John Blackman’s old sparring partner Derryn Hinch pays respects in online tribute

In paying tribute to John Blackman, Derryn Hinch referenced the “huge rows” the pair shared. So what was behind their beef that spanned decades?

Broadcaster John Blackman has died aged 76.

Derryn Hinch flashed back to one of Melbourne media’s classic feuds when he paid homage to his old sparring partner John Blackman.

Hinch’s social media tribute was one of many paid to the radio and media personality on Wednesday, who became a household name in Melbourne thanks to his work on 3AW and Hey Hey it’s Saturday.

Shocked and saddened by death of John Blackman. He handled his illnesses so bravely. We had some huge rows but he was the fastest ad lib man ever. Vale.

— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) June 4, 2024

So what was behind the bust-up that spanned decades?

It all started in 1986. The pair had been working together at 3AW, Blackman as a top-rating breakfast host and Hinch on a morning program.

Derryn Hinch, middle, and John Blackman, right with Bruce Mansfield in 1985. Blackman and Mansfield were paying a bet about Hinch giving up smoking and drinking.

Blackman announced a move to rival station 3AK to the shock of many, stating at his departure that 3AW had “all of a sudden just lacked soul”.

The move was reportedly amicable, Blackman leaving for a “challenge” after his stint on 3AW had started to become “boring”.

“After all, the reason I left was simply because I wanted a challenge and I call going from number one to being number none a big challenge,” he said at the time.

John Blackman after resigning from 3AW in 1986.

But Hinch snapped back at Blackman’s remarks on air, telling his listeners “3AW hasn’t lost its soul, it’s lost its a---hole.” The snark was credited “one of the most spectacular falling-outs heard on Oz radio” in the Herald Sun in 2004.

The remark made Blackman’s mother cry. “I’ll never forgive him for that”, he said at the time.

“You don’t realise just how rough Derryn’s attacks on air can be until you are on the receiving end of one of his tirades.”

And with that, Blackman saw Hinch as “dead meat”.

Derryn Hinch talks to media at radio 3AW after his release from prison in 1987.

But the two couldn’t keep clear of each other for long. They had a run-in at a 3AW event at Gowing’s restaurant, where, according to Blackman, Hinch tried approaching him.

“I saw this visage lurching towards me. He was a little tired and emotional after the celebrations,” Blackman said in 1986.

“I … said I’d have to leave because there was this dreadful smell. And I walked out to my car with Cecile behind me.”

John Blackman pictured in 1982.

Derryn Hinch at work on radio in 1986.

The cold shoulder was short-lived when the old colleagues cleared the air — well, at least somewhat — at the 1987 Logie awards.

“We did shake hands after the Logies,” Hinch said.

“We caught each other’s eye across the room and it seemed silly to carry things on.

“I think people forgive but don’t forget.”

Blackman shared similar sentiment. “It was a spontaneous thing really – no big deal.”

“We caught each other’s eye and Derryn put his hand out.

“I was tempted to lift mine, then scratch the back of my head but I thought no, stuff it, it’s so ridiculous to keep carrying on like that.”

John Blackman pictured in 2005.

Nearly twenty years on and the feud between the pair looked dead and buried when he attended Hinch’s book launch for The Fall and Rise of Derryn Hinch.

But when Australian icon Graham Kennedy died in 2005, Hinch claimed live on air he had died of AIDS.

“You’re not going to like this, but I believe Graham Kennedy died with AIDS.’’

After that, Blackman famously said “I’d rather stab myself in the eye with a satay stick than attend a function where Derryn was the main attraction.”

Blackman swore to never speak with Hinch again unless he apologised for the claims.

Hinch did apologise — and then again days later when some people dubbed it a Clayton’s apology — saying he “genuinely believed” what he’d said at the time, but “truly regretted the heartache” he’d caused.

“I will say, unequivocally, I am sorry. I am sorry for the hurt I have caused Kennedy’s friends and his myriad of fans whom he entertained so well for so long,” he said on 3AW, its drive presenter at the time.

But now, the feud seems a speck in the ocean, outshone by the legacy of laughs on Hey Hey and the voice Blackman was to the nation throughout his time on air.

John Blackman in his booth for Hey Hey It's Saturday in 1988.

After news broke of Blackman’s passing, Hinch had nothing but tribute for the Australian legend.

“Shocked and saddened … He handled his illnesses so bravely.”