DJ JOHN Peel has died on holiday, it was announced today.
The Wirral-born broadcaster suffered a heart attack last night after being taken ill on a working holiday in the city of Cuzco, Peru, with his wife Sheila.
The 65-year-old father of four (right) had worked for Radio One for decades and was one of the station's most famous names.
He was the first DJ in the UK to back punk, reggae, hip-hop and rap.
Radio 1 Controller Andy Parfitt said: "John Peel was a broadcasting legend. I am deeply saddened by his death, as are all who work at Radio 1.
"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.
"Hopeful bands all over the world sent their demo tapes to John knowing that he really cared. His commitment and passion for new music only grew stronger over the years. He will be hugely missed."
After performing National Service between 1957 and 1959, the lifelong Liverpool Football Club fan began his radio career in America.
John, who was born in Heswall, landed a job working for a Dallas Radio station after trading on his Liverpool roots, which allowed him to claim acquaintance with the Beatles.
He returned to Britain in 1967 and joined Radio London on the show The Perfumed Garden.
News RSS Feed