Fans are holding impromptu tributes for John Peel on the anniversary of his death.
If there’s one thing John Peel would have hated, it would the reams of overly emotive, nostalgic tributes which fly in his direction. The broadcaster was devoutly downbeat, adding a soft, self-deprecating wit to almost everything he did.
Sadly passing away on October 25th 2004, fan are remembering his death by holding impromptu events as part of John Peel Day.
Live events, DJ sets and more are being organised in tribute to the legendary DJ who remained at the forefront of new music for over four decades.
The quite excellent blog Keeping It Peel have done a great job of providing a focal point for the Peel fanbase online. Releasing a series of podcasts, the blog is a good place to start for those wishing to remind themselves of what made John Peel so influential.
Amongst the podcasts completed by Keeping It Peel is a one off special dedicated to the group the Radio 1 DJ loved more than any other: The Fall. Containing rare tracks and more, you can listen to it HERE.
An acerbic, opinionated presenter John Peel largely stood away from the showbiz side of Radio 1. However the rota system at Top Of The Pops required that each on air personality at the station play their part.
Giving rise to a series of hilarious appearances, John Peel’s role in Top Of The Pops history is summed up in numerous videos located online. Here’s a particularly funny example…
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God bless you, John.
