October 26, 2004

RIP John Peel
"John's influence has towered over the development of popular music for nearly four decades. He will be hugely missed."

I can't begin to count the influence John Peel had on my musical developement. So many bands, so much great music I would never have otherwise heard of. This is one sad monkey.

posted by nails 19 years ago
  • A big loss and at a relatively young age. Tragic.
  • Teenage dreams, so hard to beat. *written with tears in my eyes*
  • Couldn't agree more, he was a huge influence on my musical taste as well. It was the thrill of never knowing what you were going to hear next on his radio show. When I get home tonight I'm putting on my Festive Fifty tapes, followed by his Fabric Compilation.
  • me too :(
  • :(
  • This is so sad. John Peel was a genuine legend. Like others said, I woldn't be a fan of half the bands I like if it wasn't for Peel. He will be missed soooooooo much by music fans. Especially when they realise the only "alternative" DJ left on Radio 1 is the godawful Zane Lowe. :(
  • Note being British, and never having heard his show itself, I am nonetheless saddened by this. For a fan of any British music as well as cutting edge American music, the Peel sessions of any artist are invariably something to seek out.
  • Especially when they realise the only "alternative" DJ left on Radio 1 is the godawful Zane Lowe. The fact that John Peel has died and the likes of Zane Lowe are still breathing shows there isn't any justice in the world. A sometimes usful John Peel resource for legal Mp3's of tracks played on his show is Radio Plus although it's not updated that regularly.
  • I first heard John Peel on the BBC World Service over 20 years ago. His impact on music over the past 30 years is incalculable. He will be missed.
  • :(
  • Ah crap, this sucks. I always found John's voice somehow soothing and reassuring, the epitome of cool English eccentricness. I think I'll miss "Home Truths" even more than the Radio 1 sessions. My sincere coldolences to his family. Say "Hi" to Douglas Adams, John. I think you two will get on famously.
  • This is a real blow. I had no way expected to lose the guy so soon. He was a genius. But then, he'll dig the music in heaven.
  • :( Thanks Gentleman Loser for the link. I'm gonna go cry now.
  • Go in peace, Mr. Peel.
  • Peel Sessions Festive Fifty 6Music have been playing some of the bands Peelie championed since the news broke. Just played Half-Man Half-Biscuit. Even on such a sad day, "You're going on after Cripsy Ambulance!" can't help but raise a smile.
  • This is incredibly sad ... I've been thinking all afternoon of how, in the early 80's commenting on the then new band Duran Duran, John Peel remarked on how he should call himself 'John Peel John Peel' I'm gonna play the top 3 of the 1984 Festive 50 tonight as a tribute: 1 Smiths - How Soon Is Now 2 Cocteau Twins - Pearly Dewdrops Drop 3 The Men They Couldn't Hang - Green Fields of France I process Zane Lowe videos for 3 the UK the 3G mobile phone network. The man's not fit to lick the soles of Peel's shoes.
  • Oh Johnny Plee. RIP. Distressed, distraught and quietly wailing that growing up listening to him enriched my youth. Long live the King. Going for drinks with some old school mates to drown this sudden sorrow.
  • I'd forgotten - in 1995 I worked briefly for Radio 1 as a reporter. I was sent to cover Glastonbury (bizarre only 9 years ago I was the ONLY BBC reporter there) On the Friday I did a brief interview with Peelie who was there, the next day I wealked past him and he went "Hi Richard" - one of the proudest moments of my life being recognised by Peel ...
  • This i perhaps the only time the death of someone I've never met has properly affected me. And I couldn't say exactly why. I'm so sorry...
  • don't know what to say - he influenced me in a huge way. :*( I feel old
  • I respectfully request someone to set up a Peel Prize to honour the man and his love of music.
  • Wow. It didn't ever occur to me he could die. Crap.
  • John Peel interviews Captain Beefheart Can't get more than a minute and a half through it before I get a message saying my connection to the server's timed out. Damn shame, maybe others will have better luck.
  • Tried again a little later and it worked. Good link!