Lucrezia Ciotti Federico the Flying Dutchman , a legendary radio host, DJ, and record producer, has died at the age of 76. Hospitalized in intensive care in Monopoli, Puglia, Frederik Matthijs Van Stegeren left an indelible mark on the history of Italian radio, thanks to a career spanning over fifty years at Radio Monte Carlo, Radio 105, and RTL 102.5.
Farewell to Frederick the Flying Dutchman: from Radio Monte Carlo to RTL 102.5, a career spanning over fifty years.
The radio world mourns the passing of Frederik Matthijs Van Stegeren , known to millions of listeners as Frederick the Flying Dutchman . He was 76 years old and died in Monopoli Hospital, Puglia, where he had been admitted to intensive care. A radio host, DJ, and record producer, he spanned over fifty years of communications history, becoming a key figure in the era of free radio and the evolution of Italian radio.
Born on April 19, 1950, in Deventer, Netherlands, he spent part of his childhood on Lake Garda, where his father ran a holiday village. In 1969, he enrolled in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Amsterdam, but did not complete his studies: his passion for music and the world of radio took over.
After attending live performances by bands and artists such as Pink Floyd, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones, he began his career at Radio Veronica , a Dutch station that broadcast from a ship outside territorial waters to circumvent the state monopoly. It was artistic director Noel Coutisson who gave him the nickname "The Flying Dutchman," which would remain with him throughout his career.
His breakthrough came in Italy in 1972 , when he landed at Radio Monte Carlo , called by Coutisson himself to bring his style to the Italian public. The Federico Show was born there , a program that helped make him famous thanks to his dynamic hosting, deep voice, and strong rock influence. During his time in the Principality of Monaco, he alternated his work on the radio with evenings as a DJ at Jimmy'z. In 1977, he moved to Rai Radio 2, where he hosted A tutte le radioline together with Herbert Pagani and Riccardo Heinen. The following year, he began a long experience at Radio 105, which lasted twelve years, while in 1983 he also tried his hand at television, hosting Popcorn on Canale 5. In 1984, he arrived at RTL 102.5 , a station where he remained for sixteen years and where he was the protagonist of The Flight , one of the most recognizable events of his career. He subsequently worked at R101 and, from 2015 to the end of 2024, at Radio Norba.
After announcing his intention to reduce his commitments and move to Tunisia , he continued to return behind the microphone for special occasions: in January 2025 he participated in an episode of The Flight and then landed on Radiofreccia with 50 anni a tutto rock . Alongside his radio career, he cultivated a passion for writing and music production , also penning the hit "Wojtyla Disco Dance ." His books include Radio Files , Il Principato. Storie di radio e rock'n'roll , published in 2016, and Il cartello olandese , published in 2019. Over the years, he has received awards such as the Radiogrolla in 2007 and the Cuffie d'oro in 2011.
Federico the Flying Dutchman has died, farewell to the historic voice of Italian radio.
RTL 102.5 remembered Federico the Flying Dutchman with a farewell message , highlighting his contribution to the history of Italian radio and the long professional journey he shared with the group. From his early experiences on free radio to his most recent collaborations, the host dedicated his life to music and entertainment, becoming one of the most recognizable voices on the airwaves. The station also commemorated his last project, 50 Years of Rock, created for Radiofreccia and available on RTL 102.5 Play. The message concluded with a simple and affectionate " Ciao Federico ," accompanied by a red heart, to bid farewell to a professional who left a profound mark on the world of radio.
Radio Monte Carlo also paid tribute to him , hailing him on social media as an “ unforgettable voice and a precious part of its history ” , recalling how, thanks to the Federico Show , he had helped define “a season of great creativity”.
See this content on Instagram