Johnnie Walker, one of the UK's best-known radio presenters, who worked for the BBC for many years, has hung up the microphone for health reasons. Yesterday, Sunday, the 79-year-old presented his last Sound of the 70's programme on BBC Radio 2.
The 79-year-old Walker suffers from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, also known as IPF, a serious respiratory disease that makes breathing difficult. One of the consequences of this is that Walker has recently been broadcasting from his home in the south-west of England rather than from the BBC studio.
His last programme was not only special because his wife Tiggy was a guest, but also because singer Rod Stewart, as well as numerous other greats from the music scene, sent Walker a very emotional message of thanks.
‘I have to thank you my friend, thank you from the bottom of my heart for playing not only my songs, but those of The Faces and pretty much every other rock band in the world in your wonderful show over the years,’ Stewart said. ‘In doing so, you've helped the careers of a bunch of unknown amateurs to the top of the charts and overnight stardom and everything that goes with it. It goes without saying that we might never have got this far without your support. So if I manage to get through the gates of heaven, I'll have a pint of Guinness please mate, and guess what, I'll pick up the tab. See you later, Johnnie. Rock on mate, rock on,’ Stewart concluded.
Walker had taken over the Sounds of the 70's programme in April 2009 and gave the project a very special touch with his distinctive voice. At the beginning of October, Walker announced that he would be stepping down as presenter and that the show would be his last on 27 October 2024. Over the years, Johnnie Walker has not only had Sir Rod Stewart as a guest on his programme several times, but also numerous other music superstars. His guest list reads like a who's who of the music business. Alongside many others, it includes names such as Bruce Springsteen, Genesis, Elvis Costello, Alice Cooper, Bryan Ferry, Stevie Nicks, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, Status Quo, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Paul McCartney, Jimmie Page, Paul Rodgers, Queen, The Temptations, Steve Harley, Brian Johnson and Mick Fleetwood.
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