John Peel

[JoeP]

John Peel, the iconic British DJ of punk, alternative, and everything non-mainstream, is dead (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3955289.stm). I'm saddened. Does his name mean anything to anyone else here?

[Socratoad]

John Peel, the iconic British DJ of punk, alternative, and everything non-mainstream, is dead (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3955289.stm). I'm saddened. Does his name mean anything to anyone else here?

Yes JoeP, this man has come to mean a lot to me. Oddly and sadly enough I only really became fascinated with this great man within the last three years.

I listened to his program "Home Truths" via BBC internet radio and never failed to listen to his show. It was through this exposure that I began to search out programs and shows from his earlier years, and certainly his association with and promotion of various singers and bands.


He is greatly missed here in Polarbearland. :(

[viscousmemories]

Never heard of him before now, but that was a good article. Sounds like he was an interesting guy.

[JoeP]

Time to resurrect this thread.

More than 300 concerts are taking place around the world to mark John Peel Day in honour of the late radio presenter. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4335254.stm)

Gigs will be held in countries such as the UK, New Zealand, Italy and Canada.
Some of Peel's favourite acts, including New Order, The Fall and Super Furry Animals, played at the first tribute gig in London on Wednesday.

New Order frontman Bernard Sumner told the crowd at the Queen Elizabeth Hall the band's former incarnation, Joy Division, would have got "nowhere" without Peel's support.

And Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker said Peel provided his musical education and inspired him to "make music my life".

[Leesifer]

Blimey, Joe, them's some blasts from the past!

[curses]

There are a lot of bands out there that wouldn't have gotten where they are (or were in some cases) without him. Peel had some big shoes to fill after his passing, and I don't think there will ever be someone as important to underground music as he was. That being said, does anyone have a good resource for a list of all the complete Peel Sessions?