The “Death Pic” Debate: Rethinking How We Honor Artists

When an artist dies, the instinctive response from many in radio and media is immediate: share a photo with the artist, adding some caption about how they were “my guy” or “my dude.” It’s an automatic response, one that seems genuine in the moment, but, if we’re honest, it can come across as a bit…self-serving.

I think it’s time to discuss what we, as media and radio professionals, should really do when an artist passes away. Is our knee-jerk reaction to post a picture actually respectful, or is it inadvertently showcasing our own egos? Are we focusing too much on getting “the perfect picture” and not enough on capturing a genuine connection that means something to our audience?

The Obsession with “The Picture”

There’s no doubt that, in our field, securing a photo with an artist feels like part of the job. For some, it’s proof of access. For others, it’s a memento of a special moment. But when you see the same people posting yet another photo with the same artist, you have to wonder: What message does that send? When record reps are in training, is there an overemphasis on getting “the picture” above all else?

If you’re genuinely friends with an artist, why constantly post pictures together? It raises questions. Do we do this with other friends? When was the last time you posted a new photo every time you hung out with your actual friends? If you’re truly close with someone, you don’t need to prove it every time they walk into the room.

What Does the Audience See?

Let’s talk about the audience perspective for a moment. When someone constantly posts photos with artists, what does the audience think? Is it impressive, or does it feel like self-promotion? Imagine the power in posting a photo of a listener with that artist instead. If you’re on a station’s social media, a listener-centric post may resonate more than another “me and the artist” shot.

The “Death Pic” Moment

Now, let’s get to what sparked this entire conversation. When an artist dies, why is the first instinct to post a photo with that artist? The intent may be to share a memory, but let’s consider how it appears to others. Posting a picture with the caption, “Rest in peace, my dude,” comes off as hollow, especially if that artist wasn’t a close, personal friend. Instead, why not take a step back and think about what your audience wants to see? How can you help them process the loss in a way that’s meaningful for them?

Meaningful Ways to Remember

When a beloved artist passes, I believe there’s an opportunity to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Here’s what I propose:

1. Check the Facts: So much mis-information is online. Be the credible source for your audience. Make sure you have a good, legit source of information. Then, once confirmed- be swift with your response. Get it online and on socials asap. Don't forget about the power of email databases. Perfect for this if you can be quick.

2. Play Their Music: This is the simplest and most powerful tribute. Let the artist’s music speak for them and provide listeners with a chance to relive what made that artist so impactful.

3. Encourage Audience Stories: Open up the phone lines or social media for listeners to share memories or thoughts about the artist. This allows the audience to grieve in a personal way, offering them a voice during a time of loss.

4. Show Genuine Emotion: As radio personalities, we have the privilege of being with listeners during meaningful moments. Sharing a heartfelt story or emotion can be far more impactful than a simple photo.

   
   

Take a page from the amazing talent - Melissa Chase, who used this approach authentically and meaningfully talking about a listener that called trying to give her a hard time for showing emotion. She didn’t focus on herself; she made it about the artist and the audience, and talked about what happens when an artist dies... she did good... real... authentic..

In the end, this isn’t about pointing fingers or declaring what’s “right” or “wrong.” It’s about recognizing that, as people in a position of influence, our actions during these moments matter. So, think twice before posting that “death pic.” Instead, consider what will truly resonate with your audience and bring them a bit of solace during the loss. Because maybe, just maybe, they don’t need to see another picture of you with an artist. They need to feel the presence of that artist’s spirit through the music and memories.