Jed Gould dead: Iconic DJ 'Jed the Fish' who worked with David Bowie dies

Jed 'The Fish' Gould, the legendary Los Angeles radio DJ who spent 34 years at KROQ-FM, died Monday of lung cancer, according to reports. He was 69. "At 6 a.m. on April 14, 2025, the world lost one of its most unique and brilliant personalities," read a post on the Jed The Fish Instagram.

Gould joined the radio station in 1978 and hosted the afternoon drive. He was named Billboard's Modern Rock Personality of the Year in 1997 and 1999.He also hosted the long-running nationally syndicated radio show Out of Order. After leaving KROQ in 2012, Gould worked at KCSN from 2012-2018 and had a brief stint at KLOS in Los Angeles.

Jed is notable for being the first US DJ to play 80s British bands Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and The Pretenders on the airwaves. He also interviewed music megastars such as David Bowie, Sting and Elvis Costello.

Jed was renowned for introducing new and unheard bands to the scene by playing their music before it became mainstream.His popular show was an outlet for alt-rock, new wave and punk rock.

Tributes poured in for the much loved DJ as current KROQ host Megan Holiday paid her respects to Jed. She typed: "Jed the Fish was one of the kindest, funniest, and most unique people I've ever met.He was endlessly creative and could light up an arena with his energy."

More tributes to the LA radio star poured in, with KROQ personality Poorman commenting: "Jed Um Fish Um... Dude you are the best! It was my privilege to be able to work with you at KAY rock all those years! Very few could do radio at your level brother and friend." (sic)

Meanwhile, KROQ DJ Allie Mc Kay wrote: "You loveable wackadoodle! Thanks for being such a huge part of growing up in LA, and one of the nicest people at the station. RIP Jed. There will never be another like you."