For the first time, there will be a long-running rock show on BBC Radio Two, hosted by Johnnie Walker on Monday evenings. As a regular presenter on the network, Johnnie is known for his in-depth musical knowledge and his passion for promoting new artists. He currently presents “Sounds of the Seventies”.

The contract for the new rock show has been awarded to Wisebuddah, a content production company. Their spokesman, Adam Uytman has said: “Johnnie has a wealth of experience in the field of rock. The BBC Radio Two audience are huge rock fans and have been waiting for this moment.”

Radio Two is the United Kingdom’s biggest radio station and could provide a boost for guitar music which struggles for success on streaming platforms. Rock music has mostly disappeared from the hit singles chart, although albums remain as popular as ever.

Adam Uytman gives further details of the show: “We’ll be covering the classics – from Led Zeppelin to Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers to Muse – as well as new bands and artists, too. We’re proud to be building on our relationship with both BBC Radio Two and Johnnie Walker to create this new show for listeners.”

Whether it can emulate the success of “The Friday Rock Show” remains to be seen. This iconic programme was broadcast on BBC Radio One every Friday from November 1978 until April 1993, and throughout most of this period was hosted by Tommy Vance. The show was essential listening for fans of heavy metal, being the only outlet for this genre of music.

Today, with the advent of streaming and digital radio, the new rock show will have its work cut out to capture listeners from the competition.