Everyone who has ever programmed a radio show based upon their own taste and instincts would love to have the kind of influence, reception and longevity of the BBC's great John Peel, who died at 65 of a heart attack while on vacation in Peru. He likely exposed more people to more new music than anyone else on earth over the last 40 years, and his edge always cut:
- He was BBC Radio 1's longest-serving DJ and in recent years had also presented Home Truths on Radio 4.
Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said Peel's contribution to modern music and culture was "immeasurable".
He added: "John Peel was a broadcasting legend. I am deeply saddened by his death as are all who work at Radio 1. "John's influence has towered over the development of popular music for nearly four decades.
"Hopeful bands all over the world sent their demo tapes to John knowing that he really cared.
"His commitment and passion for new music only grew stronger over the years. In fact, when I last saw him he was engaged in a lively debate with his fellow DJs over the state of new music today
"He will be hugely missed."
....BBC director of radio and music Jenny Abramsky said Peel was "simply irreplaceable".
"Everyone at BBC Radio is devastated by the news. Our hearts go out to Sheila and his children," she said.
Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley, who presented coverage of the Glastonbury Festival with Peel, paid tribute to her colleague and close friend.
She said: "John was simply one of my favourite men in the whole world - as a music fan and presenter he was simply an inspiration."
....After announcing Peel's death on Radio 1, the station played his favourite song, Teenage Kicks, by the Undertones.
Michael Bradley, bass player for the Undertones, spoke of his shock on learning of Peel's death.
He said: "He was a very funny, very warm man and we will always be grateful for what he did for The Undertones.
"Personally, I find it incredible what he did for the band and we always got huge pride out of the fact that he said Teenage Kicks was his favourite single.
Article comments
1 - simon hb
Deeply, deeply shocking; deeply, deeply upsetting.
A man who I have grown up listening to, and without whom my record collection would be a much, much duller place.
2 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
i just heard this right now. terribly sad.
he'd love those animations, im guessing.
3 - Eric Olsen
I have a bunch of the Peel Sessions recordings and they are a remarkable alternative history of popular music over the last 20 years or so.
4 - amblongus
Really hurt to hear this when I logged on this morning, like a whole part of my life since I was 13 is suddenly no longer there. Thought he'd go on forever, thought he'd still be saying "Ah, the mighty Fall," when broadcasting on his 100th birthday.
So many favourite memories: his all-punk program early in 1977, back when no other DJ was even acknowledging it existed; the Siouxsie and the Banshees sessions from before their first album, when none of the record companies would touch them; hearing Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop" and not being able to sleep afterwards; Sonic Youth doing a session of Fall covers; getting broadband last Xmas and being able to listen to his show on the BBC website....
End of an era.
'night, music-lovin' Johnny Plee. Thanks for the music and the memories -- and the Belgian gabbacore records at the wrong speed....
5 - Tim Hall
He's probably at a gig right now. I wonder who's playing?
6 - Lono
What a HUGE loss to the world of rock. He was the first, and best, at magically capturing the live and raw energy of a band in the pristine environment of the studio. I have a CD collecion of the Peel Sessions from '67 to '77 - it features the now famous Hendrix 'Radio One' sessions, and I absolutely love what he did with early Smashing Pumpkins too. There is a Peel Session version of Siva that is... just insane!
He belongs in the Rock and Roll hall of fame!
7 - Mike Kole
I never heard his radio show, but I had the frequent experience of getting ahold of Peel Session recordings of bands before their records were available in the US. A great many times, the Peel Session recording would be better than the album release!
Despite not hearing the show, I recall the weight it was given. While many bands sought recording contracts with major labels as a status symbol, when Cle band My Dad Is Dead made it to Peel's show, everyone around their scene took that as the sign of success.
8 - Eric Olsen
thanks amblongus, very touching input; Lono, I agree about the Rock Hall, great point; Mike, you're right that Peel was the gold standard of credibility - look at how much attention the Undertones have received for "Teenage Kicks" being Peel's favorite song.
9 - stewart essence
Some very sad news has been brought upon us this week... the death of John
Peel. He became in my heart one of the first DJs throughout the seventies and beyond -
to give exposure to punk, reggae, hip-hop, and Ska, (and some other stuff I have managed to dig out of my vinyl vault) certainly before they crossed over into the mainstream. Therefore ELUSIVE WAX will pay an hour or 2 for his contribution to music this Sunday 31st October.
Venue. Upstairs @ The Social, Arlington Square, N1. Entrance will be
free and we'll shall run from 1 til 9 p.m. There is a pool table for amusement, sofas
for lounging and a restaurant downstairs for nourishment. We also have
our own well stocked bar...
There will be a non-smoking policy from 1 til 5 to allow you to bring your kids and tell them about JP.
If you have any of his favs on MP3, CD, or vinyl - please bring them down and we will try to play them.
10 - Eric Olsen
thanks Stewart, I am certain it will be a bittersweet time