Bay Area Radio Personality Billy Steel Passes

Billy Steel (Photo: Facebook)

Longtime SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA radio personality PAUL PRAVETTONI, known as BILLY STEEL on the air, passed away on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26th, 2022. He was 56. The official cause of death has not been released by the family.

STEEL’s career path in radio started long before his adoption of the metallic DJ name. His first break in broadcasting was after being a local house DJ, being hired as Morning Show Producer at CBS Rocker KRQR/SAN FRANCISCO (now KLLC) by host PAUL “LOBSTER” WELLS.  He became an invaluable member of the morning show team. Becoming BILLY STEEL, he next worked at former Rock station KSJO/SAN JOSE.

WELLS told ALL ACCESS “It’s a great shock, as PAUL was only 56.  He was one of the nicest guys I ever met.  Bright, creative, and totally in on the fun. I was very proud of his continued career, and of his devotion to family.”  It was at KRQR that STEEL met STEVEN SEAWEED, who was already established as the penultimate midday jock. STEEL eventually moved on to CUMULUS Classic Rock KSAN (107.7 THE BONE)/SAN FRANCISCO, where he created THE BONE's "Metal Zone" show, and became a passionate supporter of the BAY AREA's Metal scene. 

STEEL left KSAN in 2006, but maintained his strong relationship with THE BONE staff and WELLS, helping induct SEAWEED (who had moved on to 107.7 THE BONE) into the BAY AREA RADIO HALL OF FAME in 2012, and was there to help induct WELLS as a Program Host into the BAY AREA RADIO HALL OF FAME in 2021. STEEL was also present for THE BONE's LAMONT & TONELLI when the longtime morning show was inducted in 2021 as well. 

SEAWEED posted this tribute to STEEL on his FACEBOOK page saying, "I am so sorry to tell you that my dear friend BILLY STEEL has passed away. We worked together many years in radio and I can tell you he was the absolute best. He taught me everything I know about computers and METALLICA and friendship.  BILLY was a guy who always made me look good, and I was so honored when he so expertly inducted me into the BAY AREA RADIO HALL OF FAME. I loved the man dearly. We spoke often. I will treasure our moments together and I send my love to his beautiful family."

STEEL is survived by his wife,15-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. A GO FUND ME campaign has been started by a friend of his family to help with medical expenses incurred.

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