Heartbreak as radio star dies a week after retiring

A legendary radio host has died at the age of 85, a week after announcing his retirement after more than 60 years in the business.

Beloved Melbourne radio host Philip Brady OAM has died at the age of 85, a week after announcing he was stepping away from the microphone after nearly 67 years.

The radio star was diagnosed with cancer on December 5, sharing his diagnosis with close friends and not revealing it to the public.

Philip Brady has died at the age of 85.

“Very early this morning, Philip Brady died,” 3AW host Tom Elliott said on Tuesday morning, revealing he had been informed of Brady’s cancer diagnosis late last year.

“He said he was riddled with cancer and didn’t expect to last too long, so for me, this isn’t a surprise,” he said.

“But it is very sad because I don’t think we’ll see the likes of Philip Brady again.”

Brady (left), pictured with Bruce Mansfield, was one of the most respected names in radio.

Brady hosted his final episode of the Remember When Sunday radio show on 3AW on January 12, announcing his retirement from the radio network on February 2.

Born in East Melbourne in 1939, Brady set his sights on radio from a young age.

“There were no DJs in those days and from about five years of age I was passionate about radio,” Brady told radio host Gavin Wood in 2024.

The radio star was on air for more than 60 years.

3AW station manager Stephen Beers said Brady was a “great friend to many, truly loving his work on air and helping so many listeners and colleagues with advice, companionship and friendship”.

“Phil will be greatly missed by all at 3AW,” he added.

Originally published as Heartbreak as radio star dies a week after retiring