Remembering Larry “Moon” Thompson

UPDATED: Our radio family has lost yet another beloved member — Larry “Moon” Thompson, who co-hosted the popular Moon & Staci afternoon drive show for 17 years on Hubbard Hot AC KSTP (KS95)/Minneapolis-St. Paul, passed away early on Jan. 25 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was 65 years old.

The tragic news was shared with the staff in a memo from Dan Seeman, Hubbard Radio VP/Region Manager Minnesota, which reads, in part, “Moon was a true radio legend, a Hall of Fame broadcaster that touched thousands of KS95 listeners and everyone here in the hallways at Hubbard Broadcasting. In 2003, Moon joined Staci Matthews to host afternoon drive on KS95. The duo literally redefined afternoon drive radio, adding entertainment, humor and personal stories to the great music played on KS95. Moon and Staci dominated afternoon drive ratings, making them the most-listened-to PM drive show in Minneapolis-St. Paul. More importantly, they changed lives and made our communities better, supporting charities like Susan G. Komen, Gillette Children’s, Children’s Cancer Research Foundation and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.”

Seeman added, “Moon’s commitment to the MS Society was especially personal — he was diagnosed with MS in 2005 and remained on the air with Staci until 2019, when he retired to focus on his health. Moon never lost his sense of humor and his passionate love for radio. A gregarious storyteller, Moon was as entertaining in the hallways as he was on the air. Pre-show, post-show (and too often during the show) he would roam the hallways looking for someone (anyone) to tell an old radio tale or a current story about one of his kids that he adored, his wife, Cynthia, his favorite rib joint, or adventures with his service dog, Ritz.”

In closing, Seeman said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with first and foremost with Moon’s wife, Cynthia, and his three children. I also want you to keep Moon’s ‘work wife,’ Staci, in your thoughts and prayers. She will need our support through this.”

• In tribute to Moon’s brave and lengthy battle KS95, in cooperation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, has established “Moon’s Miracle Fund To Fight MS.”

• KS95 will also remember Moon on air and with some classic Moon audio. The station is also soliciting listeners to contribute their own tributes to Moon via social media, using the hashtag #RememberingMoon.

Remembering Larry “Moon” Thompson