Veteran radio star dies aged 79 just months after confirming BBC retirement
Veteran radio star Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79 just two months after retiring from his flagship BBC show Sounds Of The 70s.
Walker announced he was stepping down after 58 years at the BBC having been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
The condition makes breathing particularly difficult after leaving the lungs with scars.
Confirming his passing, BBC Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas said: “Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend.
“He made Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show appointments to listen to, sharing his personal memories and tales each week.
“He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply.
“Johnnie’s wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience.
“The airwaves simply won’t be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.”
Tiggy praised how her husband maintained his broadcasting career while battling debilitating lung disease, saying she “couldn’t be more proud” of his dignity and grace.
“He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish,” she added.
Tigger continued: “What a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven.”
Walker announced his retirement live on air in October 2024, following a poignant moment reading a listener’s letter about their father who had died from pulmonary fibrosis in 2022.
He said: “The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult.”
Walker’s decision came after making “little jokes about Puffing Billy” as he faced his own health challenges.
“I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end,” Walker told his listeners in his characteristic straightforward style.
Walker’s final episode of The Rock Show aired on October 25, followed by his last Sounds of the 70s broadcast on October 27.
In his farewell show, Walker reflected on the end of his radio career.
He said: “It’s going to be very strange not to be on the wireless anymore. Also, by the same token, life will be slightly less of a strain really, trying to find the breath in order to do the programmes.”
His touching final message to listeners included: “Thank you for being with me all these years and take good care of yourself and those you love and may we walk into the future with our heads held high and happiness in our hearts.”
Shaun Keaveny took over The Rock Show, while Harris assumed hosting duties for Sounds of the 70s.
Walker’s broadcasting journey began in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before moving to Radio Caroline.
He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969, marking the start of his long association with the national broadcaster.
In 1997, Walker moved to BBC Radio 2, where he remained until his retirement in October 2023.
BBC director general Tim Davie paid tribute to Walker’s legacy, describing him as a “pop radio pioneer and champion of great music”.
“No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back,” Davie added, highlighting Walker’s special connection with listeners during his remarkable 57-year career.