Following an impressive 70 years on the air, radio icon John Laws has announced he will be retiring, telling loyal listeners that “it’s time for a rest”.
Prompted by fan mail from a listener who expressed how much they enjoyed hearing him on the radio each day, Laws delivered the surprise announcement during his Tuesday, October 8 broadcast.
“You’re not going to be hearing it for long, mate. I think it’s time for a rest,” he told listeners.
“I’ve done it for a very, very, very, very long time. And I think that I’ll just call it a day, and call it a day pretty soon.
“I would have done it for 71 years, the first week of November will be 71 years since I started on radio.
“I don’t want to be greedy, I had a fantastic 71 years. Loved almost every minute of it.”
Unlike his first retirement announcement in 2007, Laws assured listeners that this time he was going off air for good.
“I still feel young, I still feel healthy. When I call it a day it will be a day, I’m not going to go away and come back again and say it was all a mistake,” he said.
Fans were quick to congratulate Laws on his retirement, with many thanking him for his years of service and a “great career”.
“Congratulations lawsy! I missed the show. Great career, for me you bought awareness on transplant week. Keep on keeping the people aware of pressing issues,” one wrote.
“One of many who listen but don’t call. The world won’t be the same when you retire.”
“Thanks for always being there John,” commented another.
“Congratulations Lawsie! A bloody brilliant broadcaster… and damn fine bloke to know. Many blessings from radio dreamers across the nation.”
“Well done John what a milestone.”
Laws’ impressive career in radio began in 1953 at 3BO in Bendigo before several stints with rural radio stations. He joined 2UE in 1957, during which time he became one of the first Australian disc jockeys to play rock ‘n’ roll music.
Laws left 2UE in 1959 to run a farm in the Hunter Region. In 1962 he moved back to Sydney, where he returned to the airwaves with 2GB, remaining with the station for two years before he rejoined 2UE in 1964. His time with 2UE continued until 1969, at which point he was contracted to 2UW, where he worked for a decade.
He returned to 2UE in 1979 before making a move back to 2GB. He soon returned to 2UE once again when the station reached the number eight spot in the ratings.
After 55 years on air, Laws announced on June 25, 2007, that he would retire from radio at the end of the year.
However, Laws’ retirement was short lived. In August 2009, Laws revealed on Smooth FM that he was missing radio and that he was keen to return to the studio.
Laws’ management confirmed in November 2010 that he would be making his return to the airwaves with 2SM.