Veteran radio presenter John Peel dies

The veteran radio presenter John Peel has died while on holiday in Peru, it has emerged today.

The 65-year-old father of four, who was the corporation's longest-serving radio broadcaster, suffered a heart attack at the holiday resort of Cuzco last night. His wife Sheila was at the resort with him.

Peel, who recently celebrated his 40th year on the air, was at the vanguard of breaking new music on the airwaves throughout his career. With Radio 1 since 1967, he was the first DJ to give punk airplay exposure.

He was highly respected in the music industry and, according to his BBC website, "almost anyone who is anyone in the world of music has recorded a session for Peel".

BBC director-general Mark Thompson led the corporation's tributes to the broadcasting icon.

"We are all very shocked and saddened by the news of John's death," he said.

"He was one of the giants of radio and will be missed, not just by everyone at the BBC, but by millions of listeners of all ages."

Radio 1 Controller Andy Parfitt said he was deeply saddened at the death of a man he described as a "broadcasting legend".

"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," he said.

"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."

BBC Director of Radio & Music Jenny Abramsky said that Peel's "open-minded approach" to music was mirrored by his "equally generous approach" to his audience on Radio 4's Home Truths.

"John is simply irreplaceable. Our hearts go out to Sheila and his children," she added.

In 1993, Peel won the Sony Award for Broadcaster of the Year and the following year NME named him 'Godlike Genius' of music.

(gmcg)