The world of Melbourne music is in mourning today, following news that veteran 3RRR presenter and volunteer Stephen “The Ghost” Walker has passed away.
If you’ve ever found yourself listening to community radio in Victoria over the last four decades, then the chances are very good that you would have heard of Stephen Walker, known to listeners as The Ghost.
Joining Melbourne’s 3RRR back in 1981, Walker soon became an integral force at the station, going on serve as a volunteer presenter for 37 years, with 17 of those spent as program manager.
During his time, listeners would have heard his voice on programs such as From The Bunker, Survival Talkback, Ghost In The Machine, and the iconic Skull Cave, which was handed over to Woody McDonald just last year.
In fact, Stephen Walker’s legacy was so wide-reaching that following his induction into The Age Music Victoria Awards Hall of Fame back in 2011, a 30th anniversary/benefit concert was held in his honour at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre, with the likes of Nick Cave and the Dirty Three all taking part.
Sadly, the Victorian music scene is a little smaller today, following news that Stephen Walker has passed away following a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis, and a brief battle with cancer.
In a statement shared on their website and social media, 3RRR said of Walker’s legacy; “His on-air presence was something truly special, as so many people in the Triple R community reflected when The Ghost signed off indefinitely from the airwaves in August last year.”
“Beyond his many contributions on air, we’ll miss Stephen’s wise words, his cheeky ability to shock, his heart-felt support for and interest in all things Triple R, his incredible vision and deeply philosophical nature.
“We celebrate Stephen’s contribution to Triple R, Melbourne underground culture, music and community broadcasting.
“It’s time for us to plant you now, dig you later – and whatever you do, make sure you take it and trust the energy, ’cause the energy says you’ll be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Check out footage of the Dirty Three at the Stephen Walker benefit concert:
