'Radio won't be the same': PM, Russel Crowe, radio stars pay tribute to talkback icon John Laws

Fellow radio stars, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hollywood actor Russell Crowe have led tributes to radio titan John Laws, the man known as "the Golden Tonsils".

Laws died at 90 following a 71-year radio career that saw him described by a former Australian leader as "the broadcaster of the century".

Albanese said Laws was an "iconic voice and so much more".

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"Generations of Australians trusted and respected him for telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and his listeners a chance to be heard," he said on X.

"John was always a thoroughly prepared and thoughtful interviewer - and wonderful company off-air. 

"My condolences to his loved ones and to all who benefited from his wisdom and guidance."

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe described Laws as a neighbour, mentor, "mischievous mate and a very good friend".

"I am deeply saddened by his passing, however, I am buoyed in the sure and certain knowledge that he led a magnificent life of achievement and adventure and he lived every moment," Crowe said.

"He worked hard, played harder and loved completely.  A legend, in the very best, most Australian, sense of the word. 

"I loved him and I'll never forget him."

READ MORE: Radio icon John Laws dies aged 90

Kyle Sandilands described 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."

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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.

Former talkback rival Alan Jones paid tribute to Laws, saying there was never animosity between them, only "enduring respect and friendship".

"Of course, in any game worth its salt, there is always competitive tension; but there was never animosity, always a lot of great stories, many laughs, and enduring respect and friendship," Jones wrote in a statement posted on social media.

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called Laws a true pioneer of broadcasting whose legacy would "echo for years to come".

"His unmistakable voice became part of our national soundtrack," she said.

"He informed and entertained millions, asked the tough questions and always made space for others to be heard.

"He helped shape public debate with a style that was fearless, perceptive and unmistakably his own."

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".

"John's career was extraordinary. Few broadcasters have left such a deep and lasting mark on Australian media," Minns said.

"On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my deepest condolences to John's family, friends, colleagues and all who listened, learned and were challenged by him.

"His legacy lies not only in the thousands of hours on air, but in the connection he forged with millions of Australians."

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. 

"We were friends…we had a fierce feud…we made up and were friends again."

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