… and now I find myself needing to write more about John Peel. The impressive thing about Peel is not merely his humility, which was genuine, nor his humanity, which was real, nor his interest in other people, which many have attested, nor the longevity and devotion of his marriage, which is rare but not unheard-of. No, the most amazing thing about John Peel – and this continues to strike me with force whenever I encounter the man – is his incredible one-off-ness. You have only to see a photo of him or – as I did a while ago, watch a video of the Old Grey String Vest (sorry, I mean Whistle Test) where he is simply sitting there, on a stool, nodding in time to the music and – oh hell, just BEING John Peel – to appreciate this. There’s a photo in the book of him and Alan (Fluff) Freeman dancing on a roof of the BBC or something – and though their poses are nearly identical, the difference between them couldn’t be more striking. Fluff has a manic grin, engages the camera, says, “Look at me! Isn’t this great! Here I am!” – while John… John just is.
He was a rare gem. And we miss him. Long may he live in our memories.
Kirk out.
Comment by Ratae — July 17, 2009 @ 8:07 am |