BBC Radio 1 have announced a fitting tribute to one of the greatest DJs and musical talent scouts to ever grace the planet. Thursday October 13 will mark John Peel Day throughout the world.

They are encouraging people to organise their own gig as a tribute to John. This can be anything from a couple of unsigned bands down the local pub to hiring an entire venue and booking some of your favourite DJs. Once you have arranged your event, you can submit the event on the BBC John Peel website where they will list and showcase all the events that took place around the world.

Already over 300 gigs across the UK have been registered alongside events in Spain, Germany, Italy, USA, Holland, New Zealand and Canada - all taking place under the banner of Peel Day. Radio 1 will be broadcasting a mammoth six-hour show from 7.00pm on Thursday 13 October, presented by a host of Radio 1 DJs. Live music from the nationwide gigs will feature throughout, as well as highlights from the London gig recorded the night before.

In the lead up to the John Peel Day, there will be a tribute gig at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on Wednesday 12 October. John’s wife Sheila Ravenscroft outlines the significance of the Hall:

We've been to some incredible gigs involving John at the Queen Elizabeth Hall over the years, including his Meltdown festival. It will be odd being there on the 12th without him, but myself and the rest of the family are looking forward to what should be a terrific night. It's great that so many people have put so much effort into both this night and into all the gigs throughout Britain and other countries on the following night."

Artists already confirmed for the line-up include New Order, The Fall, Super Furry Animals, Laura Cantrell, Jawbone, Misty in Roots and Venetian Snares.

A major interactive Peel website will launch on 8 October with full details of all the gigs across the world, every track listing from every session, audio and video and a huge gallery of photographs, all celebrating John's life and work. To register your venue for Peel Day or for more info on the tribute concert head to the BBC Radio 1 site. John Peel we salute you. Post a comment