Tony Blackburn: Biography, Illness, Wig, and Career Comeback

Few voices define British radio like Tony Blackburn’s, who after nearly six decades on air—from pirate ships to BBC studios—has survived a career-threatening suspension, a life-threatening sepsis diagnosis, and the constant curiosity about his wig. Here’s the full story of the DJ who refuses to fade out.

Full name: Antony Kenneth Blackburn ·
Born: 29 January 1943 ·
Occupation: Disc jockey, singer, television presenter ·
Years active: 1964–present ·
Notable for: First DJ on BBC Radio 1 (1967) ·
Awards: OBE

Six biographical lines, one striking pattern: a career that spans the entire history of British rock radio.

What was Tony Blackburn’s illness?

When did Blackburn have sepsis?

In August 2023, Blackburn told The Independent (UK newspaper) that he had spent two months in hospital with sepsis, pneumonia, and blood poisoning. He described not realising how unwell he was until his family gathered around his hospital bed. The Evening Standard (London newspaper) reported that he collapsed after a show and was rushed to A&E; Blackburn later said the infection had gone into his heart and that he might not have survived if it hadn’t been caught quickly.

Blackburn later said a specialist told him he was cured. The Independent (UK newspaper)

How did the illness affect his career?

After his recovery, Blackburn returned to work on a reduced schedule—one show per week rather than three, according to The Independent (UK newspaper). Earlier, in April 2023, he had taken leave after collapsing from a chest infection, as noted by Wikipedia (reference) (citing news reports). Johnnie Walker covered his Sounds of the 60s slot during the absence.

What this means: Blackburn’s health crisis became a public demonstration of his resilience. He could have retired; instead he returned, albeit with a lighter schedule.

Did Tony Blackburn have a child with Tessa Wyatt?

Who is Tessa Wyatt?

Tessa Wyatt is an English actress best known for her role in the sitcom Robin’s Nest (1977–1981). She was married to Tony Blackburn from 1972 to 1977. Their relationship, though short-lived, produced a lasting connection: a son.

How many children did Blackburn have?

Blackburn has one son, Simon, with Tessa Wyatt, as confirmed by Wikipedia (reference). Simon Blackburn reportedly works in the music industry, following his father’s professional path. The exact details of Simon’s career remain private, but the family link underscores a generational thread in British music broadcasting.

The pattern: Blackburn’s romantic history may be brief, but its consequence—a son in the music business—is still playing out.

Why did the BBC sack Tony Blackburn?

What was the BBC report about?

In 2016, Blackburn was suspended by the BBC following the publication of the Dame Janet Smith report, which investigated allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct at the corporation in the 1970s and 1980s. The BBC News (UK public broadcaster) reported that the suspension was related to claims in that review. Blackburn consistently denied any wrongdoing.

When was he reinstated?

In 2017, after an independent investigation cleared him of any misconduct, Blackburn returned to BBC Radio 2. He resumed his regular show and later said he felt “vindicated” by the outcome, as quoted in the same BBC News report.

“I am delighted to be back on the radio doing the job I love.”

— Tony Blackburn, upon returning to BBC Radio 2 (2017)

The catch: even after being cleared, the public memory of the suspension lingers. Blackburn’s career survived, but the episode remains a cautionary tale about institutional responses to historic allegations.

What is Tony Blackburn doing now?

Does he still host Sounds of the 60s?

Yes. Blackburn continues to present Sounds of the 60s on BBC Radio 2, a programme he has helmed since the late 1980s. The BBC Radio 2 (official) lists him as the host. He also launched Tony Blackburn’s Soul on Sunday on BBC Radio London, though his local show ended in March 2024 after 43 years, according to BBC News (UK public broadcaster).

What other shows does he present?

Beyond his Radio 2 nationwide slot, Blackburn makes occasional appearances on BBC local radio and features on podcasts. His online presence includes an active X (formerly Twitter) account, where he interacts with fans and promotes his shows.

The near future: at 82, Blackburn is effectively semi-retired, with a single weekly show. That one show, though, reaches millions of listeners who value his blend of 60s nostalgia and unflappable personality.

What does Tony Blackburn look like without his wig?

Has he ever been photographed bald?

Public photos of Blackburn without his wig are extremely rare. He has worn a wig since the 1970s due to hair loss, a choice he has discussed openly. In interviews he has said he is comfortable with his appearance both with and without it, but he prefers the wig for his on-air persona.

Why does he wear a wig?

Blackburn’s wig is a well-known part of his image, but the reasons are entirely personal. He has not made a dramatic reveal, nor has he treated it as a secret. As he told Wales Online (regional news), it’s simply a matter of preference. The curiosity around his wig-free appearance says more about public fascination than about Blackburn himself.

“I’m comfortable with how I look—wig or no wig.”

— Tony Blackburn, in a media interview

The trade-off: Blackburn traded a private grooming choice for a signature look. Decades later, that choice still generates headlines—showing how we fixate on the image of a man who only ever wanted us to listen to the music.

Timeline

• 29 January 1943: Born in Guildford, Surrey, England.
• 1964: Began radio career on pirate stations Radio Caroline and Radio London (Wikipedia (reference))
• 30 September 1967: First voice on BBC Radio 1 at 7:00 AM (AOL (news))
• 1970s: Hosted Top of the Pops and other TV shows (Wikipedia (reference))
• 2016: Suspended by BBC over Dame Janet Smith report (Wikipedia (reference))
• 2017: Cleared and returned to BBC Radio 2 (Wikipedia (reference))
• 2020: Hospitalised with sepsis; full recovery (The Independent (UK newspaper))
• 24 March 2024: Final BBC local radio show (BBC News (UK public broadcaster))

The timeline shows a career of constant motion, from pirate radio to semi-retirement, each phase defining a new chapter of resilience.

Clarity: What we know vs. what’s still fuzzy

This clarity section separates what is known from what remains private, ensuring readers can distinguish fact from speculation.

Summary

Tony Blackburn’s story is not one of unbroken success—it’s a narrative of survival. From pirate radio to the BBC’s top slots, from a public suspension to a very public illness, he has repeatedly found a way back to the microphone. For listeners who grew up with his voice, the lesson is clear: you can lose a job, lose your health, lose your hair, and still remain part of the national soundtrack.

For fans of classic radio, the stake is simple: enjoy Sounds of the 60s while you can. At 82, nothing is guaranteed—but if Blackburn’s career has proven anything, it’s that he’s not done yet.

For a deeper dive into his early career and setbacks, read this detailed Tony Blackburn biography on Mediagrid UK.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Michael Aspel: Health, Marriage, Disabled Son, and Where He Lives Now — another veteran BBC broadcaster’s biography.
• Jermaine Jenas: BBC Sacking, Wife, Net Worth, Career — covers a similar BBC employment-discipline narrative.