Radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the age of 97.
The Australian DJ and radio host died at home surrounded by his family, with tributes from his devastated fans.
Bob, who lived in Mosman, is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Jerry, and his four daughters.
During his 78 years on the Sydney airwaves, Bob carved out a highly successful radio career, memorably presenting Australia’s first Top 40 show in 1958.
In a major highlight of his career, he was also sent to London in 1964 to join the Beatles as they headed to Australia for their only Australian tour.
Radio legend Bob Rogers dies at 97
Prior to his retirement in October 2020, Bob had presented the six-hour Saturday night show Reminiscing for 23 years on Sydney radio station 2CH.
Fans took to social media to pay tribute to Bob as they shared their devastation at the sad news of his passing.
They wrote: ‘I am saddened to learn that radio legend Bob Rogers has passed away. He was 97 years old.
‘He began his career in radio during the Second World War and surprisingly continued until a few years ago. I remember him at 3UZ in the 1970s;
‘Australian radio legend Bob Rogers has died at the ripe old age of 97. His illustrious career allowed him to continue broadcasting into his nineties. He admired him greatly. He and John Laws were my radio heroes. Okay Bob Rogers’;
‘Bob Rogers: my deepest condolences to their families and all Australians!’
Bob famously toured Australia with the Beatles and even took his two eldest daughters to meet them during his travels.
Bob’s youngest daughter, Skye, who is a commercial artist, was known as the ‘Beatles baby’ because she was conceived just after her tours with the famous band.
Skye said The Sydney Morning Herald in 2013: ‘They called me the Beatles’ baby. I was conceived just after Bob toured Australasia with the Beatles (in 1964), the tour that changed his life.
“When I arrived, the fourth girl, I think Bob was expecting a boy.”
Bob added: I was hoping to have a son, I couldn’t believe we had a fourth girl. The day after she was born, I was on Tonight with Don Lane and he congratulated me and I said, ‘After four daughters, Skye is the limit.’ That’s the name of her company now.