Andy Kershaw has died, aged 66, his family confirmed this morning.
In January the BBC Radio 1 presenter had been diagnosed with cancer and was unable to walk.
Born in Rochdale, he studied at Leeds University, writing on his website that he went there partly to study politics “in the half-hope” of becoming a journalist “but chiefly because the student union at Leeds put on the biggest college concerts.”
Becoming head of entertainment at the university in his second year, he put on concerts by The Clash, Elvis Costello and Black Uhuru. Adding “naturally” he failed his degree.
He started his broadcasting career at Radio Aire in the 1980s, but in 1984 headed to London, finding a job as a roadie and driver for Billy Bragg.
While working with Bragg, he was spotted by the BBC and in 1984 was brought in as a host of music show, The Old Grey Whistle Test, with his first report coming from the Monsters of Rock heavy metal festival.
A year later he was among the BBC line-up of presenters for Live Aid and got a slot on BBC Radio One.
“We’re so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear old friend Andy Kershaw. We shared many times together over the years, both on and offstage, and his enthusiasm for whatever he was involved in, his intelligence, and extremely sharp wit, were truly infectious. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. There was never a dull moment. Our thoughts are with his family. R.I.P mate…” said The Stranglers.
In 2000, the late-night weekly show on Radio 1 was axed as part of a schedule shake-up “to be replaced by another dance music programme” he said.
He moved over to BBC Radio 3, which he felt was his “spiritual home”.
“We are very sad to hear that the much-loved broadcaster Andy Kershaw has passed away at the age of 66,” Radio 3’s official Instagram stated.
“Andy was a familiar voice on BBC Radio 3 for over 20 years, known for his eclectic tastes and his championing of music from across the world. During his time on Radio 3, in his words, Andy “continued to ignore categories and mix it all up” on Music Planet: a programme that continues to this day.
“Thank you, Andy, for everything you contributed to BBC Radio 3.”
He also worked as a reporter for the Today Programme, From Our Own Correspondent and The World Tonight. His reports ranged from the 1994 Rwandan genoise and the Sierra Leone civil war.
Problems in his personal life meant that he disappeared from the airwaves for a number of years, including going to prison for 3 months after breaking a restraining order, when his 17 year marriage broke down.
He returned to BBC radio in 2011 with Music Planet, which he co-presented with Lucy Duran and they travelled around the world to record music in isolated locations.
The news about his cancer was revealed by his friend and podcast producer, Peter Everett on Instagram. He said that Kershaw wrote to him:
“I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast.
“I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant’n’Dec. That should keep me going for a while.”
