BBC Radio 2 legend dies just two months after retiring due to ill health
Johnnie Walker has passed away just two months after stepping down from his presenting role on BBC Radio 2; it has been announced. Johnnie had pulmonary fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, a condition which makes breathing difficult.
Tributes have been pouring in for the star, with his wife, Tiggy Walker, writing a heartbreaking statement. She penned: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie - how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
“And if I may say - what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace.”
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Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, added: “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.”
Meanwhile, Tim Davie, BBC Director General, added: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Johnnie’s passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone at Radio 2. Johnnie was a pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music, entertaining millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2. No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.”
The star began his radio career back in 1966 on Swinging Radio England before he moved over to Radio Caroline. Johnnie soon became a household name by hosting a hit evening show for the pirate radio station.
Following Radio Caroline's closure, Johnnie joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 where he established a reputation as a DJ who focused on the music over chat on the airwaves. He launched his own midday show in 1971 where he pioneered new names in the industry like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Steve Harley.
Johnnie moved to San Fransisco in 1976 where he recorded a weekly programme on Radio Luxembourg. However, it wasn't long before he returned home to the UK in the early 1980s. He worked on Radio West and Wiltshire Radio upon his UK return before heading back to Radio 1 in 1987 to present The Stereo Sequence.
The radio DJ joined Radio 2 in 1997, where he presented documentaries before landing his own afternoon show the following year. He broke the news to listeners that he had cancer in 2003 and confirmed he would be taking a break from the role. However, he returned to his show the next year.
In 2006, he was awarded an MBE The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for Services to Broadcasting and collected his award from the then Prince Charles.
