Sydney Radio Legend Bob Rogers Passes Away, Aged 97

Broadcasting legend Bob Rogers – a constant presence on Sydney radio and television programs – passed away at 97.

According to a news.com.au report, Rogers died in his Mosman home in Sydney on Wednesday (29 May). Politician Derryn Hinch shared news of his passing, writing that his “brother” in radio died at home surrounded by his family: his wife, Jerry Rogers, and their four daughters.

Rogers spent an incredible 78 years working in the radio industry, beginning his career as a panel operator at Melbourne’s 3XY at just 14 years old. At 17, Rogers had his first job as an announcer at 3MA Mildura.

In 1964, Rogers became known as the unofficial “fifth Beatle”. As part of his role on 2SM, he accompanied the music icons on tours across Europe and Asia, as well as their one and only Australian tour.

Discussing the opportunity to interview all four Beatles – Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2022, Rogers said, “The deal was I would tour with them, and I would have exclusive rights to interview them every two days.”

Nine News also reported that Rogers discovered Michael Bublé “before he was famous”.

A champion of Australian music, Rogers discovered the Slim Dusty tune Pub With No Beer in 1957. The first DJ to play it in Australia, Pub With No Beer shot to the top of the Singles Chart.

Working up until his 90s, Rogers could be heard on Sydney’s 2CH in recent years. In 2002, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

In a statement, Hinch wrote, “The words legend and icon are thrown around too easily these days but Bob Rogers was both. As a kid I used to listen to him on my crystal set from across the ditch in New Zealand.

“One of his career highlights was in the 1960s when he accompanied The Beatles on their trip to Australia. He was called ‘the fifth Beatle’.”

In more personal (and funny) anecdotes, Hinch continued, “Bob was a champion tennis player at White City, was one of the first male nude models for Cleo magazine and was an ace poker player.

“I shall be honoured to deliver his eulogy in Sydney next week. Vale, my brother.”

Below, you can read more tributes to Bob Rogers and watch a video of the radio legend discussing his work on air.

An honour to be broadcasting this morning from the same floor where Bob Rogers spent 18 years on 2CH and where he presented his last programs from at age 93. This was his studio. Rip legend pic.twitter.com/0sXVPa0fe0

— Clinton Maynard (@ClintMaynard2GB) May 29, 2024

I had the great privilege of being the panel operator for radio legend Bob Rogers back in the 90s. Nicest bloke ever, with a never ending list of stories about bands and musicians I’d give my left arm to have seen live, let alone meet. He was the best. Thanks Bob. Rest in peace.

— Troy Harvey (@troy_harvey) May 29, 2024

Sorry to hear of the death this afternoon of the great radio broadcaster Bob Rogers, a lovely man. I think my interview with him a couple of years ago might have been his last substantive one. #RIPhttps://t.co/obScc6yoNf

— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) May 29, 2024

Australian radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the ripe old age of 97. His illustrious career saw him still broadcasting into his nineties. I admired him enormously. He and John Laws were my radio heroes. Vale Bob Rogers.

— Ian Maurice (@ian_maurice) May 29, 2024

Rest in Peace, Bob.

One of the best. 📻 🎙️ https://t.co/Wb5aAvC6dj

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) May 29, 2024

RIP Bob Rogers. A giant of Australian radio. A career that will never be matched. pic.twitter.com/sKM4hcrhwS

— Troy Dodds (@troydodds) May 29, 2024

Bob Rogers was one of the last “golden age of radio” blokes. A good man & top broadcaster who didn’t care for all the ‘legend’ & ‘star’ stuff. He was decent & honest to everyone he worked with, regardless of their role at the station. Honoured to have worked with him @radioinfo

— Jason Morrison (@JasonMorrisonAU) May 29, 2024