2 days Ago By Fran Winston
Queen 's legendary guitarist Brian May has admitted he regrets not getting a final chance to speak to radio icon Johnnie Walker before he died on New Year's Eve. The chart topping star took to his website and other social platforms to pay heartfelt tribute to the DJ following his death at the age of 79 , two months after calling time on his 58-year career because of ill health. "Very sad to hear of the passing of Johnnie Walker - a veteran broadcaster and very decent chap - I was proud to call him my friend," he wrote.
"I lost count of how many interviews I did with him - all so positive and helpful. "Johnnie was the last of a breed - an independent thinking and acting spirit in a world which constantly tried to get him to conform. How I wish I'd spoken to him one more time to convey my respects and affection," he lamented.
My Mum loved him - she always noticed that he would play our music (early Queen songs) when it wasn't fashionable to give us air time. It was typical - nobody got away with telling JW what to do ! My heartfelt condolences to those he leaves behind - much too soon. RIP Johnnie.
" On Instagram fans were quick to share their condolences with Brian alongside their memories of Johnnie. "So sorry for your loss, Sir. For everyone it's very hard and sad to lose someone you can truly trust.
Speechless when thinking of your grief. R.I.
P," wrote one. "Very sad indeed. I thought about you straight away when I heard of his passing.
My condolences to you and all who love him. x," a second commented. Another recalled: "Johnny was for us one of the few DJ's at the time that didn't follow existing bands but found new exciting ones like Queen in the early days.
He wasn't in the pocket of record companies or radio PR's but made his own path that others have since followed. Sad to see his passing but pleased that the poor man is out of pain and suffering, thoughts are with Tiggy and his family." "Yes he did play your early stuff a lot.
I also remember him flipping the YMBF (You're My Best Friend) single & playing '39 which chuffed me to bits!" a fourth recalled. Brian's tribute came after Johnnie's widow Tiggy shared a heartbreaking New Year's Eve plea following the loss of her husband. She shared a photo to X of a champagne bottle on the table, and asked: "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." She continued that he was "above all the most devoted loving husband", before urging fans of his shows to "please raise a glass to Johnnie Walker".
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