Brian May reveals his one major regret after death of BBC Radio 2 legend Johnnie Walker

Brian May regrets not getting a final chance to speak to radio icon Johnnie Walker before he died. (Image: Instagram)

Queen 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 a heartfelt tribute to the BBC Radio 2 DJ following his death at the age of 79, two months after calling time on his 58-year career because of ill health.

Johnnie had been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an inflammation of the lungs, back in 2020.

Brian posted on Instagram: “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. 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.”

Walker began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before moving
to Radio Caroline.

He was recruited by BBC Radio 1 in 1969, and then joined Radio 2 in 1997, where he remained until his retirement.

On his lunchtime Radio 1 show, which launched in 1971, he was an early champion of Queen who formed in London a year earlier with by Freddie Mercury, Brian and Roger Taylor, later joined by John Deacon.

Early hits include 1974’s Killer Queen which went to number two, and Bohemian Rhapsody which topped the charts in 1975.

Walker’s death was announced by Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November, with the hosting issuing an emotional statement for his friend and colleague.

His wife Tiggy also paid tribute, saying: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong, amazing man."