iHeartRadio Australia resurrects iconic music with Radio Dead

iHeartRadio is keeping music alive by partnering with UK broadcaster Steve Penk, bringing to life the new station Radio Dead, which will only be playing music by artists who have died.

The concept that came to Penk during what felt like a particularly loss-filled year for music, and perhaps was all the more appealing now that icons like David Bowie, Prince and George Michael are eligible for the playlist. 

Radio Dead will be exclusive to iHeartRadio, both across Australia and New Zealand.

“Radio Dead is an interesting, compelling and globally unique format that pays tribute to all the amazing artists who are sadly no longer with us, but have left behind a wealth of amazing music that most other radio stations ignore, or at best, very rarely play anymore,” says Penk. "It’s a way of showcasing all of these brilliant artists to a new generation of listeners who may not ever have heard this music before.”

But it’s not just the famous faces who are being featured – groups with at least one deceased member qualify. “It’s important we also remember all the talented drummers, guitarists, keyboard players and backing singers.” 

So even though Bruce Springsteen is still not only alive (touch wood, everyone) but touring constantly, you might catch ‘Born To Run’ on the station – Danny Federici, one of the founding members of the E Street Band passed in April 2008, and the Big Man behind its iconic sax solo, Clarence Clemons, died in 2011. 

“There is nothing negative about Radio Dead," adds Penk. "It’s an uplifting, joyous, positive tribute to some amazingly talented people.”