth on his own terms in Claremont, New Hampshire on the morning of March 11, 2025.
Bob spent his final night at peace in the comfort of his loving wife, Lisa, and two sons, Keith and Andrew, sharing memories and an occasional taste of his favorite, Bob & Lisa maple syrup.
The eldest of eight children, Bob was born in Honolulu on July 6, 1956, to Al and Barbara Rivers and raised in Branford, CT. It was there that he found his life-long passion for radio after winning an on-air contest at the age of seven! True to his nature, it was full speed ahead—subsequently launching a radio station at 14 and conducting on-air interviews with legends such as Paul Harvey, host of the popular *The Rest of the Story!* His first paid airshift was at age 16, and his passion would eventually carry him to a lifelong and successful career in radio, culminating in his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2023!
Bob became Program Director at M106 in Claremont, New Hampshire, taking it from an automated station to album rock and hosting a morning drive show. By the end of 1981, Bob married Elizabeth Berdecki and moved to Worcester, MA, where he started to make his mark with parody songs. His “Twisted Tunes” parodies became a staple of the *Bob & Zip Show* on WAAF, which he co-hosted with Peter “Zip” Zipfel. His parodies, including *Breaking Up is Hard on You!* and *I Am Santa Claus,* gained worldwide popularity.
In 1987, Bob moved to Baltimore’s 98 Rock/WIYY, where he inspired the Baltimore Orioles to end their 23-game losing streak with an on-air sit-in that lasted 259 hours. His stunt won *Billboard*’s Radio Promotion of the Year! He later moved to Seattle, where he hosted *Bob, Spike & Joe* for 25 years, entertaining audiences with insightful interviews and hilarious parody songs.
Beyond radio, Bob was a musician who played keyboards with Spike & The Impalers and Heart by Heart. After retiring from radio in 2014, he and Lisa returned to New England, where he pursued beekeeping, maple syrup production, and even overcame his fear of flying to become a pilot.
Upon his cancer diagnosis in 2022, Bob remained optimistic and checked off bucket-list items, including recording one more *Twisted Tune*, enjoying jam sessions, and sharing final moments with loved ones. His legacy lives on through his contributions to radio, music, and his unwavering passion for life.
Bob is survived by his wife Lisa, his sons Keith and Andrew, his granddaughters Hazel and Georgia, and his six siblings. A private service was held on March 15 in New Hampshire.
The family would like to acknowledge the support of the AA community, smartpatients.com, Dartmouth Health, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Nevada. Donations may be made to Black River Innovation Campus in Springfield, VT.
I’m honored to be a 2023 Inductee to the Radio Hall of Fame
For those who have asked about sending flowers, Bob’s wishes were that, instead, those who want to honor his memory consider donating to Black River Innovation Campus. This organization was close to his heart, supporting innovation and creativity—values that Bob championed throughout his life.
https://bricvt.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=b9c5a790-f571-4059-bd58-0403a86b03b2
I first heard Bob in Baltimore when I was working up there in the summer after high school. Just as he did, I moved to Seattle. I imagine from the late 90s to his departure in 2014, we are talking about Bob, Spike and Joe being the sound track to my mornings for what, a minimum of 500 hours a year for 15 years. I’ve heard his voice more than my parents. I met him multiple times at different events. I’m still sad and gutted.
Sad reading! I was listening to Bob Rivers Show around 2007-2009 over the web from Sweden.
/Eddie
I listened to The Bob and Zip Show every morning for the 5 or 6 years he was on WAAF out of Worcester,MA. in the early and mid 80’s. God’s Weather was the greatest! When The 12 Pains Of Christmas was first played we all cheered. Someone who “got it”! Thanks for so many amazing memories.
Bob is an important person in my life. I started listening to The Bob River Show in 2000. My mom would turn it on as we would get ready in the morning. There were some rough things going on in my life and this was something that we could do together and forget how unhappy we were for an hour or two. Twisted Tunes became an inside joke between the two of us. He still comes up in conversations between us in one way or another.
