RIP John Peel

[georgit79]

I'd just like to say what a fantastic man he was, and I'm sure he'll be sorely missed.

[Octavius]

Everyone in my office (30-somethings) were shocked and saddened at the news - including me.

Incidentally, did you know that he fondly referred to his wife as ... the Pig

[littleoldme]

A real rarity among DJs - someone who was genuinely more interested in the music than in preening his ego. Always able to move with the times, but also never afraid to stand up and be counted and fly in the face of fashion when it was needed. Someone who cared passionately about music, and whose dry, self-deprecating humour was infinitely funnier than the "wacky, crazy antics" of the Moyleses and Evanses of this world.

 

D'ye ken John Peel? Rest In Peace, big guy.

[crafty]

You felt that he was speaking to you directly over the airwaves on his programs. He had a wonderfully distinctive voice and his musical selections were always cutting edge. He played the best new music across any type - indie, dance, drum & Bass, Jungle, Jazz, Country, Dub....everything. He openend my eyes to so many different styles and bands. His non musical radio programs were also always hysterically funny - delivered in his infectious dead pan manner. His programs were the last bastions of real musical exploration. An oasis of diversity in a desert of talentless pop nonsense. 
Because he was always playing stuff that i liked (for 16 years + in my case!) he seemed like an old friend. The airwaves hold little attraction for me now. bye bye mate - i'll have a couple of beers for you tonight

[Gav1122]

I dont really have anything to add. You have all said everything. I'm devastated. I cant remember when the death of someone I never met has touched me so much.

I love the idea that we're all in agreement he's an irreplacable legend, and perhaps the only person who would dare to disagree is the man himself.

[moonraker]

john peel ;;;;;;;NO;;;1 top of the jocks;;;

[cheyenne]

JOHN..YOU WERE THE BEST D.J Ever.catch you later chappy.

[ll_billym]

The only DJ with the balls to play gabba techno and country music back to back.  A great loss.

[omblod]

I've listened to JP off and on for 20 years on the same radio I received on my tenth birthday. It was the only show my dad didn't mind me sitting up late to listen to when I was a kid as he knew it was worth a few bleary-eyed days at school to broaden and enlighten my musical taste. I just wonder who modern teenagers are going to get their musical education from...

Cheers mate.

[jassy]

yeah im really sad he was a hero to me i remeber staying up late listening to his show discovering new bands. He was one of the most coolest guys ever and i will miss listening to his show

[RogerK]

He got me through a lot of late nights revising for exams, he introduced me to so many bands and musical styles that I'd otherwise never have known about. I've still got tapes of sessions by bands like The Fall, Billy Bragg, The Fuzztones, The Soup Dragons...I could go on for ages. My thoughts are with everyone at 'Peel Acres' tonight - what a man!

[LeedsRhinos]

A genuine one off. He had the bottle & vision to play ANY sort of music he thought good music. My personal music collection is a testimony to the great man. Think of all the egos in the DJ world today (Chris Moyles immediately springs to mind). They are just not in John's league. I can�t think of anybody with his passion & knowledge in music that can take his place.
My thoughts are with his family.

RIP John Peel

[cruthinboy]

The second recent death of someone who gave minority interest music, if you know what I mean, exposure: don't know if others soul fans know this, but Dave Godin died earlier this month.

[FP]

It was such a shock.  I still can't believe it.  Such a great loss.  A lovely man who truly inspired so many generations and yet remained so humble.  Bless You John Peel.