Veteran DJ Johnnie Walker to retire from radio after 58 years

DJ Johnnie Walker has made the “very sad announcement” of his retirement from radio after 58 years as a host.

Presenting today’s edition of Sounds of the 70s on BBC Radio 2, the 79-year-old told listeners he would be stepping down from the Sunday afternoon show, as well as the Rock Show.

He began the announcement by reading a letter from a listener whose father had enjoyed the show but died in 2022 from pulmonary fibrosis, which Walker was diagnosed with earlier this year.

Walker then told listeners: “Now this leads me to make a very sad announcement.

“The difficulties I had making the show and trying to maintain a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 became increasingly difficult, hence my little Puffing Billy jokes, so I had to make the decision that I have to end my career after 58 years.

“And so I’ll do my last Sounds of the 70s on October 27, so I’ll make the last three shows as good as possible.

“This week in 1978, the Rolling Stones were special guests on the American television show Saturday Night Live and appeared in a few sketches and performed three songs from their latest album, Some Girls.

“Well, one of the tracks on the album seems quite appropriate for the moment.”

He then performed the Rolling Stones’ 1978 single Miss You, before announcing that he would be replaced on the show by former Old Gray Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris.

He added: “And by the way, I can also reveal not only my latest Sounds of the 70s, but the person who takes over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris, so Bob Harris will be in charge of Sounds of the 70s. from November 3.

Speaking earlier this year, Walker said his condition, which causes scarring of the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult, is “terminal” and getting progressively worse.

He also credited his radio shows, saying he would “probably die a lot sooner” without them.

Speaking about succession to Walker, Harris said: “I am proud and honored to be taking over a BBC Radio 2 institution from a true broadcasting great.

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“Johnnie and I have been friends since my years presenting Old Gray Whistle Test and the original Sounds of the 70s and I will do everything I can to maintain his legacy and curate the program with the best music from this incredible decade.”

Shaun Keaveny will become the new presenter of The Rock Show on November 1.

Walker’s final episode of The Rock Show will air on Friday, October 25, between 11 p.m. and midnight, while his latest Sounds of the 70s will air on Sunday, October 27, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Birmingham-born presenter began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before joining the legendary Radio Caroline, becoming a household name hosting the hugely popular nightly show.

He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969, serving until 1976, when he moved to San Francisco to record a weekly program broadcast on Radio Luxembourg. He returned to the BBC in the early 1980s, where he has remained ever since.

A special collection of Sounds of the 70s box sets on BBC Sounds will allow listeners to enjoy a selection of Walker’s best moments.