Radio loses a legend: RIP John Laws

Australian radio has lost a legend with the death of John Laws, who passed away this morning (Sunday, November 9) at the age of 90.

The Laws family has released this statement:

“Today marks a very difficult day for our family, with the news that our beloved father/grandfather/uncle John Laws has died peacefully at home.

“While fame and prominence had become a mainstay of his life, for us, he was always the person who meant so much, away from the microphone, the cameras, and the headlines.

“It is comforting to know that John’s was a life lived well – he had remained in good health and even better spirits right up until the last few weeks.”

In October last year, Laws announced to his 2SM audience that he would be retiring – just shy of 71 years in the industry.

That day, Lawsie said on air “Do you ever just get that feeling that enough is enough? I’ve had a hell of a lot of fun though.”

His final day on air was Friday, November 8, 2024.

Laws paid tribute to all of his listeners – saying each and every person who had ever called to share with him a part of their day was important to him.

In paying tribute to the man fondly known as the Golden Tonsils, 2SM said of his departure from radio: “His voice has been a constant presence across generations, guiding listeners through world events, tough conversations, and moments of laughter.”

“For over seven decades, John’s unmatched style and dedication shaped the world of radio and made him a legend. His impact goes beyond the stories he’s told – it’s in the hearts of every listener who tuned in, day after day.”

Laws began his career at Bendigo’s 3BO back in 1953, then he worked in Orange and Newcastle, finally moving to Sydney to work at Sydney’s 2UE, 2UW and 2GB. Laws was famous for bringing his audience with him, the first major radio personality in the talkback era to do so.

After stepping away from radio for four years, he returned in 2011 with The John Laws Morning Show on 2SM and had been there ever since.

Many describe Laws as the best radio broadcaster our nation has ever seen, influencing Australia as he blended the issues of the day, politics and music with interviews with rich, infamous and ordinary people alike.

“It was presented as a tapestry of life in a broadcast magazine format, in an empathetic manner. Unbelievable! And it will never be repeated.”

Upon news of Lawsie’s death, the KIIS Network’s Kyle Sandilands was among the first to pay tribute, saying “John Laws was one of the true originals. You could never mistake him for anyone else. He said what he thought, didn’t care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required. I’m devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won’t be the same without him.”