Revered Melb Broadcaster, Musician & Artist Pierre Baroni Passes Away

Prolific Melbourne music personality Pierre Baroni has passed away.

PBS 106.7FM Melbourne, which Baroni was a staple of, confirmed the broadcaster, musician and artist passed away yesterday following an 18-month battle with cancer.

Baroni found success in the ‘80s with Aussie outfit The Pony and their big hit I Lied, while also performing with The Aliens, acclaimed for their single Confrontation, for a year, before working at Mushroom Art as a photographer and cover designer.

During his time with Mushroom, Baroni worked extensively with the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Kylie Minogue, The Church, Paul Kelly, Deborah Conway and more.

The soul music aficionado, who PBS described as “an extraordinary broadcaster”, joined the community station in 1997 and programmed and presented its Soulgroove’66 show since 2003.

He was also known for his DJ residency at Cherry Bar.

“Pierre’s shows were meticulously planned, brilliantly researched and presented with a clear reverence for the artists, musicians and labels for whom he was such a great champion,” PBS said in tribute to the beloved Melbourne talent.

“Pierre was a key part of the resurgent interest in classic soul music, and his passion and enthusiasm for these musicians on PBS and in Melbourne’s clubs helped make our city a great centre for soul and classic rhythm and blues.

“In coming days and weeks we’ll take the time to properly pay tribute to our great friend. For the moment however we’ll take some time to quietly mourn and to support all of those who were so close to Pierre. Our thoughts and condolences are with Pierre’s family and his many close friends. 

“Pierre presented his final program from Studio 2 on PBS last Saturday. We will miss him dearly.”