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What an awful bit of news to start the day. RIP John Peel.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/news/altnew ... peel.shtml

John Peel passes away
Last updated 26 October 2004


John Peel OBE, legendary Radio 1 and Radio 4 presenter, has died suddenly on holiday in Peru.

It has been confirmed that John died from a heart attack last night - he leaves behind his wife Sheila and four children.

The veteran broadcaster had worked for Radio 1 since its launch in 1967.

Radio 1 Controller Andy Parfitt said:

"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 and his contribution to modern music and music culture is immeasurable."

"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 & 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 devasted by the news. John is simply irreplaceable. Our hearts go out to Sheila and his children."

Holy Crap.
I remember trying in vain to pull his show in via shortwave radio as a kid. Never did hear it until the internet came along. From Hendrix to the Smiths he discovered and played them all. What a loss.

Bad News All Around I guess-First Greg Shaw and Now John Peel-I remember my first exposure to Peelie was some syndiated records shows we had at my college radio station in the 80s-Peelie picked the discs and provided wry commentary-I like him then and sta

What a great loss. He was a champion of great music. I always liked the fact that he totally spoke his mind, even when it came to critiicizing some of the "elite" of the UK music scene like U2 and Oasis. He will be truly missed.

John Peel was definitley a forward thinker. I have a number of his Peel Sessions discs, great stuff.

I'm totally gutted....
I just have no words....
In the last three months i've lost my Dad and my Uncle and now John Peel...
Feel like i have next to no ties with my childhood now... virtually all gone.

Very Sad Day Indeed....


Still have all the

I'd love to inherit his record collection.

Perhaps John will hookup with 'Scottso' in the hereafter and host a 'listening party' for all rock musicdom's dearly departed. [|)]

This is quite devastating, having grown up listening to him [:(]

I hope they are going to rerun some of his shows on the internet, especially from the early 80's - "I'm John Peel and here's some of my music" - Those who have heard his shows then are ve

Every message board or community that has anything remotely to do with music has discussed John Peel's passing. This man was truly a pioneer; and so crucially important to music broadcasting. He will be missed immensely.