Music Features

Passionately Peel!

A music venue in Hitchin is one of a number of venues in Beds, Bucks and Herts that will be celebrating the life and influence of John Peel.

On Thursday 12 October, John Peel Day will take place across the country, marking the second anniversary of the late DJ's last radio broadcast. It was on October 25 2004 that John Peel died suddenly, leaving British music behind with a legacy that has influenced music enthusiasts for decades.

Dedicated

One man who is dedicated to keeping John Peel's memory alive is Bob Mardon, Venue Manager at Club 85 in Hitchin, Herts. He spoke to BBC Three Counties about what John Peel meant to him, and why it's so important to keep alive John Peel Day.

"John Peel was always at the forefront of modern music, constantly pushing back the boundaries" said Bob.

"He always supported the little man in music, something that no one else did as passionately at the time, and his non-commercial stance aimed to promote underground British music."

Bob also spoke about how John Peel influenced him from an early age.

"I fell in love with music from about the age of eight" explained Bob.

"John Peel's radio show definitely shaped my musical tastes - I began to move away from mainstream music and move towards the types of music that were really unique - like punk and reggae. He was undeniably a tremendous influence on me.

"I actually met him a few times in my life, though my most memorable moment was back in September 1977.

"I had organised a punk-rock festival in Chelmsford but it was turning into a fiasco - that was until John stepped in. He was attending the festival but ending up being the crowd favourite, calming the situation down and playing music that everyone went mad for. It ended up being quite a success, and it's something I'll never forget.

"I'll always remember John as a truly honest guy" he added, "never patronising in the slightest. He was really interesting, and probably the most genuine man I've ever met in the music business."

Success

As part of John Peel Day, Bob is once again organising an evening of live music celebrating the late DJ.

"Our first John Peel Day last October was a resounding success" he said.

"People who attended came up to me at the end of the night with tears in their eyes telling me what a great night it had been and how it had summed up what John Peel was all about - being passionate about live music."

So who has Bob got lined up for this year's event?

"The Otters were actually championed by John and he played them a few times on his radio show" he revealed.

"They're one of the most underrated bands in the area at the moment, and they're guaranteed to send the crowd wild with their epic songs.

"Envoy is a top band who has a really cool take on indie and psychedelic rock - they're definitely worth watching. Their influences are the sort that John Peel was so avid about" he continued.

"We also have a great band called 'Diath' playing. They don't play songs, they just produce noise - but they create an amazing atmosphere that I'm sure the crowd will love."

Important

As the second John Peel Day draws closer, Bob reminds us why we need to continue celebrating the life and legacy of the former DJ.

"I think it's very important that others and I keep up this annual event" he said.

"John loved live music, and it's vital that we don't forget the underground scene in this country. The three acts that I've got playing at Club 85 are directly influenced by John Peel, and I'm sure he would have approved of them immensely!"