Johnnie Walker *30th March 1945 † 31st December 2024
Johnnie Walker was a true radio legend who never forgot his footsteps on the radio ships Laissez Faire and Mi Amigo. At numerous reunions, he spoke emotionally about his experiences on Swinging Radio England and especially Radio Caroline, to which he remained loyal even after the MOA in August 1967. His broadcast from 14 to 15 August 1967 remains unforgotten and was watched live by millions of fans. Johnnie was our guest at Radio Day in Amsterdam in 2007 and 2014. Robbie Dale presented him with an award ‘For An Outstanding Contribution to Offshore Radio’ in 2007.
140 Photos: Johnnie Walker never forgot Monday August 14th 1967
Alan Sheead: Johnnie Walker at midnight August 14th 1967 (restored)
Ray Robinson: Johnnie Walker Trbute, part 1
Ray Robinson: Johnnie Walker Trbute, part 2
Johnnie Walker and the Essex pirates
Hans Knot writing:
The year 2024 ended on December 31st with the very sad news of Johnnie Walker’s death. Although we had already hinted that this sad news would come in the near future, it was a shock. Martin van der Ven and I are glad that we were able to invite him to our RadioDays in Amsterdam in 2007 and 2014 and have very fond memories of Johnnie. We have selected some of the mails and comments on our Facebook SMC Group and give some links to newspapers and more as a great tribute to Johnnie Walker.
BBC: Johnnie Walker remembered as ‘broadcasting legend’
Gavin McCoy: Happy New Year 2025, and remembering all of those dear friends and family we have lost in 2024. And adding our sympathies and condolences to Tiggy Walker on the passing of beloved radio presenter Johnnie Walker.
Norman Barrington: Farewell Johnnie, you enriched Radio, were an inspiration to us, and we’ll never forget you.
Don Stevens: My interesting moment with Johnnie was in Nederland in 2014 while chatting and he noticed my Western boots and remarked he had a pair he never wore. I asked what size they were, and when he told me I said that they would probably fit me. Delighted Johnnie said he’d be happy to sell, we eventually agreed a price and a location to the transaction in the UK.
A week later on the A4 just East of the Firestone factory in an old gas station forecourt Johnnie and Tiggy pulled in from the London bound traffic jam and gave the driver’s the strange scene of a large package passed to a cowboy in long black coat by a couple who received an envelope from said cowpoke, it all looked very suspicious.
When the Walkers got in their car to rejoin the London bound traffic a large gap was soon cleared for them, I did chuckle and they headed to the BBC for Johnnie’s programme. Yes, I still have the boots and have worn them a few times and so comfortable. That’s my Memorable Walker story.
Michael Terry: Top man, absolute legend. I am so saddened by the news even though it was expected.
Scott Ross: So very sad. A true hero of those far off days when he, amongst many others, willingly risked their freedom and careers to keep the turntables spinning so that we might legally enjoy the mix of radio stations now at our beck and call!
Brian McKenzie: Having just heard of the passing of Johnnie Walker. a true legend and inspiration for myself and I’m sure many other broadcasters. One of a kind.
Allan Krautwald from Denmark: Johnnies dead was even mentioned in Danish Newspapers.
January 1st:
Tiggy Walker on X: What does a new widow do on NYE? She listens to @BBCRadio2, opens a bottle and toasts her amazing husband. Courageous, wise, strong, creative and never dull. They didn’t call him the Pirate for nothing. Above all – the most devoted loving husband. Please raise a glass to Johnnie Walker!
Roger Twiggy Day on FB: As my listeners will know I played the Johnnie Walker them tune yesterday on Boom Radio at 15.15. At the time I had no idea he had died. Bob Harris had announced it only minutes earlier on Radio Two. I just wanted wish my old friend and colleague happy new year and say how much he was loved. How spooky is that. Tomorrow at 20.00 I will be broadcasting a tribute to JW on Boom.
Boom Radio: Johnnie Walker – A tribute by Roger ‘Twiggy’ Day
Bob Le-Roi: This weeks programme dedicated to the memory of Johnnie, who I knew over the years from radio and private gatherings. He even gave me a plug occasionally, mentioned the online archive and the Splash.Thoughts with Tiggy and family. RiP Johnnie Walker.
Gordon Haddrell: First listened to him on SRE in 1966 a radio legend one of the good guys. RIP Johnnie.
Elaine Spence: Absolutely heartbroken. Yesterday I lost someone who had been a constant in my life since I was 13. We kept in touch for many years, even spoke on the phone, and I met him on multiple occasions. He always remembered me and showed concern as to how I was. He was, in my opinion and beyond doubt, the greatest broadcaster ever, who was genuine, warm, passionate about his work and music and genuinely cared for his listeners. I feel privileged to have known him, regarded him as a friend and feel honoured to have been chosen as one of his 11 O’Clock Goodnight Girls when he was on Radio Caroline. A lovely man and a true legend. RIP Johnnie Walker. I will never forget you.
Lion Keezer: My hero from the glorious 60s. He was the best of them all, the real thing, “no man will ever forget…” I will always remember him, that’s for sure…. RIP Johnnie!
Ron Candy: Very sad to hear the news about Johnnie Walker found the information out on Facebook my word what a great presenter and he at least stood up for Radio Caroline all those years ago and the principal and that’s something to be admired so rest in peace Johnnie we will all remember your broadcast from all those years ago even up until October of last year.
Dennis Hartley: Sad news indeed One of the UKs top presenters. He was once criticised for “being too much into the music”! What a compliment!
John Roberts: My heart just sinks over this sad, sad news of the passing of Johnnie, what a legend this man holds for free radio. Caroline especially, Johnnie will be so sadly missed. R.I.P.
Trevor Adams: Sad to hear. One of my heroes. I will always remember my chat with JW at the bar during one of the Amsterdam RadioDays at Cassa 400. We had never met before, but chatted as if we were old friends. RIP Johnnie, and enjoy the next stage of your journey.
Stella Robinson: So sorry the hear this sad news of Johnnie Walker’s passing. I am sending love and strength to Tiggy. Girl I am thinking of you.
Pinky Siedenburg: Very sad news, wish Tiggy strength & love. You were his rock!
Ron O’Quinn: Johnnie you were a radio icon in Great Britain! Johnnie emailed me less than a week ago. He was my friend and will miss knowing he’s no longer with us. God Bless and watch over Tiggy. Rest now Johnnie.
Paul Hutchins: I remember when He rebroadcast Mrs. Dale’s Diary on Radio Caroline. It was even mentioned in Parliament. Top staff at the Beep were furious.
January 3rd
Ron O’Quinn via Dick Offringa how JW got his deejay name in 1966: ‘When I hired him I told him I had a great name jingle if he wanted to use it. He said, “what is the name”. I said “Johnnie Walker”. Larry Dean had brought some of the deejay jingles to Swinging Radio England from WPTR in Albany, New York and Johnnie Walker and Boom Boom Brannigan were the two choices. Happy New Year! Ron O’Quinn.’
Sarah Davies-Cash: ‘It’s with great sadness to report the legendary DJ and Pirate radio presenter Johnnie Walker has passed away, my heart goes out to Tiggy is wonderful caring wife and his kids, thank you Johnnie Walker you’ll always be remembered for the music you played.. RIP my dear, dear friend.’
More tributes:
Jerry Wright on Radio Caroline
Radio London (Mary and Chris Payne)
The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame (Jon Myer)
BBC: Johnnie Walker: Radio’s rock ‘n’ roll pirate
