As a devoted listener and admirer of Johnnie Walker’s illustrious career spanning over five decades, I find it both heartwarming and saddening to hear about his retirement from BBC Radio 2. The man has been an integral part of my radio days, guiding me through the golden era of music with his impeccable taste and infectious enthusiasm.
After a remarkable 58-year career, popular BBC Radio 2 host Johnnie Walker has decided to hang up his headphones and retire from broadcasting.
On the most recent edition of Sounds of the 70s, broadcasted on October 6th, the individual who has been a part of the BBC team since 1969 announced his retirement. This was during his speaking time on the program.
1966 marked the start of Walker’s radio journey with the pirate station Swinging Radio England, after which he moved on to Radio Caroline and took charge of their night-time program.
Later on, he became part of BBC Radio 1 in the year 1969. After that, in 1976, he shifted to San Francisco to create a weekly program that got aired on Radio Luxembourg.
He returned to the BBC in the 1980s, where he currently hosts The Radio 2 Rock Show and Sounds of the 70s.
Curious about the departure date of Walker and the new host of his shows? Here’s what you should be aware of.
Why is Johnnie Walker leaving BBC Radio 2?
Walker is retiring due to his declining health.
For nearly four years now, I’ve been battling a mysterious lung condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPS), which has tested my resilience on BBC Radio.
He revealed in June on a special episode of the show that his IPS is “terminal” and getting “progressively worse”.
On the most recent edition of the Sounds of the 70s broadcast on Sunday (October 6th), Walker shared a letter from a viewer who’s father used to appreciate the show. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2022 due to the same health issue.
Walker told listeners: “Now, that leads me to be making a very sad announcement.”
He went on to say: “Maintaining the show’s standards appropriate for Radio 2 and dealing with the challenges that come with it have become increasingly tougher. That’s why I’ve made some light-hearted comments about Puffing Billy.
“So I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years.”
When is Johnnie Walker leaving BBC Radio 2?
Walker’s final episode of Sounds of the 70s will air on 27th October.
His last episode of The Rock Show will air on 25th October.
He told his audience, “On October 27, it will be my final Sounds of the 70s show, so I’ll strive to make the last three programs as exceptional as I am capable.
This week in 1978, the Rolling Stones graced America’s Saturday Night Live television program as special guests. They featured in a few skits and played three songs from their newest album titled Some Girls during the show.
“Well, one of the tracks on the album seems quite suitable at the moment.”
Walker then played the Rolling Stones’ 1978 single Miss You.
Who is replacing Johnnie Walker?
Previously known Old Grey Whistle Test host, Bob Harris, is set to take on the hosting duties for Sounds of The 70s.
“Walker also mentioned that not only will he share his final Sounds of the 70s episodes, but starting from November 3rd, the show will be led by none other than Bob Harris, so it will be Bob Harris who will take over hosting Sounds of the 70s.
Meanwhile, Shaun Keaveny will take over as host of The Rock Show from 1st November.
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2024-10-07 15:05