Tony Blackburn has paid tribute to radio DJ Johnnie Walker after he died at the age of 79, describing him as a “fine broadcaster and very good friend”.
It comes after Walker’s death was announced on air on Tuesday by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds Of The 70s from the late DJ in November.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Blackburn said: “It’s very sad news, it was expected, because he’s been unwell for quite a long time.
“I spoke to him about three weeks ago, and he was very breathless, he’s had problems with his lungs and everything, and he retired, of course, about three weeks ago.
“But yes, I knew him very well. I never, funnily enough, knew him on the pirate radio stations, because I was there from 1964 to (1966) and he joined a lot later on Radio Caroline.
“But I got to know him much better on Radio 1, and of course, more recently on Radio 2, a fine broadcaster and very good friend, and very sad news.”
The 81-year-old went on to describe Walker as a “real pirate” because he had continued to present on pirate radio after the radio offences bill in 1967 made it illegal.
He continued: “We were both very proud of the fact in the 60s, we were trying to break the monopoly of the BBC, which of course, we did eventually, and then we ended up at the BBC, where we all had a great time.
“But he’ll be sadly missed, one of those great broadcasters, he loved his music, he loved radio, and we were great friends.”
Blackburn concluded: “He will be sadly missed as a great broadcaster, and there aren’t many great broadcasters left these days.”
Earlier this year Walker presented his final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 and also hosted his last episode of The Rock Show as he retired due to ill health.
Walker had announced in early October that he was retiring from radio after 58 years, having been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Also paying tribute on Tuesday was fellow radio presenter Ken Bruce and singer Michael Ball.
So very sad to hear dear Johnnie has lost his brave battle and gone to the other side. I will miss him. We shared many laughs and his stories were wicked and wonderful. Thinking of Tiggy and the family. God bless governor xxx#RIPJohnnieWalker
— Michael Ball OBE💙 (@mrmichaelball) December 31, 2024
Bruce said in a post on X: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.”
While Ball said in a post on the social media platform: “So very sad to hear dear Johnnie has lost his brave battle and gone to the other side.
“I will miss him. We shared many laughs and his stories were wicked and wonderful. Thinking of Tiggy and the family. God bless governor.”
