Legendary DJ Johnnie Walker Dies at 79 After Five-Decade Career

The pioneering broadcaster, known for his pirate radio beginnings and dedication to music, passed away following a battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Johnnie Walker, a veteran of BBC radio and former pirate radio DJ, died at 79 after retiring in October 2024 due to health complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Walker began his career on offshore pirate station Radio Caroline in the 1960s before joining BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and later becoming a mainstay on BBC Radio 2.
Known for his passion for music, Walker championed artists like Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles while maintaining a rebellious and authentic broadcasting style.
He overcame personal and professional challenges, including a 1999 cocaine scandal and a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2003, returning to radio after treatment.
Tributes have poured in from his wife Tiggy, musicians like Robert Plant and Joan Armatrading, and colleagues who praised his influence, resilience, and enduring legacy.