Bob steps down from Radio 2 after 56 years on air
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".
"It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I’ve loved every moment I’ve spent behind a microphone. It’s where I belong. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.
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.
I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I am grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way. I’ve always curated my own playlists, supported new artists and played the music I believe in. I am very proud to know that my work has touched so many people’s lives.
Every programme I have ever done has been a team effort and I really do want to acknowledge some of the main people who helped and supported me along the way.
A massive thank you to Jeff Griffin, the producer who ‘discovered’ me, way back in 1970. He produced my early Radio 1 shows, beginning in August 1970. He was the man who taught me so many of the programme-building skills I still apply to this day. He and Mike Appleton were my trusted guides through the early days of my career.
Mike was founder and producer of the Old Grey Whistle Test, who stuck with me through the early days when I was rubbish. Our partnership began in 1972 and grew to become one of most influential music and broadcasting collaborations of the 1970’s.
Shout outs also to everyone at Radio 210, Ted Gorton at BBC Radio Oxford, Ralph Bernard at GWR, Charles Foster at BFBS, Brian Hayes and Cathie Louie at LBC, Johnny Beerling at BBC R1 and Jude Howells at GLR, all of whom believed in me at times when no one else did.
Thanks also to Adam Dineen and Paul Rodgers at BBC 6 Music. I still have such affection for the station, and it was truly exciting to be part of the original line-up of presenters on launch day in March 2002.
But he majority of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family here at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world class radio station. My Champions League for 30 years.
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.
It was Jim Moir and Lesley Douglas who gave me my first show in 1996, and I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed every moment here since. Deepest thanks also to Bob Shennan and wonderful Helen Thomas for their incredible support and belief over the past few years.
I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest producers ever. Gratitude to Phil Swern and Mark Simpson on my much-loved weekend shows and the fabulous Listen team of Paul Thomas, Johnny Kalifornia, Liz Barnes and Radio Mariam on Sounds of the 70’s. And a big mention to editor Neil Myners, whose brilliant work helped us win two Sony Awards in 2008 and 2009 for the documentaries ‘The Day John Met Paul’ and ‘The Sandy Denny Story’.
I have absolutely loved working with my partners on the Country Show, Dave Shannon (who took me to Nashville for the first time in 1999), Sue Welch, Al Booth, Paul Mann and my great friend Mark Hagen. I am so proud that the programme has played such a massive part in propelling Country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK. You have all made my time at Radio 2 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. I feel so blessed to have had your support across so many years. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.
I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100%.
