Summary

  • DJ Steve Wright, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades has died aged 69

  • His family confirmed his death "with deep sorrow and profound regret" in a statement on Tuesday

  • Hundreds of listeners have been in touch with their tributes and memories of the radio legend

  • Sara Cox says Wright was a "big part of our lives for many years" as she announces the news live on Radio 2

  • Music stars Alison Moyet, Billy Bragg, Michael Ball, Robert Plant and Shaun Ryder all pay tribute

  • "There won't be a radio addict anywhere in the country who doesn’t love the name Steve Wright," says Radio 2 colleague Jeremy Vine

  • Wright was a “radio original" and "one of the greats”, remembers 5 Live's Nicky Campbell

  • For former colleague Bobbie Pryor, Wright was inspirational and will be "dearly missed"

Live Reporting

Edited by George Bowden

  1. Hundreds of tributes to a radio legend - thank you

    We're ending our live coverage of tributes to radio legend Steve Wright, after his death aged 69.

    In just a few hours, we received more than 500 emails alone from listeners across the world keen to share their memories of him. It's clear how well loved Wrighty was - and how missed he will be.

    Updates were written by Andrew Humphrey, Lou Newton and Barbara Tasch, with editing by Johanna Chisolm and George Bowden.

    Our colleague Ian Youngs has reflected on Steve Wright's career and legacy here.

  2. As we bring our live coverage to a close this evening, a final tribute from Liz Scarff, who remembers meeting a young Steve Wright at a new radio station in Reading...

    Back in 1976, whilst I was living in Reading, I was asked to temp as a secretary at the newly formed Thames Valley Radio. Whilst there, a shy young blond was introduced to us as a newly recruited member of staff and we all shook hands with him. It was Steve Wright, who was so desperate to join that he'd take any job and apparently had been hired as a salesman. For some reason he stuck in my mind, and so it was with shock that I learned he had died suddenly. Goodbye Steve until we meet again, because as the song goes: You can check out any time you like but you can never leave.

    Liz Scarff

  3. Radio host Zoe Ball hails Wright as 'the Godfather' of radio

    Radio 2 breakfast show host Zoe Ball described Steve Wright as both "a wonderful magic man" and "her hero".

    "Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, a dear friend, always there for us all with support, advice & love & most importantly laughter," she wrote in an Instagram post.

    "Rest well you wonderful magic man. Life won't be the same without you here. Love you my friend my hero x."

  4. World of music marks 'end of an era'

    Being a BBC Radio 2 presenter, Steve Wright of course hosted lots of musical guests and some of the big names have been sharing their tributes to him.

    Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant posted on social media that it was a "sad day for UK radio" and "the spirit and the fun we enjoyed from the great Steve Wright, he will be greatly missed".

    Alison Moyet described Wright's death as "the end of an era for so many of us".

    "Indefatigable and spirited. A kind, good natured, generous presence welcoming us into the airwaves of our days, Goodbye Mr., I’m glad you were there".

    Billy Bragg wrote of his respect for Steve Wright: "You'd think that, as a daytime DJ, he wouldn't have much time for what I do, but whenever I had a record out, he would invite me onto his show to talk about my music and my activism and be interested in both."

    Singer and actor Michael Ball described Wright as "an inspiration" and " funny, creative and supportive".

    And perhaps an unexpected tribute came from Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays:

    "I’m so sorry and sad to hear about the brilliant Steve Wright. He was a Happy Mondays favourite from the 80s, making us all laugh while we drove around Manchester on the dole."

  5. 'Definition of a national treasure'

    Steve made it sound as if he was just having a chat with you over a coffee. He understood we all need a bit of simple entertainment and laughter when life can get tough. A one-off.

    Gavin, Dorchester

    Steve Wright was one of those rare humans whose voice comforted you, brought joy and laughter to you, and who made the world feel a better place. The definition of a national treasure. A very sad loss indeed. Thanks for everything Steve.

    Jan Harrison

    I’ve listened to Steve Wright since I can remember with my first memories of listening to Sunday Love Songs on the drive home from ballet class in Liverpool in the 90’s. Throughout my years growing up listening to his shows... After moving abroad to Turkey six years ago, listening to his shows was such a comfort especially during the pandemic. He will be greatly missed by many.

    Sophie, Liverpool and now Turkey

    My mum passed away last month, and listening to Steve Wright with her is one of my precious memories. We would always tune in to his Saturday afternoon show as we were getting ready to go and have coffee in town, carry on listening in the car and then hear his show echoing around the shops through the town centre. It really feels Iike the end of an incredibly special era.

