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Shirley Ludford and Johnnie Walker

DJ JOHNNIE Walker was determined to make his pilgrimage back to Swindon despite illness to take part in the Festival of Literature.

Johnnie had come from Salisbury to discuss his autobiography, but had nearly pulled out after eating something that disagreed with him.

A packed house of clearly ardent Johnnie Walker fans listened to stories of his time on pirate radio, being the rebel at Radio One and even his time on working at a radio station in Wootton Bassett.

With the discussion led by Swindon Community Radio presenter Shirley Ludford, there were many stories to be told including his defiance of popular music, breaking the law by continuing to broadcast pirate radio and his refusal to interview Cherie Blair. "I said she can sling her hook," said Johnnie.

"I have been very lucky - god gave me a voice that works well on the radio," he said.

Did you see Johnnie? Tell us what you thought below...

Allegations about his drug habits in a national tabloid newspaper had nearly ended his career.

"You either chuck yourself under a train or you keep going. They really set out to destroy my career."

Johnnie talked at length about the frustration of working at Radio One - not being able to choose his own music and conforming to what was in the charts.

"The producers said your show's got to be the same as the one before.

"They weren't really interested in music they played, but I really was - I thought that would be an advantage to a radio station."

Another incident he recounted was how the radio station had received numerous tea bags after he had referred to needing some tea' on air, when he was actually talking about drugs.

10:25am Wednesday 7th May 2008

Related Links

www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

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