Tributes Paid To Dj Peel

Tributes have been paid to legendary British DJ John Peel, who has died while on holiday in Peru.

The 65-year-old BBC broadcaster suffered a heart attack in his hotel during a working holiday with his wife SHEILA in the ancient city of Cuzco.

Peel is famous for having championed new and diverse music on the BBC's flagship station Radio 1 - which he joined at its launch in 1967.

He became one of the first DJs to give exposure to punk, reggae, hip-hop, before they hit the mainstream and helped launch the careers of acts including David Bowie, JOY DIVISION, Marc Bolan and The Undertones.

Undertones bass player MICHAEL BRADLEY said today (26OCT04), "He was a very funny, very warm man and we will always be grateful for what he did for The Undertones.

"Personally, I find it incredible what he did for the band.

"He always had his finger on the pulse of the music industry and the fact that Radio 1 played the Undertones, THE White Stripes and The Strokes today showed just how relevant he remained throughout his career."

Radio 1 controller ANDY PARFITT has described Peel as a "broadcasting legend" adding, "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."

After announcing his death today, Peel's favourite song - The Undertones' TEENAGE KICKS - was played on Radio 1 in his honour.