    Sarita

  6. 'Wright was my radio' and 'he got me through university... cancer treatment'

    Let's hear more now from listeners who have been flooding the BBC with messages after Steve Wright's death.

    From listening to Steve whilst a student in UK to being a waiter in Amsterdam, a restaurant manager in Sun City, a hotel manager in the Caribbean, a club manager in Malaysia and now a business owner in Indonesia, Steve has always, and I mean always been on my radio. He was my radio.

    Chris Wootten, Indonesia

    Have laughed along with Steve for forever - after moving to Canada 23 years ago, he kept me connected to my homeland, the wonderful people and humour, not to mention incredible music selections and chats during his wonderful afternoon show. Love you mate, RIP Steve

    Peter Malone, from South Shields now in Ontario, Canada

    I admit to crying when I heard the news today, he meant that much. A man I felt I knew, part of my family. He got me through university, long journeys home to my parents, cancer treatment, house renovations, new babies.

    Claire

    So very sad to hear the passing of Steve Wright. What a huge loss to the world of radio. There will never be another like him. He always kicked started my weekend on a Friday with’ Serious Jockin’ for so many years. He was a lifeline during Covid. Sundays will never be the same again…

    Karen

    It's like a huge part of all our lives has suddenly disappeared without us getting the chance to say goodbye. Oh, to have been able to shake his hand and thank him for all the joy and smiles he brought to us... to have been able to say: thank you, Steve.

    Alex, Clacton

  7. Wright's recent praise meant so much, says LBC's Iain Dale

    We're now hearing from one of Steve Wright's peers, LBC presenter Iain Dale, who has shared a small anecdote that tells us a great deal about the late DJ.

    Dale says Wright recently got in touch with him after an edition of his nightly talk programme.

    "He phoned me two weeks ago just to tell me I'd done a brilliant show the previous night. You can imagine what that meant to me," he wrote on X.

    "I tried to get him to do an All Talk [show] but he hated talking about himself. Legend."

  8. Watch: Nicky Campbell's touching tribute to Steve Wright

    Watch: Nicky Campbell pays tribute to Steve Wright

  9. Jo Whiley: 'Steve was the soundtrack to our lives'

    Jo WhileyGetty Images

    BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley told listeners how it was "a very strange show to be doing" as she hosted her usual programme just hours after Wright's death was announced.

    "It's extremely hard to know what to say and to be talking about someone that you saw only days ago in this very studio where I am right now - doing a tribute show to that person just does not feel right," she said, noting that it had already been a day marked with "many tears",

    "It's very hard to find the words to say and to talk about someone in the past tense when it's someone that you wish was very much still here."

    "I mean, Steve was the soundtrack to our lives wasn't he?"

    He lived for radio and the fact that he died but his show went out just the other day is the way he would have wanted it to be."

    Jo Whiley, Radio 2 DJ

  10. He inspired most of us, says travel news host Bobbie Pryor

    Travel news presenter Bobbie Pryor, who worked with Wright for many years, was tearful as she spoke on Sara Cox's show on Tuesday.

    "It's very difficult... he gave us so many people opportunities, he inspired most of us, and he would be furious we are crying now and making such a fuss... so dearly missed. Such a great friend."

  11. 'We all tried to do the impressions' and 'my companion for years'

    BBC Radio 1 and 2 listeners are sharing some of their memories of legendary presenter Steve Wright. Here are some more of those tributes that they've sent in:

    Everyone talked about his show and we all tried to do the impressions of his characters, each afternoon he brought laughter into [our] lives and as the years went on he continued with us, there each day like a family member. It was sad when he stood down in 2022, but now the thought he has left us for good is heart breaking. I will miss you Wrighty, and your unique style of broadcast.

    Bill, Surrey

    I wonder if he knew how much he was loved by us loyal listeners. Thank you for making dull rainy days SO happy. Well every day. Thank you Thank you Thank you. RIP dear Steve.

    Jan Low

    My travelling and gardening companion for years and years. Whilst driving to London for work and whenever in the car or garden whilst you were broadcasting l was always with you. I will truly miss you, l am absolutely devastated to hear of your passing. Goodbye old friend.

    Wendy

    Warm, funny, and a huge comfort to listen to. How often can you say that you actively look forward to a radio programme? Well, Steve had that ability. I will miss his voice on Saturdays and Sundays now. I literally cannot believe it and only hope he knew how much he meant to listeners. Rest In Peace Steve.

