Kevin & Bean Minus Bean?
• UPDATED: Listeners to the World Famous KROQ/Los Angeles did spit-takes with their morning coffee when, at the top of the 7am hour, Gene “Bean” Baxter announced he would be leaving the station’s signature Kevin & Bean morning show after 30 years. Baxter, who said he would exit “at the end of the year,” has hosted the show with partner Kevin Ryder since the show was launched in 1990.
Baxter also sent out a confirmation tweet that read, “Just announced on the @KevinAndBean Show, after 30 years I am leaving the show at the end of the year to move back home to England, the ninth largest island in the world. Much more to come on this.”
According to an account in The Hollywood Reporter, Baxter said he will be looking for a radio gig in the U.K., adding that it might be difficult considering his “stupid American accent.” He added that he felt that “30 years is a good time to stop.”
Jimmy Kimmel, a longtime friend and former KROQ colleague, tweeted, “Dear Bean, I’m sorry you’re being deported. I loved every day of our 5 years @kroq (especially the day you got stuck in the rear window of a pickup truck). Thank you for your kindness, support & great times. Congratulations on a remarkable run. Who’s going to tell @thekevinryder?” Looks like Ryder already found out, as he later tweeted, “Bean has wanted to move to England for a LONG time and I truly think this will make him happy. That makes me happy 🙂
Later, in subsequent tweets, Baxter said, “A) Again, not retiring, looking for radio work in the U.K.; B) The @KROQ morning show will continue, better than ever, I expect. C) My leaving is 8-10 months away so I am declining interview requests at this time, with all due respect. D) I am humbled by your well-wishes and stories of our time together so far.”
Baxter and Ryder were inducted into the NAB Hall of Fame in 2015. Stay tuned for more information regarding a specific timeline for Baxter’s departure and the future of the show.
