Rock legends line up to appear at Bob Harris tribute concert

Stand By Me: Bob Harris – A Celebration Of Life In Music will take place in London on December 2.

The one-off show will also include performances by Rick Wakeman, Carly Pearce, Chris Difford, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Judie Tzuke, Kate Rusby, The Shires, Kezia Gill and Toby Lee.

READ MORE: Broadcasting legend leaves BBC radio

In June, it was announced that the broadcaster, who lives in Steventon, near Abingdon, was standing down from hosting his Radio 2 shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country because of ill health.

The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer and in April he revealed it has spread to his upper spine.

Mr Harris said at the time leaving his shows has been “one of the hardest decisions of my life”.

Sir Roger Daltrey of The Who (Image: PA)

He added: “It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.

“I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.

“Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station.

“I am so proud that the Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest-growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.

“But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.

“I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100 per cent.”

Following the announcement regarding the show, Bob Harris said he was honoured.

He told The Standard: “I’ve been blessed and honoured to have been there with all these artists right at the beginning of their careers, so we all have long working relationships and deep friendships.

“I truly love the Royal Albert Hall too. I first began attending concerts there in 1968, and it is, to me, the most beautiful and prestigious venue in Britain.

“So I feel so honoured to have these wonderful artists with me onstage at my favourite venue. Bringing this music together for Stand By Me is the realisation of a dream.”

The event will also feature broadcasting and music industry figures on stage to present the show and share their memories of Harris.