Bob Harris Steps Down From Radio 2 Due to Health Issues

The DJ, who has been on the airwaves since 1970, told listeners he was "so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realised that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again".

Harris started his career as a club DJ in the 1960s, before co-founding the listings magazine Time Out. In 1972, he became the host of the award-winning TV show Old Grey Whistle Test, establishing his reputation as a champion of new music.

He has been a fixture at BBC Radio 2 since 1996, as a presenter of station's Country Show. In 2024, he also replaced Johnny Walker on the Sounds of the 70s show.

In an emotional message posted on Radio 2's social accounts, the presenter - affectionately known as "Whispering" Bob Harris - thanked the BBC and his listeners for their support.

"It's incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.

"I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I'm grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.

"I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.

"But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I've ever done, and it's all been because of you.

Shaun Keaveny and Darius Rucker, who have been deputising for Harris during his cancer treatment, will remain as hosts of Sound of the 70s and the Country Show, respectively.

"It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of rock, roll and radio than almost anyone," said Keaveny in a statement.

"I consider it not just an honour but a mission, to continue Bob's work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade.

"Somewhere, every week, some kid hears Won't Get Fooled Again for the first time! You did that for me Bob, and millions like me. We'd like to say thank you for the music, you'll always be our Rock 'n' Roll Doctor."

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, also paid tribute to Harris, saying he had filled the airwaves with "love, laughter and captivating stories".

"Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much. Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support."

Harris was first treated for prostate cancer in 2007. In April this year, he revealed the disease had spread to his spine.

Writing on Instagram, the presenter said he had immediately begun a course of radiotherapy after the diagnosis, which meant spending two weeks in hospital "to bring things back under control".