A celebration of ABC presenter James Valentine’s life has taken place at a public service at Sydney’s Town Hall, where the memorial included contributions from colleagues, family friends and music icons.
Valentine died aged 64 last month using voluntary assisted dying, two years after being diagnosed with cancer.
He had a 30-year career presenting radio at the ABC, most notably for the Afternoons show on 702 ABC Sydney where he developed his distinct approach to talkback radio.
Follow our live coverage of his memorial.
Look back at how ABC readers and other Australians responded to this live
moment.
Fri 29 May 2026 at 2:18pm
Fri 29 May 2026 at 2:18pm
Thank you for joining us
This is where our live coverage of James Valentine’s memorial ends. Thank you for joining us.
Fri 29 May 2026 at 2:15pm
Fri 29 May 2026 at 2:15pm
A poignant memorial ends, saxophone leads the way
With powerful tributes, special memories and musical performances now finished, the memorial is wrapping up with a procession.
Valentine’s saxophone is carried as the audience files out.
“Thank you for being part of our celebration of the life of our beloved friend and colleague James Valentine,” said Glover.
Fri 29 May 2026 at 2:10pm
Fri 29 May 2026 at 2:10pm
Musical tributes
The service is starting to wrap up now, and how better to do this than with a series of musical moments.
Jimmy Barnes and Mahalia Barnes are performing You’ve Got A Friend.
When the Saints Go Marching In is also then being played, in a jazz muso tradition.
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