The sudden passing of Kevin Diers in May 2025 sent shockwaves through Seattle’s underground music community, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come. Known for his steady presence as a radio personality, his passionate advocacy for local bands, and his deep connection to Seattle’s heavy music scene, Kevin’s impact was immeasurable. His death marks the end of an era for the Pacific Northwest’s punk, metal, and hardcore communities, but his legacy is one that will continue to echo through the amps, microphones, and memories of those whose lives he touched.
Kevin was not just a radio personality—he was a curator of passion, a champion of underground music, and a voice that brought the heart of Seattle’s music scene into living rooms, cars, and headphones across the city. From the moment he picked up the microphone at KISW 99.9 FM in the early 2010s, Kevin became a vital voice in the Seattle music scene, seamlessly blending his encyclopedic knowledge of music with his commitment to amplifying the voices of local artists. He didn’t just play music; he told the stories of the bands, fostering a community that celebrated every note and riff.
Born and raised in Seattle, Kevin’s connection to the city and its music scene was immediate and lifelong. Growing up, he was immersed in the city’s rich musical history, attending concerts and shows that ranged from grunge to punk to hardcore. His early exposure to the city’s iconic venues and the music that defined Seattle’s sound laid the foundation for the unique and influential radio voice he would later become. For Kevin, music wasn’t just a passion—it was a way of life. And it wasn’t long before his tastes gravitated toward the heavier side of the spectrum, from metal and punk to hardcore. These genres would become the soundtrack of his life, and his dedication to them would go on to define his work as a broadcaster and tastemaker.
Kevin’s journey with KISW began in what seemed like a rock ‘n’ roll fairy tale. In the early 2010s, he entered a contest to co-host the station’s popular “Metal Shop” program, an opportunity that would change the course of his life. Winning the contest marked a pivotal moment in Kevin’s career, and he soon teamed up with friend and co-host Ian Reas. The chemistry between the two was immediate, and their shared enthusiasm for heavy music resonated with listeners. What started as a co-hosting gig soon blossomed into a dynamic partnership, with Kevin’s natural charisma, encyclopedic music knowledge, and deep-rooted respect for underground music making him a listener favorite.
As the years went on, Kevin became more than just a co-host on “Metal Shop”; he became its heart and soul. His voice was synonymous with Friday nights for many in Seattle, and his shout-outs to local bands became a cherished part of the program. Kevin was a tireless supporter of Seattle’s music scene, always seeking out new talent and giving local acts the exposure they deserved. His ability to highlight both well-known and underground bands gave Seattle’s heavy music community a voice it had long been searching for. For many artists, being featured on “Metal Shop” was not just a radio moment—it was a badge of honor.
But Kevin’s contributions didn’t stop with his work on “Metal Shop.” He also became the long-time host of “Loud & Local,” a radio show dedicated to showcasing Seattle’s homegrown talent. On “Loud & Local,” Kevin didn’t just play songs; he told the stories behind the music. He interviewed bands, featured live in-studio performances, and gave listeners an inside look at the thriving local scene. More than just a radio show, “Loud & Local” became a cultural touchstone, a place where local bands could gain exposure and where Seattle’s heavy music community could come together.
For many musicians, getting a spin on “Loud & Local” was a rite of passage. Kevin wasn’t just promoting music; he was preserving a culture. He understood the importance of local music, the stories that needed to be told, and the power of the underground scene. For Kevin, it was never about the commercial success of a band—it was about the authenticity of the music and the passion behind it. He was a storyteller at heart, and his show was a platform for that storytelling. His commitment to the scene went beyond his role as a host; he was a friend, a mentor, and an ally to countless musicians, always offering encouragement and guidance.
Off the air, Kevin’s influence was no less profound. He was a familiar face at local shows, always supporting the bands he played on-air, attending concerts, and making connections with fans and musicians alike. Kevin wasn’t just covering the scene—he was an active participant in it. His genuine love for the music and the people behind it was evident in everything he did. He wasn’t concerned with fame or accolades—he was there for the music, and he was there for the people who made it.
When news of Kevin’s passing broke in May 2025, tributes poured in from across the country. Seattle bands like Heiress, Black Breath, and Dragged Under shared heartfelt messages, recalling the first time Kevin played their music on-air and how his support had helped them gain exposure. Former guests on “Loud & Local” reflected on their interviews with Kevin, remembering his kindness, his passion, and the respect he showed to every band, no matter their size or success. Fans shared stories of the impact Kevin had on their lives—how his radio shows provided a soundtrack to their days and how his encouragement gave them the confidence to pursue their own musical dreams.
In the wake of his passing, several initiatives were launched to preserve Kevin’s legacy. The “Kevin Diers Archive,” a community-led effort to collect and digitize past episodes of “Metal Shop” and “Loud & Local,” was created to ensure that Kevin’s voice and influence would live on. Plans were also put in motion to rename a stage at a local venue in his honor, ensuring that future generations of musicians would perform under his symbolic watch. The “Diers Foundation” was established to support up-and-coming musicians in the Seattle area, further cementing Kevin’s lasting impact on the music community.
Coworkers at KISW described Kevin as someone who brought an infectious energy to every production meeting. He was always the first to recommend a new band or share a story about a legendary show he had attended. Kevin was meticulous in his approach to radio—he wasn’t just playing music; he was curating an experience. His playlists were carefully crafted, and every show was designed with the listener in mind. His commitment to creating the perfect moment for his audience made his broadcasts more than just radio—they were experiences, memories, and milestones in the lives of those who tuned in.
In the months following Kevin’s death, Seattle’s music community has rallied together to celebrate his life and honor his contributions. Benefit concerts have been organized in his memory, with local bands coming together to raise funds for the Diers Foundation and support causes close to Kevin’s heart. Shows are being dedicated to him, and candlelight vigils are being planned at the venues that Kevin loved. His loss has prompted a deeper reflection on the importance of community, mental health, and the people who make the music scene a thriving, supportive place.
One of Kevin’s final on-air sign-offs has since become a rallying cry for fans and musicians alike: “The scene isn’t the same without every one of us. So show up. Scream loud. Love hard.” This message, spoken with the same passion and sincerity that Kevin brought to every show, has since been shared across social media, printed on stickers, and displayed in venues across Seattle. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community, the power of music, and the love that binds the scene together.
Kevin Diers was not just a radio personality—he was a conduit for the music and the people behind it. His legacy is one of passion, dedication, and love for the music that defined his life. He may be gone, but his voice lives on in the music he supported, the bands he championed, and the community he built. In amplifying others, Kevin amplified himself. And now, even in silence, his voice is still being heard.
Kevin Diers gave Seattle music something few others ever could: a beating heart behind the distortion, a human voice behind the soundboard. He never asked for center stage, but now, posthumously, he owns it. And the community will make sure his name is never forgotten.
