Legendary DJ Richard Blade

In this interview, legendary KROQ DJ Richard Blade reflects on the golden age of alternative radio, crediting program director Rick Carroll's music-first philosophy for creating the environment that made the station's DJ lineup so exceptional. That lineup included our mutual friend, the late, great Dusty Street. Blade offers frank insights into today's radio landscape, which he describes as "a swamp" programmed by salespeople rather than music lovers, while sharing career advice about setting bold goals and the importance of knowing your audience. From breaking new wave bands in the '80s to his current role preserving that era's legacy, Blade discusses stories from his autobiography "World In My Eyes," including a Hollywood movie project in development based on his relationship with Berlin's Terri Nunn. Through industry changes and celebrity encounters, the interview reveals Blade's core motivation remains unchanged: he's simply a guy who loves sharing great music with people. We (Richard, myself, and my wife, Michele) recorded this interview backstage at the Carolina Theatre in Durham before Richard’s show with Howard Jones and Haircut 100.