Radio industry in mourning as Triple J legend dies at age 74

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The radio industry is mourning after the loss of a legend. 

Arnold Frolows, who had been the music director at Triple J for a long time, passed away at the age of 74 following a tough fight against pancreatic and liver cancer.

It is understood that Frolows was diagnosed with the illness just a month prior to his passing. 

He died at hospice at Mona Vale, in Sydney’s north, with his partner Christine King by his side.  

Frolows was a key figure in the establishment of the popular radio station back in 1974. 

Initially, he kicked off his professional journey within the Modern Radio Section at the broadcasting station, then known as Double J, where he served as a research assistant.

Since 1981, he served as both a host and a producer, even contributing to the popular Sunday evening program “Ambience.

Back in 2014, as reported by ABC, colleague Stuart Matchett stated that Arnold started working at Double J even before it officially launched, making him one of the initial team members hired for the company.

He amassed a significant portion of the vinyl records that formed the initial music collection. He designed the playlists for numerous shows on Double J.

He left Triple J in 2003, but continued working for ABC, before retiring from radio in 2014. 

As someone who deeply appreciates music, I’d like to share this sentiment: If your passion for melodies remains vibrant, regardless of age, let that be your guide. This was expressed in a conversation with the Sydney Morning Herald in the past.

‘Triple J is always ebbing and flowing with the currents of fashion and style. 

‘Questions like, ‘Are we playing too much metal and not enough dance music and Aussie hip hop?”

Station boss Ron Moss praised Frolows for the incredible work he had done at the ABC. 

In 2014, Webb stated that Arnold has served as an exceptional model for the rest of us, demonstrating what can be achieved at work and proving that even in a public-service setting, one can find something truly engaging and fascinating.

In 2005, Webb acknowledged that Frolows’ contributions played a crucial role in the growth and success of Triple J.

He talked about Frolows being a significant element that contributed to the early triumph of the radio station as a genuine ‘music’ station during an interview with RadioInfo.

I sadly passed away mere days prior to my 75th birthday, coincidentally on the vigil of the golden jubilee marking the initial rollout of the iconic Double J.

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2025-01-13 10:05