Johnnie Walker closes final radio show: May we walk with our heads held high
DJ Johnnie Walker, while wrapping up his last radio broadcast, encouraged listeners to face the future with confidence and joy. The show included heartfelt messages from his wife, Tiggy, and music legend Sir Rod Stewart.
The experienced host, who is 79 years old, wrapped up his last Sounds Of The 70s program on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday afternoon. This followed his final episode of The Rock Show on Friday, where he played a selection of his beloved rock anthems.
Earlier this month, Walker revealed that he is stepping away from radio after 58 years because of health issues. He had been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) prior to this announcement.
After playing Johnny Nash's song "I Can See Clearly Now," he wrapped up the show by remarking, "We've reached the conclusion of a 15-year journey on Sunday afternoons with Sounds Of The 70s, and I've been a part of British radio for 58 years."
It will feel quite unusual not to be on the radio anymore. At the same time, I believe life will be a bit easier overall, as I won't have to push myself to come up with content for shows.
"I really appreciate your companionship over the years. Please make sure to look after yourself and your loved ones. Let's move toward the future with confidence and joy. Wishing you all the best."
Walker’s condition leads to scarring of the lungs, which progressively hinders breathing, as stated by the NHS.
He concluded his performance with Judy Collins' rendition of "Amazing Grace," having started with George Harrison's song "What Is Life."
Looking back on his time broadcasting, Walker shared, “I really enjoyed those Sunday afternoons with you all. It’s going to feel quite odd for me next Sunday at 3 PM knowing I won’t be chatting with you anymore. Instead, it will be Bob Harris taking over with Sounds Of The 70s.”
“I'll really miss you, and it's been wonderful to connect over all these years. We've shared so many experiences together.”
Walker, who was born in Birmingham, started his journey in pirate radio with Swinging Radio England in 1966, and later transitioned to the offshore station Radio Caroline.
After the station shut down, he left for BBC Radio 1 in 1969, where he remained until 1976. He then relocated to San Francisco, where he produced a weekly program that aired on Radio Luxembourg.
In the early 1980s, he went back to the BBC and has been with the organization ever since. For many years, he has consistently aired programs from his residence in Dorset.
Walker selected his top songs for his final performance, but he dedicated his second song, "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge, to the audience of Sounds of the 70s.
He included a final track in Johnnie’s Jukebox – Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird – before locking it up for good. He playfully mentioned that he would hand it over to Elon Musk, the head of SpaceX, so it could be launched into space.
Additional songs highlighted in the collection were "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Sir Elton John and Kiki Dee, "Holy Holy" by Neil Diamond, and "Sailing" by Sir Rod Stewart.
Sir Rod sent a recorded message to Walker, expressing his gratitude for the support he has given to numerous rock bands throughout the years.
He said, "Hey Johnny, it's Rod Stewart. I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude for playing my music, as well as songs from The Faces and nearly every other rock group out there, on your fantastic show all these years."
In doing so, you helped elevate a group of overlooked individuals to the highest levels of success, bringing them instant recognition and all the perks that come with it.
"Clearly, we wouldn't have reached this point without your support."
The seasoned DJ revealed earlier this month that he would be stepping away from radio after 58 years because of health issues (Yui Mok/PA).
The rock star wrapped up the message with a proposal for Walker, stating, “If I happen to make it through the pearly gates, I’d love a pint of Guinness, my friend, and you know what? I'll cover the cost. Until next time, Johnnie. Keep rocking, buddy, keep rocking.”
Later in the program, Walker's spouse, Tiggy, commended him for persisting with his broadcasts even after he fell seriously ill in January.
Tiggy, who has been married to the radio DJ for over twenty years, worked with her husband for five months during the lockdown.
While attending his final show on Sunday afternoon, she said to him, "You should take pride in how long you've been broadcasting this year."
Back in January, you became seriously unwell, and I honestly doubted you would be able to perform in February. Yet, here you are, still going strong after 10 months.
I understand that things have been extremely tough for you. I’m the only one who truly understands the struggles you’ve faced, and I want to acknowledge your strength for pushing through this difficult time. Your perseverance brings joy to many people around you.
"I understand that many people will be shedding tears today, myself included."
Walker acknowledged that he might cry a bit as he expressed his gratitude for her exceptional support. He remarked, “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do the show without it, so thank you for that.”
His ex-colleague Sally Boazman also appeared with him on the air, expressing that collaborating with him on the Drivetime show from 1999 to 2006 was the "greatest fortune of my life."
"I just want to express my gratitude for everything. We had an amazing time together. And Johnnie, I will always remember you," she said.
Bob Harris, who previously hosted The Old Grey Whistle Test, will begin hosting Sounds Of The 70s starting November 3. Meanwhile, Shaun Keaveny will step in as the new host of The Rock Show starting November 1.
