> We got our John Peel second hand...not through his radio programmes, but
the
> great live album anthologies for specific acts he released (grey covers
with
> the John Peel name ticker-taped across the front). Got me to love bands
like
> Stiff Little Fingers, The Buzzcocks, et al.

Same here.  I still have my Smiths, Cure, and Syd Barrett Peel Sessions CDs.
I didn't know who John Peel was for the longest time, though, not having the
frame of reference to his radio show.  If anything, I probably associated
the name "Peel" with "The Avengers" and figured it was just a British thing.
Later, however, I read up on John Peel through various issues of the NME and
Melody Maker and realized what an influential figure he was in the British
music industry...and beyond.  I know local musicians here in Hampton Roads
who made a point of sending their tapes and CDs to Peel in hopes that he
might give them a spin.  I can't imagine the reverse being true with anyone
in the U.S....except maybe Rodney on the ROQ.

Farewell, John.  Thanks for the sessions...

WiLL