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Legendary DJ John Peel Dies Aged 65

added 26 October 2004 at 14.16

The legendary DJ John Peel has died from a heart attack while on holiday in Peru. Peel, whose career spanned 40 years, was on a working holiday in Cuzco when it happened.

News has just arrived that John Peel, Radio 1's longest-serving DJ, who had been with the station since it's inception in 1967 John suffered a heart attack has died at the age of 65, while on holiday in Cuzco, Peru.

No single radio broadcaster has done more for music than John Peel, tirelessly championing new and leftfield music throughout a long career unparalleled in respect and sheer quality of output. As one of the original members of the Radio 1 team from it's formation in 1967, he was responsible for playing and supporting such legendary acts David Bowie and Pink Floyd.

His support of new talent never ceased, and Peel was the first DJ to give exposure to literally hundreds of punk, new wave, reggae, hip-hop, long before they crossed over into the mainstream. His shows were legendarily eclectic, he'd play new wave next to folk, thrash, next to electro, with no regard for genre. The only prerequisite was that it was good music. 

His show also hosted the equally famous Peel Sessions, where bands would come in and record tracks (which often ended up sounding better than the originals) specifically for his show. The countless list of acts who came in (again and again) to record acclaimed sessions included Jimi Hendrix, The Smiths, Buzzocks, Joy Division, New Order, Adam & The Ants, Elastica, House Of Love, Orbital, Frank Black, Teenage Fanclub, The Wedding Present, Jesus and Mary Chain, Smashing Pumpkins, Syd Barrett, The Happy Mondays, The Cure, The Inspiral Carpets, The Jam, T Rex, Wire, Napalm Death and one of Peel's favourites The Fall.

Peel also had a special love for The Undertones, who's single 'Teenage Kicks' regularly topped the DJ's Christmas run down of favourite singles, The Festive 50.

Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt has commented that John 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. He will be hugely missed."

BBC Director of Radio & Music Jenny Abramsky added, "John Peel was a unique broadcaster whose influence on Radio 1 could be felt from its very first days. He nurtured musicians and listeners alike introducing them to new sounds. His open minded approach to music was mirrored by his equally generous approach to his audience when he went to Radio 4 to present Home Truths. He had a remarkable rapport with all his listeners. Everyone at BBC Radio is devastated by the news. John is simply irreplaceable. Our hearts go out to Sheila and his children."

Apart from regularly topping music paper Best DJ polls, John won the 1993 Sony Award for Broadcaster Of The Year and in 1994 was named Godlike Genius by the NME. He was variously awarded an Honorary Degrees MA (University of East Anglia) Doctorates (Polytechnic University of East Anglia and Sheffield Hallam University), Hon. Degrees (Liverpool University, Open University, Portsmouth University, Bradford University) and a Fellowship (John Moores University Liverpool). In recent years he had also found a huge and loyal following presenting Home Truths on Radio 4 to a devoted audience.

The music world would not be the same place if it weren't for John Peel. He will be sorely missed by millions of radio listeners, music fans and musicians alike. Everyone here at Xfm would like to send their condolences to his surviving family and friends.

Anyone wishing to send their messages can e-mail Xfm by clicking here, or can text the studio on 83XFM.

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Jon Ford

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