    Sharon Thompson

    We travelled; seven of us rammed into a Ford Cortina in 1983 to Newquay & he commanded the audience of about 10K. His afternoon shows were always engaging. His characters were crafted & funny. I cried laughing at his Elvis character as he & his posse did; also his Mr Angry & everywhere people went he had imprinted his comedic intellect on friends & family. I’m so saddened as we are at times like this. The suddenness principally striking but I for one will always hold him in reverence as an extraordinary broadcaster who could reach out through the simple medium of a radio wave. That, people, is a rare gift.

    Roy, Melbourne, Derbyshire

    It’s like losing a member of your own family. We were brought up with him and he has been part of the fabric of our lives. My deep and sincere condolences to his family and his colleagues in the BBC. And also to the wider BBC audiences he has kept entertained in the UK and indeed all over the world.

    Roger, Essex

  12. Simon Mayo on his 'magical' friend

    Victoria Bourne
    BBC News

    Simon Mayo poses in a BBC studio for an interview

    Simon Mayo

    I met with Simon Mayo shortly after he came off air from presenting his Greatest Hits radio show this evening.

    The radio presenter was still processing the news of Steve Wright's death, which had broken while he was on air.

    "I had to announce it on the radio which is really tough when you announce the death of a friend and you know that you've got to try and keep it together," he told me.

    The pair had known each other since the 80s when they had both worked at Radio 1 and they had crossed paths at various radio stations since.

    He went on to tell me one of his favourite memories was being a guest of Wright's: "When you're on the receiving end of a Steve Wright interview, it's quite unlike any other interview that you do.

    "...you really have to be on your mettle because he'll ask you a stupid bunch of questions based on the book, but also questions such as what's your favourite colour?"

    "He was a creative whirlwind, not just to listen to but to watch."

    Mayo finished our chat by saying that Wright was the envy of presenters like him: "He was a real one-off, a lot of us tried to be as good as Steve Wright but no-one was. He made radio magical."

    He added: "When Steve was on the radio, you did not turn it down, you turned it up, you lent in to listen to what he was doing, what he was saying.

    So I think his legacy was in the thing that he loved doing the most which was making unmissable radio shows."

    Steve Wright pictured with colleagues including Simon Mayo on the steps of All Souls with other Radio 1 presenters in 1993

    Steve Wright pictured with colleagues including Simon Mayo in 1993

  13. Serious Jockin' and Mr Angry: More of your memories with Wrighty

    We're continuing to get some really lovely messages of your memories of listening to Steve Wright, so here is another round-up of those.

    Please continue to get in touch with your tribute at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

    A surprise to hear the sad news of the passing of Steve Wright. Having grown up on a diet of Cream, Deep Purple and Rory Gallagher, Steve was not my obvious choice of DJ. I was more the John Peel type. Nevertheless, I always appreciated Steve's presentation and his friendliness. Later in life, doing long-distance trucking, I began to appreciate him a lot more. He made many journeys shorter and much more amusing. Lots of condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be sadly missed but often remembered. R.I.P. Steve.

    London Dave

    Listened to Steve, for about 10 years every day whilst working as a delivery driver, will miss Serious Jockin' and the Big Show.

    Jamie, Swindon

    Massive loss. I will always remember Steve while cleaning and polishing my Kawasaki. Steve Wright in the Afternoon will be missed.

    Nik H

    A timeless classic of an amazing radio DJ and talented broadcaster. I dialled in from the start and listened throughout my life. Some of those characters and jingles though absolutely class, they have been with me and will be with me forever. The likes of Mr Angry and Doctor Fish Filleter, very, very funny indeed, hilarious to a 10 year old. It shaped my humour. Bon Voyage and big love Wrighty x.

    Michael in Cliviger, Lancs

  14. Tributes for Wright keep pouring in

    Entertainers and presenters have been posting tribute after tribute for Wright on X, formerly Twitter, this evening. Many are recollecting being a guest on his show and celebrating his talent as a radio host.

    Actor and presenter Matt Lucas called Wright a gifted and brilliant radio broadcaster: "It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show. What a huge loss," he wrote.

    Gary Lineker also took to X, calling Wright a "truly brilliant broadcaster and lovely man".

    In a touching post, comedian and writer Stephen Merchant wrote that he loved being a guest on Wright's show and "being a listener even more".

    "No matter what was happening in real life, his programme was an oasis of breeziness and good humour. RIP to a brilliant broadcaster," Merchant added.

    Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond wrote that he had "lost his hero", saying Wright was the reason he had started his career. "Steve, you changed radio and thus broadcasting for us and shall be very, very sadly missed. Go Well."

  15. BBC is heartbroken by Wright's death, Tim Davie says

    The director general of the BBC, Tim Davie, has described Steve Wright as the "ultimate professional" whose audiences "loved him deeply" and will be terribly missed.

