Johnnie Walker’s farewell message on final episode of The Rock Show
Get Free Real-Time Breaking News Alerts!
Subscribe For Free Breaking News Updates!
Subscribe For Free Breaking News Alerts
I’d like to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
Johnnie Walker has delivered a heartfelt goodbye as he wraps up his last episode as the host of The Rock Show on BBC Radio 2.
The experienced host revealed that he will be stepping down from his radio career after 58 years, citing health issues as the reason. He had earlier been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
The NHS states that this condition leads to scarring in the lungs, which in turn makes it harder to breathe.
At the start of his show, Walker announced to the audience that he was "taking charge" and would be selecting a few of his favorite rock anthems to share.
He kicked off with “Sweet Jane” from the Velvet Underground's 1970 album Loaded and wrapped up with The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” which he referred to as a timeless classic.
During the one-hour episode, Walker also performed "I Need Never Get Old" by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
In response to the title, he remarked, "If that were really the case, I wouldn't be stepping away from The Rock Show."
Every week, the show invites guests to share who they consider their "rock god." Walker chose Bruce Springsteen, describing him as a "wonderful person."
Before wrapping up, he invited listeners to catch Shaun Keaveny, who will be stepping in as the new host of The Rock Show starting on November 1st.
"I always like to finish the show by giving a shout-out to Liz 'Queen of Rock' Barnes. She truly deserves the title; she's put in an immense amount of effort into creating this rock show, blending both classic and contemporary tracks in a fantastic way. I'm sure you've enjoyed the combination of the familiar and the fresh,” Walker mentioned.
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
For new subscribers only. After a free trial, the cost will be £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
For new subscribers only. After the free trial, the cost is £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
He mentioned that his producer had done an outstanding job and expressed his gratitude to her.
Walker’s wife Tiggy, who also takes care of him, posted a photo on social media of him getting ready for the show, dressed in a large curly wig and a pink shirt.
She mentioned: "For his last Rock Show, Johnnie decided to wear something special for the event..."
Walker’s last episode of his other show, Sounds of the 70s, will be broadcast this weekend. Starting from November 3rd, former The Old Grey Whistle Test host Bob Harris will take over the program.
The DJ, who hails from Birmingham, kicked off his career in 1966 with pirate radio at Swinging Radio England, and then went on to join the offshore station Radio Caroline.
He left after the station shut down for BBC Radio 1 in 1969, working there until 1976. He then relocated to San Francisco, where he produced a weekly show that aired on Radio Luxembourg.
In the early 1980s, he went back to the BBC and has been there ever since.
Further contributions by the Associated Press.
