On December 3rd, 1979, thousands of fans gathered outside Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati for what was supposed to be the night of their lives. For some, it was.

For others, it became a tragedy.

In this episode of Jonny’s Dead Air Podcast, a grandson’s love of music unlocks a story his grandfather has carried in silence for decades — a story of friendship, anticipation, survival, and loss surrounding the night that would become known as The Cincinnati Concert Disaster.

Eleven people died before the first note was ever heard.
Dozens more were injured.
And the band — The Who — never knew what was happening until after the show was over. This is not a story about blame.

It’s a story about the scars left behind — on families, on fans, and on the music itself. A meditation on memory, survivor’s guilt, and how joy can turn in an instant, The Shirt That Still Breathes explores the darker side of music… and the silence that follows when a song never truly ends.

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Written by Jonny Hartwell
Voiced by Jonny Hartwell
Music Credit: Reel World Audio.
A iHeart Radio Production

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains discussions of sensitive topics...Listener discretion is strongly advised. While the stories you’ll hear are rooted in real events, not every detail is strictly historical—some moments are dramatized with creative license to bring the narrative to life. Please keep this in mind as you listen.

Jonny’s Dead Air Podcast
Written, hosted, and produced by Jonny Hartwell.
A production of iHeartRadio Pittsburgh.

Thanks for listening—and for keeping the light on.