In 2004 I got to do a job shadow with him. I remember writing the email to Eric, not thinking I would get a reply. Not only did they say yes but there were explanation points! I got to sit in the studio one morning and watch Bob, Spike and Joe work their magic. I got an A on that project. Sometime within the next 2 years, we went to a calendar signing at Hooters in Tacoma and saw them again. I told him who I was and he said he remembered me but I wasn’t that convinced at the time. Thinking about it now, there’s probably a good chance he did. How many 9th grade girls had sat, awkwardly starstruck, in that studio with him?
Twisted Christmas Tunes have always been a part of my holiday tradition. On Thanksgiving, before any other Christmas music is played in my house, I have to listen to them. Over the last three years I’ve been able to share them with my own kids. There’s a lot of references I’ve had to explain but they love a lot of them! So for the rest of my life, 50 years God willing, there will never be more than a year that he doesn’t make me laugh.
I don’t know that anyone can really understand how much they can affect someone’s life without actually being in it. He gave me good memories during a time in my life where I don’t have many. I hope he understood as much as possible. Bob made my life better and I will always be grateful for his part in my life.
I live in Arizona and have never been to Seattle. But one day in 2006, I was looking up parodies online and came across Bob River’s web site. While listening to his parody of a Soundgarden song, I nearly fell out of my chair laughing! I listened to one parody after another, laughing non stop! I’ve been hooked on his parodies since then, sharing his funny songs with everyone who’d enjoy them.
RIP Bob Rivers. Your listeners in Seattle were lucky to have you on the airwaves for 25 years. What a blast your radio show must have been! Your legacy lives on in your parodies and your great sense of humor. My condolences go out to your family and friends.
♾️🕊️🌻❤️🎵📻🎙️
We rolled into the Seattle area right around the same time, grunge had just exploded onto the scene, and Seattle was about two things back then . . The music, and the Bob Rivers Show . . . . Bob brought countless hours of entertainment into my life, and the lives of so many PNW’ers. We are so incredibly lucky to have had you (Bob) in our lives for so long, with Spike & Joe and all the rest by your side….
You enriched our lives deeply on so many levels, and will never be forgotten.
Safe journey Bob Rivers . . . ❤️
Did not know of Bob’s passing until the Baltimore Orioles listed his name on Opening Day in a scroll of people connected to the club who died in the past year. Remember him fondly from his days in Baltimore on 98Rock (including his stunt of staying on the air until the Os finally won a game in 1988 – they started 0-23). May his memory be a blessing to his family, friends and many fans …
One of the all time greats. What a tragic loss indeed. RIP Bob Rivers. 😥
When I went to UW in the 90s for music, I got invited to sing on a few Twisted Tunes. Over the years, my then vocal group “m-pact” recorded 30? 40? tracks for Bob with Spike and a cast of characters.
Bob was always kind, warm, and so goddamn funny. He made so many people smile all the time. Thank you for great memories, Bob.
Terrestrial radio GOAT! thanks to Bob we have a huge talented team of his disciples still contributing. ❤️ 🍻 prost to Mr Rivers
I loved being a part of the morning conversation with Bob, Joe, Spike and Arik. I would sometimes send in a song parody idea and participate in the silly contests. So sorry to hear. Such an amazing talent.
My parents let me skip school when I was in 4th grade because my mom had won a contest to visit the studio for an Elvis impersonator. They were to scream when he entered. It was pretty rad getting to see the studio. Bob was so incredibly nice and showed me around a bit.
I would listen almost every morning before school.
Im sad to hear about his passing.
Well, came across him in the golden 90’s, where everyone was sharing music. And I found out a lot of parodies weren’t from Weird Al, but from Bob Rivers.
I collected whatever I got and I was thrilled of him and his talented skills in letting sound the song like the original but with, well, a twist perhaps. 🙂
In later days I tuned in to his radio show with Spike and I luved them, even when I wasn’t able to hear them every day due to workload and often being in a strange time zone.
I just read about his passing and I was wondering whether this was a fake, and came here to confirm, it WAS a fake, but I figure out, it wasn’t.
Sigh.
The World and of course America would have needed him much longer, not to mention his family.
I hope, whereever he is, he is also putting a smile on ppls face, which is more than a lot of others achieve.
So farewell Bob, I will continue to listen to your music, especially in winter season with all your twisted xmas songs.
Thank you.
Grew up listening to him in the 70’s and 80’s! Good memories,RIPSir!
