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| John Peel was one of the UK's most-loved
broadcasters (Agencies) |
Veteran BBC
broadcaster John Peel has died at the age of 65, while on holiday in Peru.
Peel, whose radio career spanned 40 years, was on a working holiday in
the city of Cuzco with his wife Sheila when he suffered a heart attack.
He was BBC Radio 1's longest-serving DJ and in recent years had also
presented Home Truths on Radio 4.
Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said 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.
"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."
Mr Parfitt told Radio 1's Newsbeat that Peel had been on a holiday of a
lifetime when he died.
He added: "He had gone on holiday with Sheila to a place where he had
always wanted to go."
Prime Minister Tony Blair described Peel as "an extraordinary and
unique personality".
"He unearthed different sounds and people and made them accessible and
popular... he was a genuine one off - and a warm and decent human being
too."
BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "We are all very shocked and
saddened by the news of John's death.
"He was one of the giants of radio and will be missed, not just by
everyone at the BBC, but by millions of listeners of all ages."
Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley, who presented coverage of the Glastonbury
Festival with Peel, paid tribute to her colleague and close friend.
She said: "John was simply one of my favourite men in the whole world -
as a music fan and presenter he was simply an inspiration."
Peel was born in Heswall, near Liverpool, and after completing his
military service in Britain in 1962, went to the US where he began working
for a radio station in Dallas.
He joined Radio 1 at the launch in 1967, and established himself with
the late night programme Top Gear.
He became one of the first DJs to give exposure to
punk, reggae and
hip-hop, before they crossed over into the mainstream.
Peel's programme built up a reputation around the world, and in
addition to his Radio 1 programme, he could also be heard on the BBC's
World Service.
James Dean Bradfield, lead singer of the Manic Street Preachers, paid
tribute to Peel.
He told BBC News Online: "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 heard otherwise.
The service he provided was getting to hear music that you couldn't buy in
Cardiff. He was a portal to a whole new world."
Blur lead singer Damon Albarn said John Peel's patronage was "one of
the most significant things that happened to us in our careers".
"The world is going to be a poorer place with his sudden departure. I
will miss him deeply," he added.
"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."
After announcing Peel's death on Radio 1, the station played his
favourite song, Teenage Kicks, by the Undertones.
Michael Bradley, bass player for the Undertones, spoke of his shock on
learning of Peel's death.
He said: "He was a very funny, very warm man and we will always be
grateful for what he did for The Undertones.
"Personally, I find it incredible what he did for the band and we
always got huge pride out of the fact that he said Teenage Kicks was his
favourite single.
"He always had his finger on the pulse of the music industry and the
fact that Radio 1 played the Undertones, the White Stripes and the Strokes
today showed just how relevant he remained throughout his career."
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-10-27 11:02