4ZZZ Music Department Coordinator & Host Chris Cobcroft Passes Away

Chris Cobcroft, musician, journalist, and legend of the Australian radio industry for over a decade at 4ZZZ, has passed away.

The news was revealed by Chris’s brother, Simon, on Facebook last night, with 4ZZZ sharing a post honouring an individual who worked as a host, Music Department coordinator and volunteer for the station for so long.

Chris Cobcroft peacefully passed away yesterday (14 February) after a lengthy battle with cancer, his brother shared. “His humour, passion, boundless erudition, irreverence and kindness will live always in our memories and hearts,” Simon Cobcroft wrote. “A life wonderfully lived, but finished far too soon. Hope you've found peace, my dear brother”.

In a post honouring Cobcroft, the team at 4ZZZ stated that they were saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. They praised his dedication to the Brisbane independent community station, mentioning his time as a volunteer and the immeasurable “drive and love” Chris had for the local music scene.

“Chris hosted The New Releases Show for 12 years on 4ZZZ as well as the popular Slack Bastard show,” 4ZZZ wrote in a touching post. “Chris was the Music Department Co-ordinator for many years and was such a huge proponent for the independent music scene in Australia.”

They continued, “Writing thousands of reviews over the years, his knowledge and curiosity for music was an inspiration for us all. All our thoughts go to Chris’ family and friends and everyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with him at 4ZZZ.”

In November 2022, Chris Cobcroft and his peers on the New Releases Show won the Contribution To Australian Music (Radio Program) award at the 2022 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia awards.

In July 2021, he appeared on 4ZZZ’s Only Human show to discuss his sudden cancer diagnosis and his recovery. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chris Cobcroft radio show without him talking about music, too.

Chris Cobcroft cited Metallica’s … And Justice For All, Nine Inch Nails’ Broken EP, Tori Amos’ Little Earthquakes, DJ Shadow’s Entroducing and Squarepusher’s Hard Normal Daddy as influential releases in his life.

The Music sends our deepest condolences to Chris Cobcroft’s family, friends, and the team at 4ZZZ. May the radio station and wider Brisbane music community continue to honour his music-loving legacy.