TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Hi Mark! I just wondered what it was like working with the great John Peel. I presume that you like the rest of us had grown up listening to his shows? What was it like when you produced sessions on his show? Did you see him as a mentor at all?

I'd also just like to say thanks for the entertainment that you give us on radio in your writing and in music.
Tasha x

Hi Tasha,

I couldn't really believ it that I was working with Peel. He and John Walters were very kind to me. I think they could see that I was in their camp at Radio One rather than in with all the roadshow/daytime guys. I had listened to Peel growing up of course and kept a little notepad by the bed to write down tunes he played that I liked. I think if it hadn't been for John being there, proving that a radio dj could be something different to Tony Blackburn/DLT etc (not that I'm disparaging them. They did/do a job pretty well - but not to my taste) then no-one like me or Lard or lamacq or Joe Whiley or Stuart would ever have been allowed on. He opened that door for all of us.

He was a lovely guy but not without ego. All of us who do this job have that or we wouldn;t be able to go and and open our mouths believeing that what we say is worth hearing. He was true to the music to the end though and that's what I try and be. I think people can smell honesty and integrity a mile off. I do miss him.

Thanks for that.you are so right about the integrity. Integrity realness and honesty are all I expect from anyone. that's why I love you and Stuart  :)