DJs pay emotional tributes to 'radio legend'

BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 DJs fondly remember Steve Wright, a “radio legend” who passed away at 69, by sharing emotional tributes.

Stars from BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 share their memories of Steve Wright following his death aged 69.

Nicki Chapman, stepping in for Zoe Ball on Radio 2’s breakfast show this week, became emotional on air, saying, “I told myself I wouldn’t cry, and yet here I am.” She was moved by messages from listeners.

Wright, who hosted programs on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for over four decades, passed away on Monday at the age of 69.

In tribute, Liza Tarbuck will host a special Sunday Love Songs program this weekend.

Jo Whiley, another Radio 2 colleague, reflected on his mastery of his craft during an interview on Radio 4’s Today program on Wednesday.

“He dedicated his entire life to radio, with his sole focus on bringing joy to people,” she remarked.

Whiley hosted a tribute program for the esteemed broadcaster on Radio 2 on Tuesday evening and expressed how “very strange” it felt, especially since she had recently seen Wright “just days ago.”

“We were all overcome with tears and profound sadness; discussing him in the past tense is truly difficult,” she shared on the Today program.

Fellow former Radio 1 presenter Nicky Campbell remarked on Today that Wright “was destined to be in the studio.”

“His spirit soared whenever he was on the airwaves, and that energy was infectious.”

Greg James, the current host of Radio 1’s breakfast show, commenced Wednesday’s broadcast with a heartfelt homage to Wright, affectionately labeling him the “king of jingles”.

“I consider myself fortunate to have shared radio insights with him. His impact spanned decades, from his stellar performances in the 90s to his enduring brilliance over 40 years, evoking this overwhelming wave of affection,” James reflected.

Mike Read, Wright’s former co-host on the local radio program “Read and Wright” before their transition to Radio 1, described him as a “ringmaster” adept at drawing people in.

“He was tirelessly dedicated, a true radio aficionado who lived and breathed the medium, constantly brimming with innovative ideas,” Read shared during an interview on BBC Breakfast.

Tony Miles, fondly known as Smiley Miley from the Radio 1 roadshow, also paid tribute to Wright on BBC Breakfast, hailing him as a “radio genius”.

“His ability to captivate audiences was unparalleled; countless individuals flocked to his roadshows, enchanted by his charismatic characters brought vividly to life,” Miles reminisced.

Chris Evans, former host of the Radio 1 breakfast show, posted a tribute on Instagram, stating that Wright had been the “musical backdrop to countless afternoons.”

According to Evans, “No one will ever match the depth and variety of his approach to all things entertainment, delivered in his uniquely original and playful manner.”

“He was the embodiment of afternoons, much like Sir Terry [Wogan] was synonymous with breakfast.”

Gary Davies and Tony Blackburn, colleagues at Radio 2, honored their friend during a segment on BBC Newsnight, describing him as an exceptionally giving broadcaster.

According to Davies, “His focus was always on making his guests shine; it wasn’t about him.”

Blackburn reminisced, “He was a wonderful person, wonderfully eccentric. Every time we met, laughter filled the air.”

Blackburn also highlighted Wright’s role as a trailblazer in zoo radio, a format known for its lively on-air “posse,” celebrity interviews, and engaging trivia segments like his Factoids.

During his appearance on BBC Breakfast, Blackburn reminisced about some of his cherished memories.

“We had a unique way of greeting each other – instead of hello, we exchanged jingles,” he recalled.

Blackburn described him as “a truly distinctive individual.” He recounted how the man preferred to avoid dental visits by conducting his own dental procedures with a self-purchased kit, which he surprisingly executed quite adeptly.

“There was this enchanted cupboard he guarded zealously, strictly off-limits to everyone,” Blackburn reminisced. “One day, it was left unlocked, and I peered inside to find… nothing.”

Such quirks defined him as a lovable character, Blackburn reflected. “He was incomparable, truly one of a kind, and there won’t ever be another quite like him.”

His long-time Radio 2 colleague, Ken Bruce, expressed being “completely shocked” by the news, mentioning their plans to celebrate Wright’s recently awarded MBE with a lunch in the near future, emphasizing that it was well-deserved.

“An exceptional and pioneering broadcaster who was cherished by his listeners. His loss is deeply felt in the world of radio,” Bruce remarked.

Paul Gambaccini, in a sincere video shared on Instagram, hailed Wright as “truly one of the greatest.”

Sara Cox was visibly moved as she addressed Wright’s passing during her Radio 2 show on Tuesday, expressing deep shock and devastation. “We are all taken aback and shattered by this news,” she said.

The cause of Wright’s death has not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service stated: “We received a call at 10:07 am on Monday, February 12th, regarding an incident. We dispatched several resources to the location. Unfortunately, an individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The Metropolitan Police also responded to a flat on Monday morning after the discovery of a man’s body, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the death was unexpected, the Metropolitan Police clarified that it was not considered suspicious. A report will be submitted to the coroner.

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