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Tributes To John Peel Flood In

added 26 October 2004 at 15.54

Following the announcement of the death of John Peel, tributes have started flooding in from all parts of the world with Thom York, Damon Albarn, Noel Gallagher and James Dean Bradfield all paying their respects to a unique, indescribably influential and much loved figure in radio history.

As previously reported, John Peel tragically passed away on (October 26) after suffering from a heart attack - aged 65 - while on holiday in Cuzco, Peru. Since then, numerous musicians and music fans alike have been contacting Xfm to pay tribute to a DJ who occupied a unique place in people's memories and hearts.

"It was because of him I got to hear some of the most obscure but influential music I ever heard.   He was a lifeline to hearing music I would never have been aware of otherwise.  When you lived in the provinces, he gave you a window into a world you were not part of."

- James Dean Bradfield, The Manic Street Preachers.

John Peel’s patronage was for me, like countless other musicians one of the most significant things that happen to us in our career. The world is going to be a poorer place with his sudden departure. I will miss him deeply. I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to his lovely family. John’s memory will never be forgotten because he had the spirit of music in him."

- Damon Albarn, Blur. 

"Who am I going to listen to now? He’s been my inspiration since I was 14. I’m thinking about you. Thanks John Peel."

- Thom Yorke, Radiohead

"I was shocked to here about John. I was fortunate enough to meet him and play a session at his home. I remember we had a great conversation about Elvis that day and when I saw his record collection it blew me away. He was the first to play our debut single Caught By The Fuzz on the radio which I know brought us to people attention he was a big influence to so many. We will miss him."

- Gaz Coombes, Supergrass.

"John Peel was a rare breed amongst radio DJ's, his contribution to introducing new music to music fans in this country has been phenomenal and he will be sadly missed."

- Noel Gallagher, Oasis.

"In a world that is becoming ever more homogenised and pre-programmed, John Peel stuck up for the 'sore thumbs' of the music scene and I really can't think of anyone who could have done it better or who's going to do it now he's gone."

- Jarvis Cocker, Pulp. 

It's not just musicians who have been moved by John's passing. There has been a deluge of e-mails and messages from across the globe, all remembering his championing of the music that changed their lives and enriched their record collections. 

"I have many happy memories growing up listening to John Peel and he was responsible for nurturing my love of music. I first heard Eek-A-Mouse, Roses and Mondays and Nirvana (to name a very few) whilst listening to his sultry tones on the wireless.  My heartfelt condolences go out to all his family at this sad time."

- Pete

"John Peel is a legend that has done more for music in this country than anyone else - he'll be sadly missed. But he was also a husband and father - so more than anything, our thoughts are with his wife and children now."

- Sue & Dorian, Reading

"The man was one of my heroes; I don't think anyone has done more for radio broadcasting or popular music than he has. This is a huge shock, a legend has passed."

- Toby, Cornwall

"Being an Australian means that my exposure to John Peel was extremely limited. Nonetheless his name was well known Down Under and extremely well respected. His championing of bands such as Sodasteam from my hometown of Perth meant a lot to the indie scene back there and I am truly saddened to hear of his death. Music will be all the poorer for his loss."

- Dave Fallon - Nigeria

"This is very sad news indeed. A true legend. John Peel got me in to real music when I was about 15. I used to sneak my little radio into bed on school nights and avidly listen to all his sessions and religiously tape the Festive 50 every year. It was John who introduced me to most of the bands I followed thereafter. He educated us all in wonderful, obscure, non-mainstream fantastic stuff and gave so many many bands a real chance to get their music heard. I have just played 'Teenage Kicks' a handful of times in tribute. Thank you for the music."

- John Almondo

"Everyone would have liked a Dad as cool as John Peel!!"

– Ali, Bristol

"I can’t believe the man has gone, I can remember listening to him when I was a teenager over 25 yrs ago, in bed with my radio under the covers, listening to the best of punk. His promotion of independent and non mainstream music seemed to be his life long crusade. He will be missed by more than one generation of listeners. See ya fella."

- Mike Cave

"One of my treasured possessions is a tape of the first Peel Show I ever listened to, in early 85. I tuned in in the middle of Mark Stewart & The Mafia's 'The Wrong Name and The Wrong Number'. It was the most frightening thing I'd ever heard and I was hooked. It's past midnight here in Hong Kong, tipping it down with rain. It's going to be a long, sad night. RIP John. I'm heartbroken."

- Richard McGeough, Hong Kong

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

To discuss this story on the Xfm News Messageboard click here.

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