    Davie said: "All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades.

    "He was the ultimate professional - passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio.

    "No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences' faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly."

  16. 'A genuine radio star' - Danny Baker pays tribute to fellow DJ

    We've heard from another luminary of the radio world - the multi-hyphenate DJ, presenter and writer Danny Baker.

    In a post on social media Baker calls Steve Wright a "thoroughly good man" and a "loyal chum".

    He says news of Wright's death was a "dreadful shock" and that he was a "genuine radio star".

  17. 'A big part of our lives for so many years' - Sara Cox reacts

    DJ Steve Wright is seen along with Peter Powell, Janice Long and Bruno Brookes in this archival picture from 1984 as they're introduced as Radio 1s new autumn line-up for the year

    Steve Wright (second from the right) is seen along with Peter Powell, Janice Long and Bruno Brookes

    Reacting to the news on her BBC Radio 2 show earlier, Sara Cox became emotional as she summed up how she, other DJs and listeners felt.

    "It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing except that we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news," she said.

    "Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really, really kind person. He was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family. And I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too.

    "And I imagine you're feeling sad, too… We've all lost a lovely friend who's been a big part of our lives for so many years. So we're going to try and do Steve proud for the rest of the show. And we're going to play the music that he loved so much."

  18. 'I timed shop closing to Steve Wright's closing jingle'

    Your memories of listening to Wrighty are continuing tonight - get in touch with your tribute at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

    From a Covid companion, to meeting him in real life... laughter and joy shine through:

    I first listened to him on Radio 1 in Bolton, his afternoon show was always on in our shop and, I timed closing up, to his closing jingle. Then, throughout all these years, his voice has been a constant companion. My kids who are now 14 and 16 grew up listening to him every evening as I made them dinner, listening through iPlayer to his Big Show. They were delighted that he was still on a Sunday. We will miss him so, so much.

    Rebecca in Trondheim

    His afternoon show with The Posse and his fabulously funny characters like Mr Angry, Elvis is in the Building, Mick and Keef, plus many others were unashamedly funny but never offensive and were just fantastic radio. We never met you but always felt like we knew you were speaking to us. Irreplaceable!

    Doug

    Growing up in Northern Ireland in the Troubles I used to hide a little radio and some headphones in my school bag. As soon as I came out the school gates it was straight onto Radio 1 to listen to Steve Wright. I’d go a ridiculously long way home so I could listen to the end. It was him who sparked my ambition to work in radio.

    James, Cotswolds

    I was lucky enough to bump into him on Great Portland street a few years ago, and he was as warm and friendly as he came across on the radio. Even if you'd never met him you'd consider him a friend, a special special man and DJ. He was seminal to the soundtrack of my life, there for every moment in the background bringing laughter and joy... We will all miss him

    Terence, Chelmsford

    The day before non-essential shops were shut by Covid, I went out and bought a radio to keep me company when working from home and I'm so glad I did. Radio 2 provided me and so many others with such vital company during those strange times and Steve Wright was one of those familiar, friendly, funny voices that we needed "now more than ever". I hope he knew how much he meant to his listeners.

    Charles, Bristol

  19. 'He was a constant inspiration': Scott Mills on Wrighty

    Scott MillsGetty Images

    Scott Mills said Wrighty was "a constant inspiration" to him and "one of our greatest ever broadcasters", in a post on X.

    The BBC Radio 2 DJ wrote: "He made everything sound effortless, and worked so hard to make every show world class.

    "When I first started doing shows at Radio 2, he and I spent hours reminiscing about his days at Radio 1, and I would listen to his stories and wisdom in awe."

    In 2022, BBC Radio 2 ended 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' and Mills took over the primetime slot.

    Wright encouraged people to listen to Scott Mills and continued to present Sunday Love Songs.

    Wright had described Mills as a "brilliant and versatile" presenter.

  20. Wright's long and storied career with the BBC spanned decades

    Emma Saunders
    Culture reporter

    Steve Wright is seen rehearsing Top of the Pops in an archival picture from 1987

    Steve Wright seen hosting Top of the Pops during rehearsal in 1987

    Steve Wright joined the BBC in the 1970s and went on to host the afternoon shows on Radio 1 and Radio 2. He also fronted television programmes for the BBC, including Top of the Pops.

    He was last on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded special Valentine's Day edition of his Love Songs programme.

    He had a brief stint hosting the Radio 1 breakfast show in the 1990s and then left to join Talk Radio, before rejoining the BBC in 1996.

    He began presenting a Saturday programme and Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2 from 1996, before launching his afternoon show in 1999, a slot he would keep until 2022.