John Peel Dies

John Etherington · Post by **John Etherington** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 5:09 pm

Sad news...I've just heard that John Peel has died of a heart attack whilst
on holiday in Peru. John was a major influence on my musical taste in the late Sixtes/early Seventies. I remember when he was due to have a Leonard live session the following week, and said "next week we've got Leonard Cohen, Leonard Cohen, Leonard Cohen..." (chanting his name like a mantra). I bumped into John in Covent Garden in July (appropriately on my way to see Arthur Lee with Love). I held out my hand and said "Mr. Peer, sir!", and we shook hands.
John E

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 5:52 pm

I speak only for myself and nobody else.

John, I loved your banter, honesty, wry sense of humour and total lack of guile. You came into my home every week, especially on my Saturday mornings and brought real world issues that meant so much to us ordinary blokes. Last Saturday I missed you on your programme and was envious when I realised you were in Peru. You're in my heart and my thoughts.

If a grumpy old man like me, who only knew you from radio and television programmes, can miss you so much, it will be a terrible shock for your family and close friends. You touched the lives of many more people than you could ever know. Thank you for being you.

Andrew McGeever · Post by **Andrew McGeever** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:07 pm

I am so saddened to hear this terrible news: I loved John Peel's radio and T.V. programmes (especially "Home Truths").
His family have lost a lovely man, and the B.B.C. have lost one of their finest broadcasters for the last 40 years.
He championed the underdog when it came to airing new music: many bands owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. I'm sure this will be demonstrated in the coming hours and days.
G*d bless you, John.

margaret · Post by **margaret** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:17 pm

A sad day indeed. Radio will not be the same without him.

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:30 pm

I was quite shocked to hear of his death. I am sure he was on a programme on the TV I know he is currently on adverts for blood transfusions. We are losing too many good people. 65 no age at all.

UrPal · Post by **UrPal** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 1:21 am

John was a pioneer who pushed forward the frontiers of popular music. He was loved by millions who never knew him for being such an unassuming and unblemished personality despite years in public life. What better tribute or greater reward from life can there be than that?

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:28 pm

It was very sad news. They are re-naming the New Bands Stage after him at Glastonbury. He will be missed for a long, long time.

I hope his wife and family can find some kind of comfort in knowing the amount of love and respect many different people have for John.

starshaped · Post by **starshaped** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 6:36 pm

he was cool. blur performed a small gig in his garden! how cool was he

Byron · Post by **Byron** » Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:54 pm

Roger McGough played some memorable interviews and reminicences of ordinary folk on Saturday's Home Truths.
The best one for me was the chap from Ireland who regularly sent John a spoken story or two. (I can't remember his name) Anyway, this Irish chap went to visit his son in England. When he was there, they went to a village fair and he saw John Peel in the crowd of people enjoying the day out. The Irish chap went up to John and introduced himself and John shouted out to his wife, "Sheila, quick, come over here and bring your camera." John Peel wanted to have his photo taken with the Irish chap. Magic.......