Bob Harris, the legendary BBC Radio 2 DJ known as 'Whispering' Bob, has revealed that he once paid John Lennon with biscuits for a television interview. The anecdote is among a treasure chest of memories shared in a special birthday programme, 'Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music', which airs on Radio 2 on Saturday.
Harris, who turns 80 on Saturday, told Zoe Ball about the encounter during the two-hour celebration. He recalled that when he interviewed Lennon for the iconic music show 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' in the 1970s, he offered the former Beatle a packet of biscuits as payment. Lennon reportedly accepted the gesture, which Harris described as a typical example of the informal, friendly atmosphere of the time.
The DJ, who has eight children and lives in Steventon, Oxfordshire, with his wife Trudie, has faced health challenges recently. He revealed that his prostate cancer has spread to his upper spine, sharing the 'frightening news' with fans. Despite this, he remains upbeat, saying: 'Eighty is the new 60.'
Harris's career began in print journalism, co-founding Time Out magazine, before moving into radio. He became a presenter on BBC Radio 1 and later hosted 'The Old Grey Whistle Test', where he interviewed music legends including David Bowie, Elton John, and all four members of The Beatles. His friendship with Elton John began when they met in a record shop, where John gave Harris a copy of his debut album 'Empty Sky'.
The programme also features memories of his close friendships with Marc Bolan and Robert Plant, and his role in the rise of T. Rex. Harris says he still feels like a teenager buying singles from the local record shop, despite his age and health struggles.
