Many within the house music and independent music scene owe a huge gratitude of debt to one of the pioneers of the radio broadcasting – John Peel. In sad news this legend has recently died whilst on Holiday in Peru. Speaking to Reuters controller of Radio One Andy Parfitt was obviously affected by the news" John Peel was a broadcasting legend. I am deeply saddened by his death - John's influence has towered over the development of popular music for nearly four decades and his contribution to modern music and music culture is immeasurable. He will be hugely missed."
Peel was 65 years of age and was one of the UK’s original pirate radio disc jockeys in the 1960s, broadcasting from ships anchored just outside British waters that won huge followings.
Known as much for his Northern Accent as he was for his passion for exposing independent music to the masses. He contributed such a huge amount to Britsh cultrure and was awarded a OBE in recognition.
He started off on a six-week contract in 1967 when Radio One began and he remained with the broadcaster for four decades.