In Memoriam

Billy Bruce, a beloved part of our community and Ocean 98 Family, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

From 2009, he hosted a show he devised and created called The Rock Outside The Hall Show on Saturday Mornings. The show was originally one hour. He presented content that dealt with the artists, bands songwriters and solo acts that were not yet in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. His presentation was diligent, demonstrative and even sometimes, delicate. He created his shows for one purpose… the listener. He was able to convey his thoughts on artists not in the Hall through music, his own knowledge and constant research and dynamic delivery. He often dug so deep to provide actual accounts of the history of a subject that he ended up with articles printed at the time an artist was a popular and “in the news”. He intertwined, or “spidered” these musical stories with important world and social issues going on at the times he was speaking of to give us a more complete sense of events occurring simultaneously and places they were centered in

Most special about his shows, he had first hand knowledge of all the subjects he presented. As listeners, We were truly given the gift of living history.

In 2013, his Rock Outside The Hall Show went to 2 hours on Saturday, and a new show, "The Rock Inside The Hall Show" was introduced on Sunday mornings.

There are too many reasons to count why we will miss him. One thing we all can agree on as fans, friends and listeners… We will all miss his friendly, humorous and dynamic personality… especially, his opening to The Rock Outside The Hall Show "GOOD SATURDAY MORNING"!

Billy Bruce, August 2, 1945 - August 24, 2023

Born in Baltimore on September 23rd, 1948, to the late Robert H. Beatty and Margaret L. Beatty (nee Sullivan), survived by his wife of 44 years, Cindy, and his sister Barbara ("Bobbie") Corbett. He was pre-deceased by his other sister, Harriet L. Johnson.

Joining the Air Force in 1967, his final duty station in 1970 took him to Ching Chuan Kang Royal Chinese Air Force Base, Taichung, Taiwan, where he performed duties as an Admin in Special Actions, and as a Disc Jockey for American Forces Radio.

While overseas, Airman Beatty also participated as the hospital liaison for "Operation Amnesty", a program that assisted individuals with drug problems to get the aid they needed and guarantee them no less than a Medical Discharge.

Michael's love for radio began in Ocean City, MD as a part-time DJ on WETT in 1966.

His career in radio reached a high point in 2011 when he was hired by Ocean 98 in Ocean City and had a weekend position playing music, mostly from the 60s, the music that he loved so much.

Michael was certainly best known for his career as a club DJ in Ocean City MD where he was known as "DJ Batman".

Offering to play some music for his friend that opened a new bar in OC on Memorial Day weekend in 1981, he fully expected to only play that weekend as a favor to his friend, but fate had other plans.

His unique format and crowd participation caught on immediately and resulted in a 40+ year career that included over 8000 bookings at over 500 different venues, including over 25 colleges throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Michael was also very active with many local charities, volunteering his services always for free to the fundraiser. He saw this as a way to give back something to a town he loved so much - a town that gave him the opportunity to live a wonderful life.

His proudest moment came when he was asked to deliver the Keynote Address at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day 2015.

Michael Kent Beaty September 23, 1948 - June 12, 2022

Where were you born/grew up?
-Born easton md grew up in conn

Final meal, what would it be
-lasagna

One thing you want to do before you die?
-rhianna

What do you like to do in your off-time?
-Eat crabs and watch movies

if you could only go to 1 concert…who would it be?
-The late michael jackson

You have to move and you can only bring 5 items from your house. What are they?
-My pioneers turntables,my speakers,my laptop,harddrives, and my microphone

Movie you’ve seen the most times?
-Tombstone

What one thing would people be surprised to know about you?
-I wanted to be a preacher or minister

Favorite TV series?
-Power and lucifer

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?
-80S hip hop

Live on an island or in a big city?
-ISLAND

One artist to perform in your living room just for you who
-rhianna

what is your favorite car?
-mercedes

If you were forced to audition for American Idol, what song would you sing?
-You will never find by lou rawls

Favorite Pizza topping?
-Pepperoni

Pick a celebrity that defines “Cool”
-Young Elves

If you could trade places with any one person for 24 hours who would it be & why?
-TOM BRADY

Favorite sports teams?
-NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Whats your favorite adult beverage?
-CORONA

DJ Tuff September 15, 1964 - March 31, 2024