BBC Radio 2 veteran DJ Johnnie Walker bravely shared his lack of fear about death but expressed concerns about his final moments as he battles a terminal illness. The 79-year-old announced his retirement from radio earlier this month after a 58-year career, citing health issues including a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Walker, known for presenting Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show on BBC Radio 2, will step down at the end of October.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Walker revealed, “I’m not worried about dying. I have an unshakeable belief in an after-life. I think it’s a beautiful place. Unless you’ve done some awful things down here, I don’t think there’s anything to fear.” However, he expressed apprehension about the physical struggles of his condition, stating, “What I am a little bit frightened of is what the end will be like when you’re fighting for breath. It doesn’t sound a very nice way to go.”
IPF, a condition in which lungs become scarred, leading to breathing difficulties, has no known cause, and there is currently no known cure to reverse lung scarring. Walker, who started his radio career in 1966, has had a remarkable journey in broadcasting, from offshore pirate radio stations to BBC Radio 1 and his long-standing tenure at BBC Radio 2. Despite his health challenges, he has continued to connect with audiences and share his passion for music.
As he prepares to bid farewell to his radio shows, Walker expressed mixed emotions, saying, “It will be a huge wrench to hang up my headphones. I feel quite a connection with my listeners because of the passing years. I get emails from people who say, ‘I was with you when you were on Radio Caroline’, so we’re talking 58 years ago. Imagine what we’ve been through together.”
Walker’s wife Tiggy has been by his side, providing care as he navigates his health journey. Amongst tributes from colleagues and listeners, Walker’s legacy as a broadcasting icon has been acknowledged, with Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas describing him as “quite simply a broadcasting legend”. As he prepares for his final shows, Walker remains grateful for the support and memories shared with his audience over the years.
As he passes the baton to new presenters, the impact of Walker’s influential career in radio is undeniable, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry. Despite facing health challenges, his commitment to delivering quality music programming and connecting with audiences has been unwavering. Walker’s final episodes of The Rock Show and Sounds of the 70s mark the end of an era in radio broadcasting, celebrating a remarkable career that has touched the hearts of many listeners.