Tony Hillier, Swindon,UK, has a shot at a mini-tribute to icon Peely – John Peel who died, aged a young 65, on 26 October 2004. 
tony.hillier@ntlworld.com
tony.hillier@ntlworld.com
always on our wavelengths
the appeal of John Peel
surpassed orange peel
as zest he put into our lives
rightly remembered
by musicians and thinkers
he battled musak
was Four anti-dumbing down
and that, dear Peeple,
is the Home Truth
Note: 'Four' refers to BBC Radio Four on which he hosted a social commentary programme "Home Truths"
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True Story? The Only time Peelie lost his cool and wasn't thoroughly nice.
27.10.2004 16:45
I'll sing it on the vigil if anyone's up for it.
I have an anecdote that says something about the man. A mate who was a session bass player for Black Sabbath told me this:
Ozzie Osbourne telephoned the Peel household at four in the morning. Awoken, Peelie, demurred, ever so slightly grumpy, and replied: "We dont have a recipe for bat stew".
This was the only time Peelie lost his cool slightly, and wasn't thoroughly nice.
All the comments from music lovers have been great. You know why. Peelie was unique because there was no genre of music he didn't like. The only band he liked to dislike refused to play was Jethro Tull, so his enemies are few. You wouldn't catch me listen to Tull these days.
IM Might IM be inclined to do a special feature. Last call, anyone for a vigil outside his farmhouse
HH
Political Poet and Activist Pays Tribute
28.10.2004 14:36
The Guardian
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely passing of that great British institution, John Peel (Obituary, October 27). Not only has he made a lasting contribution to British popular culture, he was also instrumental in launching the careers of generations of musicians.
I owe him a special debt, as he was one of the only DJs who gave me a hearing on the BBC, thereby bringing my brand of reggae music into the mainstream. I am sure that I speak on behalf of the reggae community when I say that he will be greatly missed.
Linton Kwesi Johnson
London
Guardian Letters Page