2GB shock jock Alan Jones forced off air for major back surgery after ‘out of control pain’

RADIO shock jock Alan Jones will be off the air, to allow for major back surgery in late November, following a recent run of health issues, including “out of control” pain.

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RADIO shock jock Alan Jones will be off the air, to allow for major back surgery in late November, following a recent run of health issues, including “out of control” pain.

The top-rating 2GB breakfast presenter told hundreds of 2GB staff, who gathered to celebrate their 100th ratings win, he needed urgent back surgery and would go off air on November 21.

He even admitted he “‘had a lot of problems over the years and felt hopeless at the moment”.

His health problems were reported by the Daily Telegraph last month but Mr Jones officially told staff on Tuesday his back needed to be “sliced and diced” because of “chronic” pain.

Alan Jones uses a walking stick due to his ongoing back pain. He has lost 10 kilos on the advice from doctors. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Jones has been using a walking cane to help with his back pain.

He also told the group he was recovering from a diagnosis of “insulin intolerance”. This condition has resulted in him losing much as 10kgs.

Defiant as always, he declared: “I don’t have cancer, I’m not dying and I will be back”, according to a staff member.

Mr Jones had hoped to have the surgery later this year, but because of the constant pain it had been brought forward as it had ‘got out of control.’

He said he hoped to back on air in weeks not months after surgery. But, it’s unlikely he will return to work in time for the final radio rating survey on December 13.

He’s expected to have his 200th career win across stations 2GB and 2UE.

Maquaurie Radio's Ray Hadley, John Singleton and Alan Jones celebrated yesterday after winning over a 100 consecutive radio surveys. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Last month he told the Daily Telegraph he had been in “a lot of pain” for some time.

“I’ve had several interventions in my back in the past and now there are further problems within the spinal canal and elsewhere,” he said.

“The walking stick is designed to minimise the impact of the pain on the left side of my body.”

Colleague and friend of the 75-year-old, Ray Hadley said he was worried about Mr Jones’ recent ill health.

“He’s a good mate. I’m very worried about him,” he said.

“[But] he’s coming back, it’s not as if he’s disappearing, he’s just having some surgery on his back.”

“His listeners are tremendously loyal. They’re not going anywhere as long as they know he’s coming back fit and well.”