Veteran rock’n’roll reporter Richard Wilkins to mark milestone 70th birthday

It’s being treated as a state secret – no doubt owing to the fact that he’s not overly thrilled about it – but Nine’s veteran rock’n’roll reporter will mark a significant milestone next week.

It’s being treated as a state secret – no doubt owing to the fact that he’s not overly thrilled about the milestone – but Nine’s veteran rock’n’roll reporter Richard Wilkins will mark a significant event next Wednesday when he turns, gasp, 70.

Bum.

Secret’s out.

We hear Wilkins swiftly shot down all attempts from family and friends to throw a monster bash and will instead fly to the US.

Wilkins will fly to the US instead of celebrating at home. AAP Image/Richard Gosling

An interview with Hollywood star Eddie Murphy is in the offing and apparently more appealing than blowing out 70 candles locally.

Wilkins had nothing much to say on the subject when we contacted him last week for comment, and probably hopes Nine execs had overlooked the milestone.

Wilkins with new girlfriend, Mia Hakswell.

A series of smaller parties will probably be held instead, providing the owner of the nation’s most enduring mullet with ample opportunity to demonstrate why he remains one of the true wonders of the Australian rock-verse, despite decades of partying with the likes of Michael Gudinski, Elton John and Russell Crowe.