The radio industry and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have paid heartfelt tributes to John Laws, affectionately known as “the Golden Tonsils.”
Albanese praised Laws as not just an “iconic voice” but much more.
“For generations, Australians admired him for his candid approach, thorough probing, and for providing a platform where voices could be truly heard,” Albanese expressed on X.
“John was always meticulously prepared and insightful in his interviews, and a delight to be around off the air.”
“My sympathies go out to his family and all who have gained from his wisdom and mentorship.”
Kyle Sandilands hailed him as “one of the true originals.”
“You could never mistake him for anyone else,” the Kyle and Jackie O host said on X.
“He said what he thought, didn’t care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required.
“I’m devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won’t be the same without him.”
Ray Hadley said Laws revolutionised the talk radio industry.
“In the latter years when he was at 2SM and tell me I was a copier… my reply was that if you were in the presence of someone who had perfected their craft, you’d be mad not to use some of that yourself,” he told the Daily Telegraph.
NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the death with “great sadness”, calling Laws “a towering figure in Australian radio whose voice resonated across the nation for more than seven decades”.
Former journalist and radio host Mike Carlton said there was “no better broadcaster in all the long history of radio”.
“The king is dead,” he said, on X.
“I’m told John died peacefully at home. And I’m sad to hear it.Â
“We were friendsâ¦we had a fierce feudâ¦we made up and were friends again.”
