“The greatest radio talent of modern times.” Mates and greats remember Lawsie

As radio comes to grips with the loss of an industry titan in John Laws, Nine Radio Managing Director Tom Malone has led the tributes today.

In a statement, Malone said Laws is a giant of Australian radio who leaves an indelible mark on this country’s media, social, music and political landscapes.

“He mastered the craft of radio like no other, encapsulating the “theatre of the mind”. He combined intellect, humour and the common touch to entertain millions of Australians right across the country, through decades of live radio.”

“He was the original influencer, and the first radio broadcaster to move stations and take his listeners with him, from 2UE to 2GB and back again. Other broadcasters benefited from his magnetism and many a sales rep and proprietor from his commercial success.”

“Politicians wanted to win his favour, musicians wanted to win his endorsement, and the listeners just wanted to talk to him.”

“If ever there was an example of Rudyard Kipling‘s description of a man in If – it was John Laws. Indeed – he did walk with Kings, without losing the common touch.”

“We extend our sincere condolences and gratitude to his children, grandchildren and many long serving loyal employees.” 

Social media continues to be flooded with tributes, stories and fond memories from across the wider entertainment industry.

Gold 101.7’s Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones (main picture) said “John Laws was a great broadcaster, an inspiration for my own career, and always a good chat. Vale King. May your microphone always be golden.”

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe described Laws as a neighbour, mentor and friend.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing, however, I am buoyed in the sure and certain knowledge that he led a magnificent life of achievement and adventure and he lived every moment.”

“He worked hard, played harder and loved completely.  A legend, in the very best, most Australian, sense of the word.”

Former journalist and radio host Mike Carlton said there was no better broadcaster in all the long history of radio, posting to X:

“The king is dead.”

Ray Hadley said Laws revolutionised the talk radio industry.

While Kyle Sandilands described him as ‘one of the true originals.’

“You could never mistake him for anyone else,” Sandilands said on X. “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.”

Veteran broadcaster Craig Willis shared a moving tribute of the incredible impact Laws had on his own career:

“In 1973 I was offered the job of “office boy” /Cadet at 2UW at 365 Kent Street in Sydney by Roger Summerill. John Laws was the star of the station with a great line up including Malcolm T Elliot, Phil Hunter, Sam Galea, Chris Kearns and the PD Ray Bean. John had an office and a secretary named Pam Stanley who was the busiest person in the building. Every Friday his fruit and vegetable box from Paddy’s Market would arrive and I would have to take it to the garage further down Kent Street to deposit in the boot of the Bentley.”

“I had aspirations to get a job on air and did a number of audition tapes and would give them to Mr Laws for a critique. He would often walk past and throw the cassette at me and say ‘You can do better.’”

“Unbeknown to me he was on his way to his farm near Orange in NSW and he passed through Lithgow and dropped a cassette off to the manager. I was offered a job on air and worked with Peter Graham and Craig Denyer, to name drop a few good blokes.”

“I worked with John at 2CA when his friend John Kerr invited him down to Canberra to do a few afternoon shows and later at 2GB in Sydney. Years later I ran into him at Otto’s where he was lunching as usual with his Princess. I walked over and introduced myself and his reaction was ‘Of course I know who you are and I have followed your career … and I always knew you had it in you to succeed!’”

“I never know to this day if he was just being polite or knew of my career path. He was a great man who did so much behind the scenes to help people and was without doubt the greatest radio talent in modern times.”

Image: Facebook