Remembering ‘Russ T. Nailz’

• Longtime San Diego media fixture, musician, comic and radio personality Russ Stolnack, better known as “Russ T. Nailz,” one of the original air personalities on XTRA (91X) back in the day, died Wednesday, March 9 at the age of 64.

According to several sources, Stolnack, who co-hosted On The Air San Diego on KUSA-TV Ch. 51 with fellow SD radio veterans Little Tommy Sablan and Robert “Sully” Sullivan, collapsed shortly after performing a song during Wednesday’s show taping. Other guests in the studio that day included fellow market legend Shotgun Tom Kelly (pictured here recently with Stolnack).

Sadly, despite their heroic efforts, EMTs were unable to save Stolnack. Needless to say, that taping was scrapped and a new show paying tribute to Russ will air this week.

91X posted this tribute to Stolnack on social media: “The 91X family is sad to share the news that comedian, friend, legendary San Diegan and former 91X morning show host Russ ‘T. Nailz’ Stolnack has died. Russ, thanks for all the laughs! May he rest in peace.”