I grew up listening to Bob on 98 rock, WIYY in Baltimore.
His rooftop crusade, during the Orioles opening of the season was immortal.
And all of his twisted tunes, we’re crazy stupid funny.
You will be missed, good sir!
I’m so sad about losing Bob. I always meant to send him a fan email and never did. It would have gone something like this:
Hi Bob
i been listening to Bob, spike, and Joe since u first arrived in Seattle. I would listen to u in the morn as I got ready to go to high school. Remember when u signed up your goldfish (Goldie O’Neil) for a bunch of magazine subscriptions in an effort to get him/her a credit card offer? I never did hear how this turned out. And then I would find u all again as u went from station to station “up and down the dial”. And then I most recently rediscovered your podcasts a few years ago, listened to them from the beginning, and roughly by the time I got caught up u got cancer, fuck! Bob, Spike, and Joe are like the voice of home to me. I’m very grateful to have found u all and for your big hearted giving nature. Most of all I’m grateful for the laughs.
im still can’t believe it…
Also, I heard some old excerpts of Bob Crane’s old morning radio show with Richard Dawson sitting in and it sounded very similar to u and Spike with Bob as Bob and Dawson as Spike…
anyways, I hope to catch you on the flip side….
I am an old-timer. Worked with Bob in NH. He was such a kind, intelligent and interesting person. It’s been a long time. I was so impressed.
My first exposure to Bob was as a teenager, sitting in a car with my friends when we thought the opening riff to Iron Man was playing….just to realise it was “I Am Santa Claus”…..changed my life.
I really enjoyed listening to Bob Rivers since the early 2000’s up until his last podcast. He will be greatly missed. Condolences from Mississippi. RIP
A true professional in everything he has done and he will sorely missed. RIP Bob
Met him one time listened since the 80s a truer PNW LEGEND., TO ME.
He was my inspiration and my comedic sensei.
I didn’t know Bob Rivers, the Seattle radio legend, or that he was even a celebrity until his induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. I knew Bob (Bobcat) from our esophageal cancer support group as another person battling cancer like I am. I followed his battle, his good days and bad days, on our weekly Zoom calls. I enjoyed interacting with him and listening to the sage advice that he imparted to our group on the lessons he had learned during his cancer journey. I will miss him in our weekly meetings, whether he was in his home studio, in a hotel room on vacation, or his hospital bed as he went through another treatment. I am fortunate to have known him, even for a brief while, and my life, however long or short, will forever be enriched just for having known him for this brief period in our lives. Rest in peace, my friend; you fought the good fight.
RIP my friend, I sorry we were playing phone Tag in January, and Did not get to say goodbye. My prayers for Lisa, and your Sons, I know you are with Alan now. I will see you down the road.
Tom
Thank you, Bob. ❤️
What a talent. I have been a fan since he hit Seattle.
I was fortunate to meet him at his house when I did the electrical wiring for his gate.
He and his team always made us all laugh every weekday.
He will be missed
His show was always on for my morning commute. He, Spike, Joe and the rest were absolutely the best. I remember they had a guy go to a AM/PM, get a slurpee and drink until he got a brain freeze just so they could have him try a remedy they had heard of. On air of course. It was hilarious. He seemed at peace from his last blog and ready for the next adventure.
Bob…Thanks for sharing your talents and making us laugh all these years! May you rest easy❤️
God bless you Dear Bob. Your voice is a shining light in this darkness all around us. You are very much loved. You are and always will be the elusive voice I will always look for on my radio dial. No more pain dear Bob, no more pain. Let yourself be loved by the Big Guy above…only love is real now…
Thank you always.
Bob has been a major insp;iration to me for many, many years. His Twisted Christmas CDs were brilliant, and I also really enjoyed hearing the Live From Bob’s Garage recordings when he’d have classic rock artists come play in his garage when they were in town. I remember the great back stories he shared about the recording sessions, like the time he had to buy a $6000 organ for Uriah Heep’s visit and it was delivered the day they were supposed to play, talk about cutting it close. It would be awesome if all those tapes could be released as a CD box set in his memory, maybe as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society!
Rest in peace, Bob. Rock on, rock hard. You will be sorely missed.
