Steve Wright, who spent over 40 years as one of the most popular presenters on BBC Radio, has died at the age of 69.
The news was confirmed in a statement by his family, who wrote: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.
“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”
Wright began on BBC Radio 1 in 1980, settling into his Steve Wright in the Afternoon show the following year. He remained at the station until 1995, briefly hosting the Breakfast Show, and later became an institution at BBC Radio 2, presenting in his trademark time slot from 1999 to 2022.
Portrait of BBC Radio 1 disc jockey Steve Wright, photographed for Radio Times in connection with his self titled BBC Radio show, June 1982. (Photo by Chris Ridley/Radio Times/Getty Images)
He also hosted the show Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2 up until his death, and recently replaced the veteran broadcaster Paul Gambaccini on the station’s Pick of the Pops in late 2022.
Tim Davie, the BBC Director General, has 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.”
Figures from across the entertainment industry have been paying their tributes to the broadcaster, with his Radio 2 colleague Jo Whiley writing: “The broadcaster’s broadcaster. One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years. Can’t believe we won’t meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty.”
What a man. What a legend.
The broadcaster’s broadcaster. One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years. Can’t believe we won’t meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty pic.twitter.com/Vro3Osj7ff
— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) February 13, 2024
Ken Bruce, another veteran of the Radio 2 airwaves, said: “Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.”
Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.
— Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) February 13, 2024
See a range of further tributes below:
Steve Wright was a thoroughly good man, a genuine radio star and a loyal chum. This is a dreadful shock.
— Danny Baker (@prodnose) February 13, 2024
As a teenager the job I wanted most in the world was to be part of Steve Wright’s posse. He made radio seem so joyous. What terribly sad news, and what a brilliant broadcaster he was. https://t.co/C8EuyoovCP
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) February 13, 2024
Steve Wright was a radio giant. Better than that, he was a genuinely nice, thoughtful and loyal man. Going to miss his craft and care.
— Danny Wallace (@dannywallace) February 13, 2024
Loved going on the Steve Wright show. He did the research (most of them don’t) greeted you like an old friend (which he was) and was a master interviewer. Very sad to see him go.
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) February 13, 2024
Sorry to hear about the passing of master DJ Steve Wright. Like many, I grew up with his very funny afternoon show on Radio 1 and so, when I appeared on his Radio 2 show years later, I was more than a little star struck by him. He was just as kind and funny off mic as he was on.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) February 13, 2024
Sara Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright, which was just on Radio 2 just now. pic.twitter.com/3IJek2egLF
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) February 13, 2024
I loved being a guest on Steve 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
— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) February 13, 2024
Sad to hear about Steve Wright – his Radio 2 show was always fun to be on, and he was brilliant at what he did. RIP.
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) February 13, 2024
Such terrible news about Steve Wright. Brilliant broadcaster. I was privileged to be a guest on his show a few times and was bowled over both by his extraordinary talent and his great generosity of spirit
— Robert Peston (@Peston) February 13, 2024
You will be so missed Steve Wright – heartbroken RIP friend and ‘boss’ for 24 years pic.twitter.com/B87ZyTYqb8
— Janey Lee Grace (@janeyleegrace) February 13, 2024
A brilliant broadcaster & an incredibly generous man. How very, very sad. https://t.co/jixi61ACtT
— James O’Brien (@mrjamesob) February 13, 2024
One of the greats. Awful news.
Steve Wright: Radio 2 presenter dies aged 69 https://t.co/eUs2MkBQDK
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) February 13, 2024
Emotional scenes on @BBCRadio2 this evening, following the announcement of Steve Wright’s passing
(Queen) Bobbie Pryor, you have absolutely NOTHING to apologise for. I cannot fathom just how difficult it would be to learn of the death of a beloved colleague live on air pic.twitter.com/CuaZ12wRPD
— Zoe Lamb (@zoemuriel) February 13, 2024
The post Steve Wright, legend of BBC Radio, dies aged 69 appeared first on NME.
