Charlotte Radio Community in Shock as Ace & TJ Split After 25 Years
Charlotte’s vibrant radio scene was hit with a wave of surprise on Friday morning when it was announced that the beloved morning duo, Ace & TJ, would be parting ways after an incredible 25 years of entertaining listeners together. The announcement came bright and early at 7 a.m. on the show’s social media channels, revealing that David “Ace” Cannon would be leaving the popular syndicated program. Starting September 23, the show will be welcoming Bryan “Riggins” Weber as he steps in to co-host alongside Ritchie “TJ” Beams.
The Shocking Announcement
The message posted on social media read: “The new TJ & Riggins Show begins Monday, September 23. Expect much of the same content and products with some new additions to be announced soon. Ace is no longer associated with the show.” The suddenness of the announcement has left many fans on social media expressing their bewilderment and concern. Comments flooded in with responses such as “What happened?”, “This is a joke, right?”, and “I need to know the tea. That’s drastic.” It’s clear that fans are eager to understand the reasons behind this split.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
While Cannon hasn’t spoke out yet regarding his departure, the duo’s manager, Adam Goodman, confirmed that there is a nondisclosure agreement in place. However, he reassured fans that “we want to try at least to relay that he is still our friend.” He also stated that Cannon’s exit from the show was “rather sudden” and emphasized that there was “none of the drama” that the social media conversations seemed to suggest. Goodman added, “It has nothing to do with TJ or any of the rest of the staff.”
From Local Favorites to Syndication
Since their introduction as a radio pair in 1993 on a Top 40 station in Louisiana, Ace and TJ have come a long way in their careers. They followed a journey that took them through various stations, making their mark in Baton Rouge, Huntsville, and Birmingham, before landing in Charlotte in 1998. The duo captured the hearts of many listeners, making notable stops at Kiss 95.1, Channel 96.1, and K104.7. Their journey has been illustrious, and they became synonymous with morning radio in the Charlotte area.
A New Era Begins
As TJ & Riggins take the airwaves starting Monday, fans can expect to hear much of the same content they love. Goodman mentioned, “We’re doing the exact same show (starting) Monday. It’s just called something different — and Ace isn’t there.” Riggins is no stranger to the show, having joined as an intern back in 2009, and has played a part in the dynamic between Ace and TJ for nearly a decade. Fans will likely find comfort in Riggins’ familiarity and relationship with the show.
Moving Forward with Optimism
This change marks a significant shift in the popular program’s landscape, but Goodman remains hopeful about the future. “We are heartbroken over the loss of a tremendous radio performer,” he said referring to Cannon. “Our hope for Ace is that somewhere down all of this is a great other side for him. There’s nothing positive we wouldn’t hope for for him. This is a person we love.” As the team looks to evolve and refresh the show, they have plenty of discussions lined up on how they can uphold and enhance the listening experience.
Conclusion
In a radio community that thrives on connection and loyalty, the news of Ace & TJ parting ways has sent ripples of nostalgia and curiosity throughout Charlotte. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, the upcoming changes promise to bring an exciting new chapter. As we prepare for the TJ & Riggins Show, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the legacy and laughter Ace brought to our mornings for so many years.
