John Burns retires from breakfast radio broadcast on week of 75th birthday
After two decades on air with co-host Ross Stevenson, an emotional John Burns has signed off from his final radio broadcast. And despite coronavirus restrictions, he was farewelled in style.
Entertainment
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News.
John Burns’ 3AW co-host Ross Stevenson played a catalogue of “Burnso” zingers from over the journey on the radio show on Friday, to mark Burns’ last breakfast radio broadcast.
They included a Burns question about medical services.
Burns: “Are they all eye injuries that you treat.”
Caller: “At the Eye and Ear (Hospital)?”
Another Burns comment was slightly lost in translation.
Burns: “What does the Japanese teacher teach?”
This revelation bamboozled Stevenson.
Burns: “What would your name be if you were a woman? I’ve worked out, for various reasons, that mine would be Sally.”
Burnsalso opened up a peculiar COVID-climate symptom.
Burns: “I ended up, at 2.30 yesterday afternoon, with a raging thirst.”
Other zingers to get an airing included: “Australia has a dish that completely destroys your libido, and you never get it back again _ wedding cake.
This guy: pass him every morning at about this time.. and he’s always in this pose at this desk.. reading the days papers and prepping for Breakfast.
— Heidi Murphy (@heidimur) July 30, 2020
And he’s doing it all for the final time today..
Go well Burnso pic.twitter.com/BTiLly4Wgr
During an impromptu game of Blankety Blanks, Stevenson asked Burns: “I would rather blank than watch the Princess Mary telemovie.”
Burns, without missing a beat, answered: “Have a colonoscopy without an anaesthetic.”
Burns also recalled the time his recognisable radio voice sparked admiration from “the blonde singer in (ABBA tribute band) Bjorn Again,” who then inquired: “Which one are you, Bruce or Phil?
An emotional Burns signed off from his last breakfast radio broadcast at 8.30am on Friday.
Burns chose the week of his 75th birthday to retire after more than two decades on air with co-host Ross Stevenson.
This legend hangs up the mic today. I’m going to miss you, Basketball Guts. Was a honour working with you #byeburnso pic.twitter.com/4YSwkFWioe
— scorcher davidson (@markjdavidson) July 30, 2020
An emotional Burns choked back tears as he farewelled and thanked the team at 3AW.
“I remember when I was offered this job I said I’m the luckiest bloke in the world, which I am … and thanks,” he said before becoming too emotional and unable to continue.
After a break, he said: “All I want to say is that … I’ve been the luckiest bloke in the world to be put on air with the best broadcaster in the world,” Burns said referring to Stevenson.
His co-host replied: “Absolute legend.”
The morning was spent honouring the radio host who has dominated Melbourne ratings.
It included highlights from Burns career along with tributes from listeners.
Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight presented Burns with a farewell card depicting him as Sir Lunchalot.
Burns is retiring to be replaced by business identity Russel Howcroft.
After the show, Burns, Stevenson, their production team, contributors and 3AW management celebrated at a private party.
MORE NEWS
WHY JOHN BURNS WILL BE SIGNING OFF WITHOUT A FUSS