Had the pleasure of meeting Bob on a couple occasions. Saw the last show he did with the Impalers, there were very few dry eyes during the standing O for Bob at the end of the show.
Sad day. I listed to Bob, Spike and Joe for years. I moved to the seattle area in 1989 and once I heard the show I was a convert, followed them from station to station throughout the years. Legends!
Thank you for making me laugh, sing and smile to regular tunes as well as your Twisted Tunes, luckily I have a buch of CD’s I can listen to and remember.
Best wishes for you family, you were one of a lind
Ohh, so sad to hear this news. The Bob Rivers show was a great thing to listen to on my long commute home from crazy night shifts at Harborview. Never found a good replacement for it. He lightened our souls and his impact was far and wide. What a legacy! Condolences to his family, he will be missed by many!
For those who have asked about sending flowers, Bob’s wishes were that, instead, those who want to honor his memory consider donating to Black River Innovation Campus. This organization was close to his heart, supporting innovation and creativity—values that Bob championed throughout his life.
https://bricvt.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=b9c5a790-f571-4059-bd58-0403a86b03b2
I used to listen to The Bob Rivers show every morning. He, Spike and Joe were a mainstay in my morning commute. I bought every twisted Christmas CD and even had the opportunity to meet them in studio. He was a gentle soul with a superior wit. I even followed his off-air life event with the Barefoot Bandit after his plane was stolen. I would like to thank his family for allowing us the time to enjoy him on air. I know, like most people who have posted, that he left a legacy of laughter. I am saddened that he left us, but I am thankful for the joy he left behind for us.
I’m so glad to have met Bob, and not only be a guest of the show, but a friend. He was an amazing person on so many levels, so full of life, for himself, his family, friends, and the audience. My hat is off to you, kind sir.
I loved listening to Bob,Spike and Joe daily. So much fun. I ran into Bob randomly at a coffee stand on the peninsula one day and he couldn’t have been kinder. Rest in peace.
I did the 7-midnight shift at 98 Rock in Baltimore in 1988 when Bob stayed on for the Orioles 21 game losing streak (not 23) that launched him into broadcasting orbit. The 98 Rock staff was all at an Orioles game early in the losing streak and Chris Emry (the reason I had to change from my REAL first name Chris to Kirk) suggested Rivers stay on the air until the O’s won. Nobody that night expected it to go 11 days! We had the late night TV shows like Arsenio Hall checking in every night with the crazy DJ who’s STILL on the air because the Orioles lost AGAIN!. Hell, I got into People Magazine because of Bob’s legendary stunt. I remember him reading his sons Andrew and Keith bedtime stories on the air and snoozin down the hall overnight while we played albums in their entirety. I’m back at 98 Rock (my third tour of duty- I’m on afternoons with Marianne Sierk) and we would have Bob on occasionally to catch up (the last time was after his induction to the Radio Hall of Fame in 2023.) What a great, witty, charismatic man with a buttery voice and boyish grin. I love you, Bob. Thank you for the pleasure of your immense presence. Safe trip home. God bless Lisa and the family.
My kids all love really great music because of Bob, Spike, and Joe. Rest in peace, Bob. There will never be another like you.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Bob and Lisa about 2.5 years ago when he and 5 other esophageal cancer patients showed up to surprise my husband Doug. (Doug had started a zoom group for people with EC in 2021). And since then have had the opportunity to spend time with him in Vegas 2 years ago. Bob was a bright light in this often chaotic world, a genuinely nice person with a sharp wit and generous soul. And while we have lost many others on this cancer journey, I am going to say, this one hurts the most. Cancer sucks for everyone it touches, patients, caregivers, family but I can also say that it brought some of the most amazing people into our lives.
RIP Bobcat – thank you for just being authentically you.
Well, shit. You made us laugh. You were a positive when my life became very very dark. Godspeed sir, you made a difference
Bob was an incredible radio personality and an incredible human being. He overcame his demons and went on to create the greatest radio show that ever hit the Northwest airwaves.. the bob Rivers show & twisted tunes were created by the greatest minds and radio entertainment, and Bob Rivers was at the forefront of that creativity. The world was not ready to lose Bob yet, and my heart goes out to his family and the millions around the world that feel the loss. Rest easy Bob Rivers 💔
Listen to Bob for many years while stationed in Washington! Have many cassettes of twisted tunes and had the pleasure of meeting Bob and his son at Fred Meyers where I got a signed CD. Prayers for his family!!
