Barry Hansen, better known as Dr. Demento, has announced his retirement after 55 years of hosting his syndicated radio show. The 84-year-old DJ made the announcement during his May 31 show, stating, “I have been doing this show for nearly 55 years, about two-thirds of my life.
It’s been a blast, but I have come to the decision that I need to hang up my top hat soon. The show you just heard is the last of my regular shows.”
Dr. Demento began his career in 1970 on KPPC-FM, a free-form and progressive rock station in Pasadena, California, which is now known as KROQ-FM.
He became famous for playing what he called “funny music,” largely based on listener requests. At its peak, his show was syndicated on more than 150 radio stations, making it a favorite among fans of quirky and humorous songs.
Dr. Demento’s final broadcast
Throughout his career, Dr. Demento helped popularize many memorable tracks, such as “Monster Mash,” “Another One Rides the Bus,” and “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.” However, his most significant contribution to the music industry was launching the career of “Weird Al” Yankovic, who gained immense popularity for his parodic renditions of popular songs. Hansen’s nickname, Dr.
Demento, originated after he played “Transfusion” by Nervous Norvus, a song featuring the sound effects of vehicle crashes that had been banned on many radio stations in the 1950s. A fellow DJ at the station commented on the song choice by calling Hansen demented, and the moniker stuck. Over the years, he affectionately referred to his fans as dementoids and dementites, building a devoted following.
Although he will be stepping away from his regular broadcasts, Barry Hansen leaves behind a rich legacy of laughter and music, a testament to the impact of his unique brand of entertainment. Dr. Demento’s departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on the world of music and radio will be remembered for generations.
