Диджей DJ Shaggy покинул радиостанцию Z104 в Вирджинии после 25 лет работы

Prominent local disc jockey Brandon Stokes, known best by his on-air handle DJ Shaggy, is no longer at Virginia Beach radio station Z104. “Well…,” he began in a Thursday Facebook post, “I guess it’s time we talk about the elephant in the room.” Stokes announced his 25-year career at Z104 had come to end. He thanked his many listeners and the Hampton Roads community for supporting for his radio shows and the concerts and events he’s organized through the years. “For basically my entire adult life,” he said in the post, “I’ve woken up at ridiculous hours, talked way too much into a microphone, embarrassed myself publicly on a regular basis — Torture Tuesday, anyone? — slept on buses, put on concerts, gave away a LOT of stuff and somehow convinced Hampton Roads that a grown man named ‘Shaggy’ should be allowed near a radio microphone.” Audacy, the company that owns Z104, confirmed Stokes’ separation from the station in a statement: “Shaggy is no longer with the Z104. We thank him for his years of contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” The company did not give a reason for the departure, and Stokes did not answer phone calls or text messages Friday. It’s been a year of change and some notoriety for Stokes. In February, according to online court records, he pleaded guilty to a first-time misdemeanor offense of driving while intoxicated, stemming from a June arrest last year. In January, he said goodbye to running the iconic Haygood Skating Center on Ferry Plantation Road in Virginia Beach. Stokes’ Facebook post made clear his intentions to stay in Hampton Roads and that the annual music festival he founded, Shaggfest, and his work with the Stuff the Bus charity drive to collect toys and supplies for children will continue. “After 25 years,” Stokes said, “there’s one thing I can say with absolute certainty: I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together — and I’m grateful that you helped me become someone you trusted to be part of your day.” Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, [email protected]