Brian Wilshire , passing

On January 13, 2026, the Australian radio industry lost one of its most distinctive and enduring voices. Brian Wilshire, the longtime 2GB overnight presenter, passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that spanned nearly five decades of broadcasting and a library of personal interests as eclectic as his talkback topics. A Journey Through the Airwaves Brian Wilshire’s radio career began in 1969 at 2NZ in Inverell, followed by stints at 2TM in Tamworth and 2CA in Canberra. In 1974, he moved to Sydney as a newsreader for 2UE, but it was at 2GB, where he joined in 1979, that he became a fixture of the midnight hours. For over 35 years, Wilshire dominated the Sydney overnight ratings. He was perhaps best known for his pioneering program "Midnight Matchmaker," which launched in 1981. Long before dating apps, Wilshire provided a platform for lonely Sydneysiders to find companionship, introduced by the melancholic strains of Pete Fountain’s "Hanky Panky." He also experimented with "Instant Drama," a segment where callers ad-libbed dramatic scenes, a precursor to what many now know as Theatre Sports. The Fine Print and the "New World Order" Wilshire was not just a voice on the radio; he was a prolific author who explored the fringes of political and historical thought. His 1992 book, The Fine Print, became a surprise bestseller, reportedly moving more copies that year than almost any other book in Australia. The book, and its successor Fine Print 2, delved into Wilshire’s skepticism regarding global governance. He frequently spoke to his "Overnights" audience about: The Fabian Society: He often critiqued the influence of this British socialist organization on Australian politics. The New World Order: Wilshire was a staunch critic of what he perceived as a move toward a centralized global government that threatened national sovereignty. Globalism: He used his platform to dissect the "fine print" of international treaties and political agendas that he believed the mainstream media ignored. Life Outside the Studio: Cars, Drums, and Tanks Beyond the political theories and the glow of the studio lights, Wilshire lived a life fueled by high-octane hobbies and artistic pursuits.

Motor Racing: Wilshire famously joked that he entered radio primarily to fund his motor racing habit. He was a highly capable driver, notably winning his class in the 1993 Bathurst 12-hour race driving a Nissan Pulsar SSS. Music: He was an accomplished drummer and a member of the Stringybark bush band (and later, a group called Koala Soup). His love for rhythm and performance was a constant throughout his life. The Float Tank: Ever curious about the human mind and alternative wellness, Wilshire was a vocal advocate for isolation tanks (float tanks). He often discussed the benefits of sensory deprivation for relaxation and mental clarity, a topic that resonated with his late-night audience. Final Years and Legacy After briefly retiring in 2015, Wilshire returned to the 2GB airwaves just months later, unable to stay away from the medium he loved. He finally stepped back to focus on his health and his family, having been married to his wife, Ruth, for over 45 years before her passing in 2023. Brian Wilshire will be remembered as a broadcaster who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo or champion the quirky. Whether he was discussing the "New World Order" or the best way to take a corner at Bathurst, he remained a companion to the night owls of Australia until the very end.