BBC DJ: John Peel dead at age 65

**Bernie** · October 26th, 2004, 02:26 PM

John Peel, BBC Radio 1's longest-serving DJ, has died aged 65 while on holiday.

John Peel gave big breaks to more bands than anyone else in the UK music industry.

From Pulp and The Smiths to The Undertones and The White Stripes, he discovered some of the most popular and influential acts of the last few decades...

Full story here...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertain...io/3955511.stm

**Videoskooter** · October 26th, 2004, 02:31 PM

Yep, the man could make 'em or break 'em. He introduced Hendrix, he introduced Punk and Hip Hop to the audience.

The John Peel Sessions are legendary.

A legend has gone. His taste certainly wasn't my cup of tea most of the time, but then again, if we all would like the same stuff, the world would be very boring. (In fact, when I look at the charts it's already happening :evil:)

Radio and Tv-land has lost a monument.

**Nano** · October 26th, 2004, 05:12 PM

I wonder if he gave some airplay to any British dance bands? The CD issues of his shows tend to be centered on rock artists.

**QUINNY** · October 26th, 2004, 07:04 PM

I wasn't completely sold on Peel. He always came across as a sarcastic, cynical, cantankerous, dour man (even when he was young) and he only 'discovered' bands by playing virtually every record he was given and being in a position of power. Amongst the wheat was a whole **** load of chaff that he'd assault your ears with. Throw enough mud at a wall and some is bound to stick. Don't call that clever....not really. I'm truly amazed that he managed to keep the facade going for sooooo long.

Still a shock to hear of his death though and he will be missed by many adoring fans.

**darrens** · October 27th, 2004, 05:36 AM

Originally Written by QUINNY

I'm truly amazed that he managed to keep the facade going for sooooo long.

Still a shock to hear of his death though and he will be missed by many adoring fans.

Agree completely. Of course it is very sad that he died so young, and I do admire him for many reasons.

However John Peel was a rock/indie/alternative music DJ, and as far as I'm aware did absolutely nothing for disco or dance music (maybe this thread should be in one of the other forums?)

Regards, Darren

**buckaroo** · October 27th, 2004, 10:27 AM

Originally Written by QUINNY

...He always came across as a sarcastic, cynical, cantankerous, dour man (even when he was young) ...

That was one of the great things about him. Watching him on TOTP annoucing some group, you could see the expression on his face was saying 'This next group is complete shite! Why am I here?' Others like Peter Pan Powell would've been all enthusiastic...and plastic.
:lol:

R.I.P.