In an exclusive revelation, legendary broadcaster Tony Blackburn has shared some surprising personal preferences as he approaches his 83rd birthday. The Radio 2 stalwart, known for his decades-spanning career, confessed to an unusual relationship with food and a forward-thinking embrace of technology.
A Birthday Without Cake or Candles
Tony Blackburn will celebrate turning 83 on January 29, 2026, but don't expect traditional birthday festivities. "There's so many candles these days, it's a fire risk," he quipped about banning them from his celebration. More surprisingly, he revealed a fundamental disinterest in the culinary experience itself.
"I don't really like food very much. I'm not mad about food," Blackburn confessed. "I would really love to just get a pill that I can take in the morning that will keep me going and I'd be quite happy with that."
Despite this unconventional view, he will still mark the occasion with dinner at an Italian restaurant, sticking to his vegetarian routine of spaghetti with tomato sauce and minestrone soup. "I have the same thing over and over again," he admitted.
Embracing Technology and AI in Music
Contrary to stereotypes about older generations resisting change, Blackburn expressed enthusiastic adoption of new technology. "I love technology, I absolutely adore it, and have always embraced it," he declared.
His openness extends to artificial intelligence in music production. "If I heard a song that's been made using AI and thought it was catchy, I'd play it on my show," he revealed, while maintaining that AI won't replace actual artists. "But if a song is good, it's good."
He acknowledged concerns about AI taking jobs but remained pragmatic: "It's something that we'll have to learn to live with. And it's got a lot of good uses, I think - medically and things like that. It will do a lot of things to make our lives better."
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Blackburn's radio journey began 62 years ago when he helped launch pirate station Radio Caroline in 1964. Since then, he has become a fixture across British broadcasting, with stints at Radio 1, Smooth, Capital, and Classic Gold, plus television appearances including regular hosting duties on Top of the Pops.
"I'm the oldest at Radio 2," he noted about his current position. "I've got a contract with Radio 2 for a couple of years so, you know, it's a lifetime contract for me."
Despite his advancing years, he shows no signs of slowing down, having recently launched his new Radio 2 show Sounds of Soul on New Year's Day and preparing for his UK-wide Tony Blackburn's Sounds of the 60s Live Tour 2026 beginning in March.
Reflections on Health and Current Affairs
A near-death experience in 2023 gave Blackburn renewed perspective. He developed sepsis with bacteria reaching his heart. "I didn't realise how unwell I was until my family were all around my bed," he recalled. "It was a bit touch and go."
He also shared sober thoughts about contemporary politics: "The world has gone mad. It's a weird place now, isn't it? We're ruled by a load of very odd people. I've never known an era like it in my lifetime. I think it's very dangerous and sad."
Reality TV, Corrie Dreams, and Musical Preferences
Blackburn won the first ever I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2002, happily consuming jungle fare, but has turned down Mastermind multiple times. "I'd be awful at it," he admitted, though he loves watching quiz shows.
He revealed his passion for Coronation Street, having "hardly missed any episodes since it started," and still hopes for a cameo appearance. "I'd just like to sit in the Rover's Return with a glass of beer and not say anything," he mused.
When it comes to music, he maintains that "the best decade for music was the 60s," calling it "an era that I'm really glad I grew up in because it was exciting." His all-time favorite album is Marvin Gaye's What's Going On?, though he also enjoys contemporary artists like Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, and Bruno Mars.
No Retirement Plans
Now living in Berkshire with a seaside holiday home in North Devon, Blackburn attributes much of his success to luck and has no intention of retiring. "What's the point in retiring if you're enjoying what you do? It keeps your mind active as well," he reasoned.
He did acknowledge eventual limits: "I don't want to be someone who staggers in at 101 not knowing where they are. Hopefully Radio 2 will escort me out if that happens." For now, the veteran broadcaster continues his remarkable six-decade career with the same energy that launched it from a pirate radio ship in 1964.
