Andy Peebles, Veteran BBC Radio 1 DJ, Dies at 76
Andy Peebles, the former BBC Radio 1 disc jockey, has passed away at the age of 76. The news was shared by his friend and ex-colleague, Mike Read, also a radio DJ and presenter, on social media platform X.
“Devastated to hear about our friend Andy Peebles,” Read posted. “He was due to join us at Heritage events. We started at Radio One together. He had extensive knowledge of music and cricket. Raise your bat and rest in peace in the pavilion. We recently had lunch with DLT & Adrian Juste. A great innings.” Peebles was a prominent figure on BBC Radio 1 between 1978 and 1992.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
John Simons, a radio executive and another friend, expressed his sadness: “So sad to learn of Andy Peebles’ death. I will miss our lengthy conversations about football and soul music, areas where his knowledge far surpassed mine. There will be a ‘Quiet Storm’ in heaven tonight. RIP Andy.”
Fans Remember Radio Legend
Tributes from listeners and fans poured onto social media, commemorating the broadcaster’s career.
- “Very sad news indeed,” one fan wrote. “Andy Peebles, a brilliant DJ in his prime, famously known as the last person to interview John Lennon, a talented genius. #RIPAndyPeebles”
- Another added, “So sad to hear of the passing of former Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles,” accompanied by an emoji expressing sadness.
One admirer recounted, “Oh dear, sad news that Andy Peebles has passed. The last person to interview John Lennon the night before he was murdered. Andy was expecting a regimented 60-minute slot, similar to his interview with David Bowie. John instead took him for a meal and engaged in a three-hour conversation. Two masters of their craft.”
Another listener shared, “Sad to hear of the passing of Andy Peebles – a fantastic broadcaster. Loved listening to Soul Train back in the 80s.”
The Iconic John Lennon Interview
Peebles’ notable interview with Beatles icon John Lennon and Yoko Ono was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on 6 December 1980. Tragically, it became Lennon’s final radio interview before his murder two days later by Mark David Chapman outside his New York home.
In a 2020 interview with CBS, Peebles recalled the experience: “I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous. I had grown up idolizing not just him but the group and everything they’d accomplished… He seemed completely in control. They appeared very happy.”
Broadcasting Career Highlights
Despite no further TV appearances after 2020, Peebles is scheduled to feature in a forthcoming documentary about John Lennon’s last decade, titled “Borrowed Time: Lennon’s Last Decade,” set for cinematic release later this year.
Peebles’ radio journey began in 1973 at BBC Radio Manchester. He then played a key role in establishing Piccadilly Radio, an independent radio station in Manchester. He joined national broadcaster Radio 1 in 1978 as a presenter and hosted 15 editions of the popular music show Top of the Pops.
Beyond Radio: Cricket Commentary
Beyond his successful radio and television career, Andy Peebles was also a respected cricket commentator. He regularly contributed his voice and expertise to BBC cricket coverage.