Broadcaster Andy Kershaw, known for his work at BBC Radio 1 and as a presenter during Live Aid, has died aged 66.
His family confirmed that he died at around 7:30pm yesterday.
Kershaw is survived by two children from his 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner.
His death comes after Kershaw revealed in January that he was diagnosed with cancer last August, with podcast producer Peter Everett sharing a message from him at the time.
‘I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast,’ he said.
He began undergoing intense chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and physiotherapy and had ‘a lot of scans’ and took painkillers; however, the cancer began affecting his spinal column, leaving him ‘unable to walk’.
Kershaw started his career as a promotions manager for independent station Radio Aire, where he inadvertently helped to also launch Carol Vorderman’s career.
His own broadcasting debut came in the form of a late-night alternative show and a weekly blues program, but he became a roadie for singer Billy Bragg after being made redundant in 1983.
Kershaw caught his big break soon enough, though, as he was asked to present the BBC’s flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test, in 1984, after producer Trevor Dann met him when filming with Bragg.
As part of the gig, he recorded a television interview with his hero, Bob Dylan, and a loud session from the Ramones.
Kershaw subsequently became a familiar voice on Radio 1 for 15 years and also reported on global conflicts for Radio 4. He was declared a potential successor to esteemed DJ John Peel at the time.
His sister, Liz Kershaw, worked at BBC Radio 1, too, from 1987 to 1992.
Kershaw’s shows were famous for their enthusiasm and played a mix of country, reggae, folk, and blues music, showcasing artists from around the world.
In 1985, he was one of the BBC’s TV presenters for its coverage of Live Aid, the benefit concert at which the likes of Queen, David Bowie, and George Michael performed.
Organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure for the Ethiopian famine, it was reported the following day that around £40-50million had been raised. It has since been estimated that around £150m has been raised for famine relief as a direct result of the Wembley Stadium concert.
Kershaw left Radio 1 in 2000 when his contract came to an end amid a scheduling shake-up, his final months at the station including sessions with artists such as Willie Nelson and Lou Reed.
The following year, he worked at BBC Radio 3. From July 2007, Kershaw was absent from his slot due to well-documented personal issues, which saw him jailed for three months in 2008 due to breaking a restraining order against ex-partner Banner.
Kershaw was later handed a six-month suspended sentence for breaching the order again.
He returned to the airwaves in 2011 with Music Planet, which he co-hosted alongside Lucy Duran.
In September 2020, Kershaw fronted his own two-episode Sunday feature, The Kershaw Tapes.
Writing previously in his autobiography, No Off Switch, Kershaw said of his broadcasting philosophy and the influence of his mentor, John Walters ‘We’re not here to give the public what it wants. We’re here to give the public what it didn’t know it wanted.’
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