BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris has announced he is stepping down from hosting his shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country due to ill health. The 80-year-old radio veteran, who has prostate cancer, revealed in April that the disease had spread to his upper spine.
Harris described leaving his shows as “one of the hardest decisions of my life.” He said: “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. Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station.
“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. 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%.
“I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, hailed Harris as “a true radio legend” and offered him “a sincere thank you.” She said: “Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.
“Since taking the reins of Sounds Of The 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories of being at the heart of the music scene throughout the decade. 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, whose broadcasting career spans nearly 56 years, took over Sounds Of The 70s from Johnnie Walker in 2024. He has also held roles on Radio 1, BBC Six Music, and television, including his celebrated tenure on the award-winning BBC music show Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s.
Harris has long been a passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana, and singer-songwriters, introducing generations of listeners to emerging talent alongside established stars. He played a significant role in the growing popularity of country music in the UK. BBC Radio 2 celebrated his 80th birthday in April with a special programme, Bob Harris At 80: A Life In Music.
Harris presented his last episode of Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday, March 8, and his last Radio 2 Country Show on Thursday, April 2.
Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds Of The 70s each Sunday from 3-5pm, after deputising in the slot, in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show on Friday nights. He said: “As long as I can remember, I’ve loved the music of the 70s. My mum reckons Rocket Man was all over the radio when I was born in ’72 … guess who was playing that on the original Sounds Of The 70s at that time.
“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. 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.”
Darius Rucker will continue to host The Radio 2 Country Show on Thursdays from 9-10pm in the interim.
