November 12 will go down in history as the day the world laid legendary BBC One DJ John Peel to rest. The service was open to the public, and began with the singing of “Ave Verum”, performed by the Stow Market Choral Society. According to NME, hundreds of mourners from around the globe traveled to pay tribute to Peel, including Jack and Meg White, Jarvis Cocker and Steve Mackey from Pulp, Karl Hyde from Underworld, Robert Plant, and Stuart Murdoch from Belle And Sebastian. His Radio 1 colleagues Annie Nightingale, Steve Lamacq, and Jo Whiley were also in attendance.
The funeral service was filled with music that was close to Peel’s heart, including “Going Down Slow” by Howlin’ Wolf, “Running Scared” by Roy Orbison, and even a recorded version of a football crowd singing the Liverpool FC anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. Peel’s friend Paul Gambaccini read a tribute, during which he said: “You broke more artists than any broadcaster in the history of radio. You helped more artists become themselves than any other broadcaster… your loss galvanised a nation. You meant the same thing to successive generations. You gave them what meant the most to them.”
John Peel’s favorite song, “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones, was played as the funeral service was brought to a close. Peel’s career spanned over 40 years, and was a constant supporter of new music. He passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 65.
“The world is going to be a poorer place with his sudden departure. I will miss him deeply. I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to his lovely family. John’s memory will never be forgotten because he had the spirit of music in him.” – Damon Albarn
Related:
