BBC Radio DJ Johnnie Walker passes away two months after retirement due to pulmonary fibrosis

Veteran BBC radio DJ Johnnie Walker, best known for hosting Radio 2's Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show, passed away on December 31, 2024, at the age of 79. Walker succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that affects breathing. His death comes just two months after his retirement from broadcasting due to health concerns.

Johnnie Walker was born in Birmingham in 1945 and left school at the age of 15 to work as a mechanic. His passion for music led him to DJing, which eventually paved the way for a career in radio. He began his broadcasting journey in 1966 with the offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England and later moved to Radio Caroline.

In defiance of the government's Marine Offences Act of 1967, Walker continued broadcasting on Radio Caroline, cementing his reputation as a rebellious and dedicated DJ.

In 1969, Walker joined BBC Radio 1, where he became known for championing album tracks and emerging artists, often challenging management over his musical choices. After a brief stint in San Francisco during the 1970s, he returned to the UK in the early 1980s and rejoined the BBC.

By 1987, he hosted The Stereo Sequence on Radio 1 and later moved to Radio 2, where he took on the popular Drivetime slot.

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DJ Johnnie Walker, broadcasting through challenges

DJ Johnnie Walker was born in 1945 (Image via Getty)

Johnnie Walker remained committed to his craft despite facing personal and health challenges. In 2003, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but continued broadcasting after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery.

In October 2024, Walker announced his retirement due to his battle with IPF, describing the decision as bittersweet. His final episode of Sounds of the 70s aired on October 27, 2024, featuring a selection of his favorite tracks. Walker expressed gratitude to his listeners, saying:

"Over the years, we’ve done an awful lot of living together... we’ve developed a very close bond."

Johnnie Walker's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and the music industry. In a live broadcast, BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris described Walker as "an incredible, warm, superb broadcaster" who passionately defended the music he loved.

Helen Thomas, head of BBC Radio 2, called his shows "appointments to listen to" and praised his warm and engaging presenting style.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie highlighted Walker's pioneering contributions to pop radio, noting:

"No one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back."

According to a BBC report, Walker’s wife, Tiggy, paid tribute to her late husband, calling him "a strong, amazing man" who maintained his charm and humor despite his debilitating illness.

"I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his disease," she added.

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Johnnie Walker's contributions to music and radio extended beyond his shows. His passion for discovering and promoting new artists influenced generations of listeners and broadcasters. He was awarded an MBE in 2006 for his broadcasting services, further solidifying his status as a radio icon. Johnnie Walker's passing marks the end of an era in British radio.