Johnnie Walker Retires from BBC Radio Due to Ill Health

Renowned BBC radio presenter Johnnie Walker has announced his retirement after an illustrious 58-year career. Walker, 79, is stepping down from his roles as host of ‘Sounds of the 70s‘ and ‘The Rock Show‘ on BBC Radio 2, citing his deteriorating health due to pulmonary fibrosis.

The broadcaster made the announcement during a live broadcast on Sunday, expressing his commitment to delivering memorable final episodes until the end of his career. “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 stated. His last episode of ‘The Rock Show’ is scheduled to air on October 25, followed by his final ‘Sounds of the 70s’ show on October 27.

Walker has been diagonsed with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition characterized by the scarring of lung tissue, which severely affects breathing. Walker shared a poignant moment with listeners by reading a letter from a fan whose father, a listener of the show, passed away due to the same illness in 2022.

His legacy at BBC is set to be carried forward by Bob Harris, who will take over ‘Sounds of the 70s,’ while Shaun Keaveny will assume hosting duties for ‘The Rock Show.’ Harris, who also hosts BBC Radio 2’s ‘The Country Show,’ expressed his honor in taking over from Walker. “I am proud and honoured to be taking over a Radio 2 institution from a true broadcasting great,” he remarked.

Walker began his career in 1966 on ‘Swinging Radio England,’ an offshore pirate radio station. He later joined Radio Caroline and then BBC Radio 1 in 1969, where he became a household name. He moved to San Francisco in the 1970s to continue broadcasting, but eventually returned to the BBC in the 1980s. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised Walker as a “broadcasting legend,” acknowledging his significant contribution to radio and his enduring connection with listeners.

A special ‘Sounds of the 70s’ box set collection is available on BBC Sounds for listeners to relive Walker’s most memorable moments. Walker’s influence on British radio is undisputed, and his departure marks the end of an era for BBC Radio 2.