Dr. Demento retired

Photo Credit: Genevieve / CC by 2.0

Legendary radio host Barret ‘Dr. Demento’ Hansen has announced his retirement after 55 years in radio—marking the end of an era for fans of comedy and novelty music.

The most recent airing of his regular show revealed the news, with a series of retrospective episodes airing until his official farewell in October. That farewell will coincide with the 55th anniversary of his iconic radio program.

Dr. Demento first appeared on the airwaves in October 1970 at KPPC Pasadena (now KROQ-FM) hosting a free-form rock show before shifting his focus to comedy and novelty records. The unique format quickly won over listeners and by 1972, the show was a staple on 94.7 KMET in Los Angeles. After two years the show became nationally syndicated in 1974, allowing fans across the United States to enjoy his quirky humor.

Over the decades, Dr. Demento became synonymous with offbeat humor, introducing generations to songs like Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett’s “The Monster Mash,” Benny Bell’s “Shaving Cream,” and Barnes & Barnes’ “Fish Heads.” His most enduring legacy is the pivotal role he played in launching the career of noted parody song creator ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic. In 1976, Dr. Demento played Frankie Yankovic’s “How Many Burps In A Bottle of Beer” before introducing young accordionist Alfred Yankovic, who performed “Belvedere Cruisin’.”

The positive response to Yankovic—then only 17—led Dr. Demento to feature other songs including “My Bologna” a parody of The Knack’s “My Sharona.” Dr. Demento funded Yankovic’s first EP “Another One Rides The Bus” and helped him secure a record deal and launch a career that continues to thrive to this day. “If there hadn’t been a Dr. Demento, I’d probably have a real job now,” Yankovic said of the legendary radio host.

Dr. Demento’s show evolved with the times, from a terrestrial radio show to a subscription-based internet platform in 2010. At 84 years old, the legendary host has reflected on his journey, “it’s been a blast, but I have come to the decision that I need to hang up my top hat soon.” A series of bi-weekly retrospectives will introduce new listeners to the show’s early history, with a Top 40 songs countdown for the final episode.