I have a great story from when I bought Bob’s Asteroids Dlx arcade machine back in 2001. Won it off ebay for $450. The story behind it was that bitd, Bob had done a gig at bar and the guy wouldn’t pay so he took his arcades as payment, Ms Pacman and Asteroids Deluxe. So I setup to meet Bob for the game and at the time, he was transitioning from kisw to kzok. We’re moving the game into my truck, making small-talk, and finally he says, “Do you know who I am?”. I had to laugh because I asked him in correspondence for the game if he was the Bob from the show and he missed that since it was like a PS thing. I says, yeah, your Bob Rivers, what happened to your show? Now we’ve got plenty to talk about 😉
So I get back with the game and there’s already an email from Bob asking if I was interested in doing contracting work for him at his “fixer-up” on the islands. I was down and during negotiating the price he asked for, “The Bob Rivers Discount!”. That was great, the Bob Rivers discount! Best 2 weeks workin’ with him, and that’s a whole other story! Rest-well brother!
Thank you and your radio family for bringing the music, humor, and love every single day.
Rip Bob Rivers 💔
Thank you for (20 years for me) of fantastic radio, comedy, discussions, Twisted Tunes, guests etc.
You, Spike and Joe along with all the other cast and crew made sitting in traffic much more enjoyable.
In fact I often wanted to just sit in my car when I got to work 😉
Luckily you all were who we listened to for 14 yrs!
You are a true Seattle legend.
I’m glad I was there to celebrate your induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.
And see you play once again with Spike an the Impalers!
Blessings and condolences to your family, and friends.
You will be missed!
Bob and the crew made mornings in Seattle traffic bearable. I was lucky enough to be a part of the show on several occasions, in addition to spending some time with Bob and Joe outside of the broadcast booth. I have enjoyed listening to his podcasts since he retired.
My condolences to his family, his coworkers, cast of players and his crew. God just got another good one to help him chuckle at his creation. R.I.P. Bob, but crank the amp to 11.
I’m so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Loved listening to his morning show aired on KISW “Seattle’s BEST Rock!” on my way to school & work. We still love his Twusted Christmas collection…(my favorite “The Kids” & “There’s Something Up the Chimney.” So cute! He was a unique talent who will always be remembered. My prayers are with his family, friends and fans. Godspeed Bob!
I remember listening in the mornings and looked forward to it. He will be missed. A Seattle radio legend.
I’m so very sad. I don’t know what to add to what’s already been posted. Some words are so over used that they are meaningless but I think Bob is a “legend”. R.I.P. And to Lisa, Keith and Andrew, we’ll be thinking of you.
The Bob Rivers Show enhanced everyone’s lives who partook of listening to the radio programme.
The show truly was a daily tonic and an eye-opener.
I loved it.
I loved its cast of characters (Arik, Spike, Jodi, Joe, Pedro and Luciana) who all were perfect on-air companions to their leader (if you will).
When the show went off the air, in 2014, I felt bereft.
I hope that Mr. Rivers died peacefully and painlessly.
I put myself through college working nights at a grocery store. After a grueling graveyard shift, I’d drive 60 minutes from Kent to the University of Washington for classes. Bob Rivers and Twisted Radio on KISW were a constant on that commute and helped me stay awake. One time, I wrote in to disagree with something Bob said on the show. He treated me respectfully, even though we disagreed. I learned that the zany radio guy was also crazy smart. It was an important moment in my life, and I thank Bob for that.
Funny enough, I saw Bob’s recent post about his health, thought “oh crap”, and bought a jug of maple syrup *last night*. I thought about posting something to say thanks to Bob. But I didn’t. Let that be a lesson, too.
Thanks for everything, Bob. We appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
Miss Rock, Nudestock, Joe as an elephant, Twisted Tunes, Northbend and The Impalers Show, Car Calendar Signings. Part of my life, many commutes and on into future. My gratitude and sympathy to all. Will be listening for you in heaven when I get there….