When starting my radio career back in 1999, John Peel was still broadcasting to the nation every week. During initial years at BBC Radio 1, I’d often hand over to the big man himself. His voice would crackle through my headphones, asking who I was playing. ‘Spare Snare’, I might reply and he’d compliment the choice. Surreal doesn’t come close. I had listened to him through my teenage years into my twenties, and my own fascination with a diverse range of music was kickstarted by his extraordinary shows. He played all genres, without question or discrimination. Put simply, John Peel blew minds. 

His sudden death 20 years ago this month was not only a ghastly shock, but left a gaping hole in the hearts of music fans worldwide. Peel was the ultimate counter-culture DJ; a champion of the underdog and an inspiration to countless. He was also a true contrarian whose presenting style eschewed any cliché or pomposity, and whose favourite band could only ever be… The Fall. He seemed to search out the odd, unconventional and unorthodox on purpose, and his like has never been seen since, despite the existence of stations such as 6Music, KEXP or Radio X. 

To me, he was friendly, fun and extremely personable. And lest I forget, he always ribbed me for being Scottish! The first time I met him, I wondered if he’d actually want to talk music. Surely not? But he was delighted to discuss Misty In Roots, Juana Molina, The Misunderstood and more. I remember meeting him once in Brighton during a BBC event, asking ‘how was your PJ Harvey concert last night, John?’ His astonishing reply was ‘wonderful. Like seeing Gene Vincent in 1958!’ Not many people could have said that, or indeed had those two experiences.

The internet has certainly blown apart the music industry and allowed fans to locate anything, anywhere, at any time. But to have a selector throw it all together into such a glorious melting pot via the national broadcaster seems almost quaint now. Would John Peel approve of streaming? No doubt. Although I’m sure he’d want artists to be properly compensated. Would he approve of current trends? Of course. He would be uncovering acts and entire genres none of us had yet heard. Although we do undeniably have access to everything now, echo chambers, personal silos and online cliques appear to have closed rather than opened minds. John Peel was a BROAD-caster not a NARROW-caster, and he was a true music fan. To me, that is his legacy.

Vic Galloway is a broadcaster, musician, author and journalist, and presents a music show on BBC Radio Scotland every Monday and Wednesday; main picture: Gareth Goodlad.