Andy Peebles died at age 76, his family recently announced. He worked as a DJ for BBC Radio 1 from 1978 until 1992. During his career, he appeared many times on Top of the Pops throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Peebles became part of music history when he interviewed John Lennon just two days before someone murdered the famous musician in December 1980.
Many friends and former coworkers shared memories of Peebles after hearing the news. They described him as both wonderful and talented behind the microphone. His journey started in 1948 and he spent his early career playing music at nightclubs during the late 1960s before he moved into radio broadcasting. He first joined BBC Radio Manchester in 1973, then helped create the independent station Piccadilly Radio, where his popular Soul Train show began.
His big break came when he transferred to BBC Radio 1 in 1978, starting a 14-year run at the national station. He also spent time at BBC Radio Lancashire during his career. The Lennon interview marked his most famous moment - an experience that made him extremely nervous because he had always looked up to The Beatles since childhood. After Lennon died, Peebles stayed friends with Yoko Ono and interviewed her again three years later in Tokyo.
Peebles played an important role during the massive Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium back in 1985. He introduced several famous performers, including David Bowie, Spandau Ballet, and Paul Young, to the audience. His career later included work for both the British Forces Broadcasting Service and BBC World Service. Mike Read, who worked with Peebles at Radio 1, expressed deep sadness upon hearing about his death, mentioning how much Peebles knew about both music and cricket. Tony Blackburn, another BBC broadcaster, praised him as both kind and excellent at his job.
Many friends and former coworkers shared memories of Peebles after hearing the news. They described him as both wonderful and talented behind the microphone. His journey started in 1948 and he spent his early career playing music at nightclubs during the late 1960s before he moved into radio broadcasting. He first joined BBC Radio Manchester in 1973, then helped create the independent station Piccadilly Radio, where his popular Soul Train show began.
His big break came when he transferred to BBC Radio 1 in 1978, starting a 14-year run at the national station. He also spent time at BBC Radio Lancashire during his career. The Lennon interview marked his most famous moment - an experience that made him extremely nervous because he had always looked up to The Beatles since childhood. After Lennon died, Peebles stayed friends with Yoko Ono and interviewed her again three years later in Tokyo.
Peebles played an important role during the massive Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium back in 1985. He introduced several famous performers, including David Bowie, Spandau Ballet, and Paul Young, to the audience. His career later included work for both the British Forces Broadcasting Service and BBC World Service. Mike Read, who worked with Peebles at Radio 1, expressed deep sadness upon hearing about his death, mentioning how much Peebles knew about both music and cricket. Tony Blackburn, another BBC broadcaster, praised him as both kind and excellent at his job.
