Renowned Radio 1 DJ and the last person to interview John Lennon, Andy Peebles, passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family. Peebles conducted an iconic interview with Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono in New York just two days before the tragic assassination of the former Beatle in 1980. His career in broadcasting began in the 1960s as a club DJ, later moving on to work at local station Piccadilly Radio in Manchester. Peebles eventually landed a position at BBC Radio 1 in the 1970s, where he hosted various programmes including My Top Twelve and Soul Train, as well as appearing on Top Of The Pops.
After departing from the BBC in the 1990s, Peebles continued to make waves in the radio industry by joining Global’s classic station Gold Radio. The news of Peebles’ passing has evoked an outpouring of tributes from fellow broadcasters, with BBC Radio 2 presenter Tony Blackburn expressing his sorrow at the loss of a talented colleague. Another former BBC Radio 1 DJ, Mike Read, shared his devastation at Peebles’ death, highlighting their shared history at Radio 1 and Peebles’ extensive knowledge of music and cricket.
Peebles’ contributions to radio extended beyond his time at the BBC, as he also worked at stations such as Manchester’s Smooth FM and London’s 102.2 Jazz FM. In recognition of his outstanding career, Peebles was inducted into the Radio Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing his legacy in the broadcasting world. Ann Peebles, his wife, confirmed the news of his passing on a Saturday, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in British radio history.
The impact of Andy Peebles’ career and his historic interview with John Lennon continues to resonate with fans and colleagues in the industry. His unique style and passion for music left an indelible mark on radio broadcasting, inspiring generations of listeners and aspiring DJs alike. Peebles’ legacy serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring influence of iconic interviews that capture moments in music history. As the radio community mourns the loss of a true broadcasting legend, Peebles’ contributions to the medium will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.