DJ music star at funeral among mourners

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Johnnie Walker's former BBC Radio 2 colleagues were among the mourners at the late DJ's funeral.

The veteran disc jockey's death, aged 79, was announced by his friend and Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris December.

Former colleagues Simon Mayo, Jeremy Vine and Tony Blackburn attended the service at St Peter's Church in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

After the memorial service, Walker's friends and loved ones gathered to watch the Harley-Davidson rider escort DJ's hearse.

Walker was an avid fan of American Cycling, and American Cyclists organized an “honor ride” for the late cyclist.

In December, legendary rock star Plant paid tribute to Walker, calling him a “defender and gatekeeper of great musical taste.”

He added that Walker was “a calm, kind man who held high standards for all of us who loved him.”

Walker was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in October last year and retired from his Radio 2's Sound of the 70s and Rock Show due to failing health.

He began his broadcasting career in 1966 on an offshore pirate station, Swinging Radio England, before moving to Radio Caroline.

In 1969 he was recruited by BBC Radio 1 and joined Radio 2 in 1997, where he worked until his retirement.

On “Sounds of the 70s,” Harris, the show's new host, announced the news of his friend's death on New Year's Eve.

Also present on Friday were BBC and ITV sports presenter John Inverdale, former BBC presenter Suzi Perry, radio presenter Paul Gambaccini Gambaccini and Green Wing star Pippa Haywood.

Progressive rock icon Rick Wakeman performed his song Gone But Not Forgotten, which he also played at a memorial service for former Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley.

Wakeman posted on the

Tiggy wore pink to the funeral on December 31 to pay tribute to her husband, saying he “remained his charming, humorous self until the end of his life.”

“Blessings to my extraordinary husband who is now at peace,” she added.