John Peel Day - Oct 13th

A year ago, the music world lost one of its most influential figures, the much adored and respected John Peel. On Thursday 13th October BBC Radio One has organised 'John Peel Day', a celebration of John's outstanding contribution to music.


On Thursday 13th October, people all across the world have been urged to celebrate John's life in the only way he would have liked- by organising gigs across the country and enjoying music. Over 300 gigs have been organised around the country and no doubt 'Teenage Kicks' will be the most played song on the day!

It is now a year since the music world lost one of its most influential figures- the much adored and respected John Peel. John's death came as a great shock to everybody, and the whole music world was united in grieving for one of the most important figureheads in music.

John was the only DJ left at Radio One who had been with the station since its launch back in 1967. Not only was he at the forefront of Rock & Punk in the 70's, but during the 80's he was one of the first DJs ever to play Hip Hop on national radio and champion Reggae. In the 90's, he supported every possible sub-genre of dance music from Techno, Drum n Bass, Breakcore, Electronica or the highly unfashionable Happy Hardcore.

When he died, the outpouring of grief was from the whole music world.

BBC Radio One will be broadcasting live from Heaven 'n' Hell at Bar Fresa in Fleet Street where Kid 606, Drop The Lime, Furness and Venom will be playing.


Drop The Lime

To mark the day numerous events are taking place across Merseyside on October 13th. Peel favourite Half Man Half Biscuit will be playing at Liverpool Carling Academy.

Ian McNabb and Echo and The Bunnymen's Will Seargant will play a special 'Acoustica Peel Night' at 3345 Parr Street.

At the newly opened Las Vegas venue Cranebuilders and Ella Guru will play while The Cavern plays host to Bingowongs, Wekindred, Hoboheist, an P Gods of Rock.
Liverpool's Barfly has a Mixed Bag John Peel Special with live performances from Mugstar and BBC Radio Merseyside DJ's Joe Shooman an Roger Hill.

In Southport DJ's at The New Coronet Bar will be playing classic Festive 50 and Peel Session tracks.

To celebrate John Peel's love of football and all things Liverpool FC some of Liverpool's most famous musicians will be playing a five a side tournament on October 13th. Amongst the teams competing for the John Peel Memorial Trophy will be teams representing The Farm, The La's, Shack and Paul McCartney's LIPA. John's son Tom will also be entering a team Ravenscroft Stanley. The games will be played at Liverpool FC's Academy in Kirkby. All the money raised will be donated to the Kariandusi School Trust of which John Peel was a patron.

If you aren't in the city on October 13th but would still like to be part of the celebration, you can get your ‘Teenage Alterkicks’ at the Dry Bar’s John Peel tribute!

On 11th October, some hot signed bands will be taking to the stage to support the Dry Bar’s tribute to the legendary Radio One DJ, John Peel.

The event which will take place at the Carling Academy from 6pm onwards is part of a series of events hosted by the Dry Bar for 14-18 year olds and will showcase signed bands and young local music talent.

Dry Bar acts confirmed are Karl McCann, The Daytona’s, Rochelle McLean, Alien Babies / White Rabbit and Threadbares. Alongside the young musicians will be special guests The Cranebuilders who featured on John Peel Sessions, The Alterkicks, Pale Face Princess and the 747’s (TBC).