Johnnie Walker closes final radio show: May we walk with our heads held high
DJ Johnnie Walker expressed to his audience, "Let’s step into the future with pride and joy in our hearts," as he wrapped up his last radio broadcast, which included heartfelt messages from his wife Tiggy and Sir Rod Stewart.
The seasoned host, aged 79, wrapped up his last Sounds Of The 70s broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday afternoon. This came shortly after he concluded his final episode of The Rock Show on Friday, during which he featured some of his beloved rock anthems.
Earlier this month, Walker shared that he would be stepping away from radio after 58 years because of health issues. He had previously been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
After playing Johnny Nash’s "I Can See Clearly Now," he wrapped up the show by stating: “We’ve reached the conclusion of a 15-year journey with Sounds Of The 70s on Sundays and a remarkable 58 years on British radio.”
It will feel quite odd not being involved with radio anymore. However, at the same time, it will also make life a bit easier in some ways, since I won’t be stressing over finding the energy to create shows.
"I truly appreciate your support throughout the years. Please make sure to look after yourself and your loved ones. As we move forward, let’s do so with pride and joy within us. Wishing you all the best."
According to the NHS, Walker's condition leads to scarring of the lungs, which progressively makes it harder to breathe.
To conclude his performance, he chose to play Judy Collins' rendition of Amazing Grace, starting off with George Harrison's song, What Is Life.
Looking back on his time in broadcasting, Walker shared, “I’ve really enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons with you. It’s going to feel quite odd for me next Sunday at 3 PM knowing I won’t be on the air with you. Instead, it will be Bob Harris taking over with Sounds Of The 70s.”
"I'll really miss you, and it's been wonderful to share these years together. We've experienced so much side by side, you and I."
Walker, who hails from Birmingham, kicked off his career in radio with Swinging Radio England in 1966. He then transitioned to the offshore station Radio Caroline.
He left the station after it shut down and joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969, working there until 1976. Later, he relocated to San Francisco, where he produced a weekly show that aired on Radio Luxembourg.
In the early 1980s, he rejoined the BBC and has been with the organization ever since. For many years, he has consistently broadcast from his home in Dorset.
For his final performance, Walker selected all his favorite tunes but dedicated his second song, "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge, specifically to the listeners of Sounds Of The 70s.
He included one final track in Johnnie's Jukebox – Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" – then closed it up for good. He humorously mentioned that he would give it to Elon Musk, the head of SpaceX, to launch it into space.
Other songs showcased in the lineup were "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" by Sir Elton John and Kiki Dee, Neil Diamond's "Holy Holy," and Sir Rod's "Sailing."
Sir Rod recorded a message for Walker to express his gratitude for the support he has given to numerous rock bands throughout the years.
He said, "Hey Johnny, it’s Rod Stewart. I really want to express my gratitude to you, my friend. Thank you so much from the depths of my heart for featuring not just my music, but also The Faces and nearly every other rock band out there on your amazing show throughout the years."
In doing so, you launched the careers of several overlooked individuals, catapulting them to the peak of popularity and all the accompanying perks of sudden celebrity.
"Clearly, we wouldn't have reached this point without your help."
The experienced 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 his message by putting forth a proposal to Walker. He said, “If I happen to make it through the pearly gates, I’d like a pint of Guinness, my friend, and just so you know, I’ll cover the bill. Catch you later, Johnnie. Keep rocking, my friend, keep rocking.”
Later in the program, Walker's wife, Tiggy, commended him for persisting with his broadcasting activities even after he fell seriously ill in January.
Tiggy, who has been married to the radio DJ for over twenty years, spent five months co-hosting with him during the lockdown period.
While attending his final show on Sunday afternoon, she told him, "You should take pride in how long you've continued to broadcast this year."
Back in January, you became extremely unwell, and I didn't expect you to continue performing through February. Yet, you've managed to persevere for ten months.
I understand how tough it's been for you. I'm the one who truly appreciates the struggles you've faced, and I want to commend you for persevering as long as you have. Your efforts bring joy to many people.
"I understand that there will be plenty of tears today, including my own."
Walker acknowledged that he might get a bit emotional as he expressed his gratitude for all her "amazing support." He added, "I definitely couldn't have managed the show without it, so I really appreciate that."
His ex-colleague Sally Boazman also appeared alongside him to express that collaborating with him on the Drivetime show from 1999 to 2006 was the “greatest fortune of my life.”
"I really want to express my gratitude for everything. We had an amazing time together. Johnnie, you will always hold a special place in my memories," she said.
Bob Harris, the previous host of the Old Grey Whistle Test, will step in as the new presenter of Sounds Of The 70s starting November 3. Meanwhile, Shaun Keaveny is set to take over as the host of The Rock Show beginning November 1.
