BBC Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker has announced his retirement after an illustrious 58-year career in radio. Walker, 79, confirmed the news during the latest episode of “Sounds of the 70s” on Sunday, October 6.
Walker told listeners that he would be stepping down from both the “Sunday afternoon Sounds of the 70s” show and “The Rock Show.” He explained, “The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy, so I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years.
He went on to say, “I’ll be doing my last ‘Sounds of the 70s’ on October 27, and I’ll make the last three shows as good as I possibly can.”
During the show, Walker reminisced about the Rolling Stones’ 1978 appearance on “Saturday Night Live” before playing their single “Miss You”—a fitting choice to mark his upcoming farewell.
Who Will Replace Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2?
Walker revealed that former “Old Grey Whistle Test” presenter Bob Harris will be taking over “Sounds of the 70s.” He shared, “The person taking over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris, so Bob Harris will be in charge of ‘Sounds of the 70s’ from November 3.
Additionally, Walker’s “Rock Show” will continue with Shaun Keaveny stepping in as the new host starting on November 1.
Final Shows and Special Box Set
Walker’s final broadcasts on BBC Radio 2 will be on Friday, October 25, at 11 pm for “The Rock Show” and on Sunday, October 27, from 3 pm for his last “Sounds of the 70s.”
Fans will also be able to enjoy a selection of Walker’s best moments from his career, as a special “Sounds of the 70s” box set collection will be available on BBC Sounds following his retirement.
