Dave Marsh, Legendary Rock Biographer and Critic, Dead at 76

Key Points:

• Dave Marsh, a pioneering rock critic and biographer known for his work with Creem, Rolling Stone, and over 25 books including the definitive Bruce Springsteen biography, died on August 14 at age 76 in Norwalk, Connecticut.
• Marsh was an early advocate of Bruce Springsteen, writing the first major cover story and biography on him, co-creating E Street Radio, and hosting the SiriusXM show Kick Out the Jams for 19 years.
• Beyond Springsteen, Marsh authored influential works on rock history such as the Rolling Stone Record Guide and biographies on The Who, showcasing his encyclopedic knowledge and fearless critical style.
• He was known for his candid and sometimes controversial opinions, criticizing bands like Queen and Kiss while praising artists like Patti Smith, and contributed significantly to rock journalism over six decades.
• Marsh’s legacy includes his charitable work through the Kristen Ann Carr Fund and his impactful presence on SiriusXM’s E Street Radio, where he remained active until stepping down from hosting in 2022.