Legendary broadcaster Johnnie Walker announced earlier this month that he would be stepping down from BBC Radio 2’s The Rock Show and Sounds of the 70s. On Friday, October 25th, he presented The Rock Show for the last time, and today (Sunday, October 27th, from 3-5pm), he hosted his final Sounds of the 70s. The DJ hosted his final broadcast marking his retirement after 58 years at the BBC .
The BBC radio presenter announced earlier this month that he was retiring due to ill health, having been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Johnnie previously shared his doctor revealed his terminal illness would initially give him two to five years to live, and the five-year mark was this August. Addressing his departure, Johnnie told listeners on Sunday: "The day has come I've always dreaded, really.
My last ever radio show. My last ever Sounds of the 70s. I started presenting the show in April 2009 taking over from Steve Harley, who used to rib me for stealing his show.
It was a one-hour show in the evening then, and it expanded." During the programme, Johnnie added one last song - Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird - into his famous 'Johnnie's Jukebox' before sealing the jukebox forever. Throughout the show, he played his own selection of favourite tracks from the decade, including Elton John & Kiki Dee Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Rod Stewart's - Sailing, Neil Diamond's - Holy Holy, Simon and Garfunkel - Song For the Asking, David Bowie Starman, and Lou Reed's W.
