John Peel has died...

Legendary radio DJ John Peel dies


John Peel was one of the UK's most-loved broadcasters
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".

'Hugely missed'

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.

'Irreplaceable'

He added: "He had gone on holiday with Sh

BBC director of radio and music Jenny Abramsky said Peel was "simply irreplaceable".

"Everyone at BBC Radio is devastated by the news. Our hearts go out to Sheila and his children," she said.

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."

Full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertain...io/3955289.stm

That is so sad

he was a good dj

RIP

o dear I always listen to him on saturday mornings...what a shame!

very sad

i was very shocked when i heard it on the radio. its very sad

aww thats such a shame he was my fave dj of all time, i used to listen to him all the time as a teen punk!!

Im sorry i dont know who he is, but how sad

He will be sorely missed........but I never would have thought he was 65....he was fab!

His poor family must be devastated......

Thats really sad news