Alan Jones has officially retired from the airwaves having recorded his final 2GB breakfast show this morning, just weeks after announcing he would be retiring due to health reasons. The 79-year-old delivered an emotional final sign-off on Friday as he farewelled the role he has held for 35 years.
The legendary broadcaster began by thanking his “wonderful, loyal, supportive and critical” listeners during Friday morning’s show. “The program is about listeners, without them there is no reason to be here,” he said.
Jones then wrapped up his final program by reading a poignant poem titled ‘Bag of Tools’ written by Robert Lee Sharpe. “I always tell the young people whom I know, the young must dream, it’s the old who remember,” he said. “Dreaming is the poetry of life and we can all be forgiven if we indulge in a little dreaming from time to time. R.L. Sharpe says this in Bag of Tools.”
The broadcaster went on to read the moving poem, which goes: “Isn’t it strange that princes and kings, and clowns that caper in sawdust rings. And common people like you and me, are builders for eternity.
“Each is given a bag of tools, a shapeless mass, a book of rules. And each must make, ere life is flown, a stumbling block, or a stepping stone.”
Jones then wrapped up by saying: “There in lies the challenge, do we provide for each other stumbling blocks or stepping stones. I hope that over 35 years we’ve provided some stepping stones. So, that’s it from me. Together in spirit alway but for now, goodbye.”
Jones made the shock announcement on May 12 and revealed that he made the decision after receiving advice from medical professionals, who warned him that his current workload was having a detrimental impact on his health.
“We are living in the world of coronavirus. The most repeated statement we hear is ‘we must listen to the experts’. Well, the experts are telling me in no uncertain terms, and not for the first time I might add, ‘Continuing with the present workload is seriously detrimental to your health’,” he told listeners.
“I have listened to the experts and I am taking this opportunity to indicate to my radio family that I will be retiring from radio at the end of this month.”
He has enjoyed an impressive 35-year career on the airwaves, which began in 1985 when he joined Radio 2UE as its morning host. He then moved to the breakfast show in 1988 and became a hit, thanks to his signature style of arguing, debating and breaking down complex issues. He moved to 2GB in 2001, driving the station to the top of the Sydney market, and has remained in the role ever since.
While Jones is retiring from radio, he will continue to write for The Australian and The Daily Telegraph, as well as appearing on Sky News. He told listeners: “I am not retiring I am just retiring from radio.”