Post #122779 by freddiefreelance on Sat, Oct 30, 2004 10:25 PM

BBC hits back at claim that Peel died of overwork
By Adam Sherwin, Media Reporter
THE BBC has rejected claims from one of its DJs that John Peel was “worn out” and felt marginalised by the corporation before his death from a heart attack.

Andy Kershaw, a close friend of Peel who presents a world music show on Radio 3, said that changes to Peel’s schedule at Radio 1 had affected his health. “The last time I saw him he looked absolutely worn out,” Kershaw said. “We went to a café near Radio 1 and I said, ‘John, you look terrible.’

“He said: ‘They’ve moved me to 11pm to one at night and the combination of that and Home Truths (his Radio 4 show) is killing me.’ He felt he had been marginalised.”

Peel, acclaimed for discovering fresh musical talent over four decades, died aged 65 on Monday after suffering a heart attack during a working holiday in Peru.

Peel broadcast on Radio 1 three times a week in the 10pm-midnight slot until July, when he was moved to the 11pm-1am slot.

The change was made to give a wider audience to new specialist music shows. Critics suggested that Peel’s more “awkward” music was being shunted to the early hours in a push to secure younger listeners. However Peel had agreed to the changes after a meeting with Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1.

The Times understands that Mr Parfitt was so concerned at the allegations made by Kershaw that Peel’s studio producers were asked yesterday if he had made any complaints to them. They said that he had not. BBC executives were furious with Kershaw, a former Radio 1 DJ who considered Peel his mentor. One said: “It is extremely distressing that Andy should say this. John was fully supportive of the changes — he even said that the late finish meant clearer roads when he drove back to East Anglia.”

Peel rejected the option to pre-record his Radio 1 shows, broadcasting two programmes a week live from London and the Thursday programme from a studio at his home.

Radio 1 limited its official response to a statement that read: “Everyone at the BBC is shocked and upset by John’s sudden death. At a time when his family are still in deep mourning — out of respect for them — this is not the time to make remarks or to comment.”

But Radio 1 could not guarantee that the eclectic Peel musical mix, which ranged from African pop to drum and bass, would survive. Presenters Steve Lamacq and Mary Anne Hobbs will fill in until a decision is taken on replacement.

A Radio 1 spokesman said: “John is irreplaceable. Radio 1’s commitment to new music will be reflected in late-night programmes which are a fitting tribute to him.”

Thousands of listeners have left tributes on the website, and the BBC will consult on plans for a memorial with his family.

The Glastonbury Festival, Britain’s biggest open-air music event, will honour Peel by naming its new bands’ tent after him.

Peel’s widow, Sheila, will be consulted over publication of an unfinished autobiography which Transworld Books had paid £1.2 million to acquire.