R.I.P. John Peel
Peelspotter | 26.10.2004 20:46 | Cambridge | London
When Peter Sellers died - I didn't Cry.
When Frankie Howerd died - I didn't cry.
Tonight - I'm crying buckets!!
When Frankie Howerd died - I didn't cry.
Tonight - I'm crying buckets!!
John Peel, THE Man!!
In case you haven't heard the news (where have you been?), veteran broadcaster John Peel died early this morning.
This is my own personal tribute to him.
There are very few people on this Earth who I can say changed my life for the better, but, John Peel is one of them.
He inspired me not only to make electronic music (15 years later I have a home studio and are about to start shipping out demos of my own tunes), but, he also opened my mind (and heart) to so much more than just electronica.
He gave me a musical education and an enduring passion not only to seek out the new, but, to CREATE the new as well.
He introduced us to Glam Rock, Punk, Reggae, Hip Hop, Rave, Jungle, Techno, Britpop, African music, Latin music and latterly supported new movements like Grimee and Dubstep.
A true champion in a mainstream position for alternative culture if ever there was one.
He made it easy for us as artists to take risks, to be original thinkers, because you always knew that there would be at least one person who would entertain your madness!
It's fair to say that not only British culture, but, global musical culture will be all the poorer for his passing.
It will also be that little bit harder for new, upcoming experimental artists to get radio airplay now.
We had better all hope that there will still be public service broadcasting after the BBC charter comes up for review, so those few radio DJs who also have an open mind for new music will have an outlet, because, let's face it, the track record for commercial radio for promoting new talent is pitiful.
If there isn't, the only other outlet we will have then is the internet itself.
If there is an afterlife, I look forward to meeting him there, although, I suspect I may have to fight my way to the front of the vast crowd of admirers to chat to him!
Rest In Peace, old friend.
I'll Love you forever.
The end of an era for sure.
******
P.S. Love and Respect to his family as well.
This is my own personal tribute to him.
There are very few people on this Earth who I can say changed my life for the better, but, John Peel is one of them.
He inspired me not only to make electronic music (15 years later I have a home studio and are about to start shipping out demos of my own tunes), but, he also opened my mind (and heart) to so much more than just electronica.
He gave me a musical education and an enduring passion not only to seek out the new, but, to CREATE the new as well.
He introduced us to Glam Rock, Punk, Reggae, Hip Hop, Rave, Jungle, Techno, Britpop, African music, Latin music and latterly supported new movements like Grimee and Dubstep.
A true champion in a mainstream position for alternative culture if ever there was one.
He made it easy for us as artists to take risks, to be original thinkers, because you always knew that there would be at least one person who would entertain your madness!
It's fair to say that not only British culture, but, global musical culture will be all the poorer for his passing.
It will also be that little bit harder for new, upcoming experimental artists to get radio airplay now.
We had better all hope that there will still be public service broadcasting after the BBC charter comes up for review, so those few radio DJs who also have an open mind for new music will have an outlet, because, let's face it, the track record for commercial radio for promoting new talent is pitiful.
If there isn't, the only other outlet we will have then is the internet itself.
If there is an afterlife, I look forward to meeting him there, although, I suspect I may have to fight my way to the front of the vast crowd of admirers to chat to him!
Rest In Peace, old friend.
I'll Love you forever.
The end of an era for sure.
******
P.S. Love and Respect to his family as well.
Peelspotter
