DJ John Peel dies

Veteran broadcaster John Peel has died from a heart attack, it was revealed this afternoon.

Peel, 65, was taken ill while on holiday with his wife Sheila and friends in Cuzco in Peru.

They were said to have been preparing to go out for a meal when he collapsed late last night.

Peel's career spanned 40 years.

He was a pirate radio star in the early Sixties and had been with Radio 1 since its launch in 1967.

A stand-in DJ was to take the place of his pre-recorded latenight programme tonight.

He had also presented Radio 4's Home Truths since 1997 and had been awarded the OBE.

After announcing his death on Radio1 today the station played one of Peel's favourite songs, Teenage Kicks by The Undertones which he once broadcast twice in a row.

The station's controller Andy Parfitt said: "John Peel was a broadcasting legend. I am deeply saddened by his death as are all who work at Radio1.

"John's influence has towered over the development of popular music 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.

"In fact, when I last saw him he was engaged in a lively debate with his fellow DJs over the state of new music today. He will be hugely missed."

A father of four children, William, Alexandra, Thomas and Florence, he cited among his great passions the Manchester punk band The Fall and his football team Liverpool.

He lived near Stowmarket in Suffolk with his wife. Peel was diagnosed diabetic in 2001.

He was the first DJ to give exposure to punk, reggae and hip-hop long before they crossed over into the mainstream. James Dean Bradfield, lead singer of the Manic Street Preachers, said: "It was because of John I got to hear some of the most obscure but influential music I ever heard. He was a lifeline to hearing music. He was a portal to a whole new world."

Chris Tarrant said: "He was one of the all time great radio presenters. His wit and integrity made him an institution. He was a great mate and will be hugely missed."

BBC director of radio and music Jenny Abramsky said: "John was a unique broadcaster whose influence on Radio 1 could be felt from its very early days.

"He nurtured musicians and listeners alike, introducing them to new sounds. His openminded approach to music was mirrored by his equally generous approach to his audience when he went to Radio 4 to present Home Truths.

"He had a remarkable rapport with all his listeners. Everyone at BBC radio is devastated by the news.

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