I just read the news on cnn.com. What a tremendous loss! I enjoyed listening to John Peel for several years, when I was in college and had access to Radio 1 on cable. For the past few years, I had been looking forward to the day I would have access to Radio 1, and once again being able to tune in to the John Peel show. Now we are left with just the memories. In my book, Mr. Peel will always be remembered for his warmth, great sense of humor and incredible knowledge of the most obscure and long lost undiscovered gems of music. The man had the widest taste of music you will ever find in any person. John Peel leaves a void that will most likely never be filled. I'm glad I had the chance to have an e-mail read on the show by the man himself. I'm really holding on to that recording. I still can't believe he's gone... Cheers, John...
John Peel made the first recordings of dozens of punk bands in the 70s and they should all be rereleased. Up till a few years ago I could hear him on BBC international radio and he would do 20m of musicians I'd never heard of playing music I would likely never hear again but it was always interesting. He made a real contribution.
Last night I read his favorite piece of music was the Undertones recording of Teenage Kicks from 1978. So, I listened to a bit of it. It's a great bit of rave up and I'll be buying it.
I never listened to John Peel on the radio, but I always looked forward to the Peel Sessions that I would find on cd. Those were always the best recordings of punk bands.
...mention of the Undertones...wow...that brings back some memories!
Peel's (and my) favorite band was The Fall, who recorded more Peel Sessions than anyone else. There's a massive box set coming next year that will include all 24 sessions.