When Doug “Sluggo” Roberts arrives at Zoom, his dedication to pop culture is evident on screen. Behind him, it’s impossible to miss the evidence: a version of R2-D2 sitting on vinyl boxes, a bold “Star Wars” theme displayed as a human cover.
The setup feels as low as the back and is like a window to the desires that create him.
A Phoenix native, Roberts is one of SiriusXM’s most iconic voices. The long-time 1st Wave and Lithium radio emcee combines deep intelligence, deep musical knowledge and a genuine love for the artists he sees. Whether it’s on terrestrial or satellite radio, Roberts brings infectious energy to every turn, weaving stories, trivia and personal opinions in a way that feels good and speaks effortlessly.
When he’s “in the air,” Roberts shares stories about the hot spots in the Valley, his hot spots like the Christown Spectrum and Metrocenter malls, his time at Deer Valley High School and his life in Maryvale, New River and Tempe.
One of his Valley locations was Tower Records in Tempe – a place that was not just a store but his sanctuary. Long before playlists and algorithms dampened the joy of discovery, the Tower was where Roberts wandered the aisles for hours, poring over imports, hunting down rare items and soaking in the community that a big record store can do. However, in Hollywood, Tower Records was special.
He says: “I did this thing live at Tower Records in Hollywood one time with Duran Duran. “It was going to be (shown) around the world. It crashed, technically. But they were very nice. They didn’t care.
His introduction clip for Duran Duran was used on the “Too Much Information” EP.
The valley brought Roberts a series of firsts, each shaping his future radio career. Roberts’ first record was the 45th title track “Welcome Back, Kotter”, Roberts recalls with a laugh.
“I didn’t know I could buy music on the radio,” he says.
My sisters had Black Sabbath and Beatles (records) that I inherited. They were 10 and 12 years older than me. I didn’t know what to feel. When I was about 9 years old, I immediately requested songs on KOOL (AM). They would let me have the songs, and I would record them, sometimes reel-to-reel.”
He doesn’t flow – he buys everything he listens to. Lately, that’s getting harder; the places he used to rely on are not reliable. He bought music on Amazon until that option disappeared. Now he buys through Apple, but he still likes to dig through used record stores in Los Angeles and Burbank. His turntables are still connected, and he prefers to have his music live. During the hour’s commute, he drives around with a USB stick containing the songs he’s bought and plays them into his system, listening to a collection he’s built himself.
His first concert: Adam and the Ants at Graham Central Station – mostly for his friends.
He says: “I had that car, so my friends in high school said if I drove it, they’d put me in the program, and I said, ‘I’m in.'” I drove us there, and I was angry. I already loved music, thanks to MTV.”
The Adam and Ants concert and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” confirmed his love of pop culture.
“I had been going to ‘Rocky Horror’ for a long time,” he says. “I saw it 150 times at UA Christown and I was part of the stage show. I loved the energy that was in the theater every night for the movie. When I first saw the concert, I immediately focused on the vibe, the energy, the excitement and the real joy of being there.”
Having produced and attended many shows since then, Roberts always thinks about those times.
“I always come back to the feeling of, ‘Wow, this is a blast.’ Everyone has fun. This is where I want to be – with a good crowd,” he says.
Based in LA and on world-renowned KROQ station, it’s on SiriusXM’s 1st Wave (channel 33) from 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern) Monday through Friday; and wraps up the week with the 360 Party on Friday night. Sometimes, he fills Lithium (channel 34).
Sirius encourages his quirkiness and enjoys what the hosts bring to the (turn) table.
He explains: “What I bring is strange and groundless. “One of my favorite things on Sirius is the Friday 360 Festival because Chris (Muckley, program director of 1st Wave and Spectrum) digs deep into the vault. You will find classics that I had forgotten about, or did not know about. I listen to Billy Idol and Marky Ramone’s shows and I kept hearing about things that I had been buying completely. “
Muckley, an old friend, is impressed by Roberts’ musical knowledge and kindness. He calls Roberts “one of the best in the business,” with a quirky, irreverent perspective.
“It’s something that can’t be duplicated,” Muckley says. He loves broadcasting, and he is also the nicest guy in the world. He would give you the shirt off his back. There is no arrogance there.”
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