Veteran broadcaster Johnnie Walker has announced that he will be stepping down from his two long-running BBC radio shows due to ill health. In a heartfelt message, the 79-year-old DJ revealed that he will be leaving both ‘Sounds Of The 70s,’ which airs on Sunday afternoons, and ‘The Rock Show’ on Friday nights by the end of October.
This decision comes after a remarkable 58-year career in broadcasting. Walker has been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult.
Walker has spoken candidly about his health struggles in recent months. Earlier this year, he shared that his condition was “terminal” and was getting progressively worse, making it harder for him to continue working.
His health has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the professional standards required for his shows, leading him to make the difficult decision to retire. In a live broadcast on ‘Sounds Of The 70s,’ Walker read a poignant letter from a listener whose father had passed away from the same condition, using this moment to announce his retirement.
During his on-air announcement, Walker reflected on the challenges he has faced in recent months as his health has deteriorated. He explained that the effort to deliver shows at a level he feels is suitable for Radio 2 has become more and more difficult, which ultimately led him to retire.
Despite the sadness of the decision, Walker promised his listeners that he would do his best to make his final three episodes of ‘Sounds Of The 70s’ as good as possible. His last episode of the program will air on October 27.
Walker’s career in radio began in 1966 at the offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England, where he first made a name for himself. He later moved to Radio Caroline, another pirate radio station, where he hosted a popular night-time show.
When Radio Caroline was shut down, Walker joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969. He remained with the station until 1976, when he relocated to San Francisco to record a weekly show that aired on Radio Luxembourg. These early years of Walker’s career helped solidify his reputation as a trailblazer in the world of music radio.
In the early 1980s, Walker returned to the BBC, where he has remained a beloved figure ever since. Over the years, his shows have become iconic, particularly ‘Sounds Of The 70s,’ which has allowed listeners to relive the music and memories of that era.
His influence on the British radio scene is undeniable, and his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of BBC music broadcasting. Despite his health struggles, Walker’s passion for music and broadcasting has never waned, and he has remained committed to his listeners until the very end.
Walker’s final episode of */’The Rock Show’ will air on October 25, two days before his last ‘Sounds Of The 70s’ episode. While his departure is bittersweet, the BBC has already announced the hosts who will take over his shows.
Bob Harris, another veteran broadcaster, will replace Walker on ‘Sounds Of The 70s,’ and Shaun Keaveny will become the new presenter of ‘The Rock Show.’ Both hosts are well-regarded in their own right, and they will undoubtedly bring their own unique styles to the programs.
As Johnnie Walker prepares to sign off for the final time, his contributions to the world of radio will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
Over nearly six decades, he has been a constant presence in the lives of millions of listeners, sharing his love of music and creating lasting memories. Though his career is coming to a close, Walker’s legacy will live on, and his impact on radio broadcasting will not be forgotten.
