Who is John Peel?

[jwoody]

Legendary radio DJ John Peel dies

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."

____________________________________________

I've tried to find a comprehensive list of all of the bands John Peel has introduced to, not just me, the listening public in general. There are far too many list here although I can sum up by saying I don't think he pioneered any bands beginning with 'J' or 'Q'



http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/alt/john...ns/index.shtml

[FatherTed]

It says it all in the quotes really.
He was a legend in the UK. He discovered many, many bands and was a radio DJ for the BBC for over 35 years.
As a DJ he loved music much more then fame - not many you can say that about these days.
He had a very dry sense of humour and would take the piis out of anybody.
Much loved and will be sadly missed.


Oh, and his favourite song was Teenage Kicks, by the Undertones

[Redlemon]

I thought we were talking about a completely different John Peel:

Do ye ken John Peel with his coat so gay?
Do ye ken John Peel at the break of day?
Do ye ken John Peel when he's far, far away
With his hounds and his horn in the morning

Twas the sound of his horn brought me from my bed
And the cry of his hounds has me oftimes led
For Peel's view holloa would wake the dead
Or a fox from his lair in the morning

Do ye ken that hound whose voice is death?
Do ye ken her sons of peerless faith
Do ye ken that a fox with his last breath
Cursed them all as he died in the morning?

Yes, I ken John Peel and auld Ruby, too
Ranter and Royal and Bellman so true
From the drag to the chase, from the chase to the view
From the view to the death in the morning

And I've followed John Peel both often and far
O'er the rasper fence and the gate and the bar
From Low Denton Holme to the Scratchmere Scar
When we vied for the brush in the morning

Then here's to John Peel with my heart and soul
Come fill, fill to him a brimming bowl
For we'll follow John Peel thro fair or thro foul
While we're waked by his horn in the morning

Why yes, I was in the Glee Club, why do you ask?

[dobster]

Our John Peel was sent band demos all the time. He would chuck the tapes into his car trunk and randomly select them to play on his radio show.

Absolute legend.

http://www.vheissu.freeserve.co.uk/

[jwoody]

I've been listening to John Peel for about fifteen years. Yes, he played some fucking terrible records but I think that was half the appeal. The thought that just about anyone could have their song played to a nationwide audience has been an inspiration to me.

I don't see his death as the end of an era, like some radio people are suggesting already, but he will be sadly missed and he deserves all the tributes he will, no doubt, be recieving in the coming weeks / months.

[Averett]

I just emailed my friend in England about this - he hadn't heard yet! I feel bad that I broke the news to him since I had no idea who John Peel even was.

Seems he was a great individual.

[superiorrain]

John Peel was the man of new music. Granted he played some real shockers but also introduced us to sheer brilliant music. Its a tragic day for music this guy was a insitution for music in England. A founder of Radio 1 (now not what it used to be) the station that is the bbc's flagship radio station. Whenever you listened to his show it made you think about music and broaden views. Also as far as i remember he had a show on BBC World Service so should be known all over the world not just the UK.

A light in the world of music has just gone out. R.I.P JOHN, you'll be sadley missed.

[Charlatan]

Living in Canada I wasn't able to listen to John Peel but I have enjoyed a number of "Peel Session" records... The Birthday Party and The Pixies spring to mind immediately...

What a loss.

[siogo]

I just wanna say, thank you John. I was 15 in 1977, listening on my little transister radio, and hearing all the punk stuff that you championed. You showed us another world, gave us the same feeling that people must have felt back in the 50s when Rock'n'Roll first appeared.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

I'm gonna play 'This Mortal Coil'- 'Song To The Siren' for you tonight.
God Bless.

[Strange Famous]

he was the most influential figure in UK indie music for as long as I can remember

RIP

[bollocks]

What a legend... Couldn't believe it when I heard the news.

[Locobot]

wow, that's too bad. no more Peel sessions.