Tributes have poured in for Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw, who was known for his work at the BBC in the 1980s and also presented Live Aid, following his death at the age of 66
Liz Kershaw has spoken out following the tragic death of her brother Andy Kershaw. The BBC Radio DJ music journalist was best known for his 15-year career on BBC Radio 1 from the 1980s and had also made a name for himself presenting Live Aid.
The star’s death was confirmed by his family on Firday, and the sad news came in the months after it emerged that he had been struggling to walk amid a battle with cancer.
In the hours that followed, Liz, 67, also known for her major career in broadcasting, wrote on X: “Thank you for all your messages of affection for Our Andrew and kindness today. I’ve lost my best friend.” Liz was then inundated with further messages of condolence from friends and followers.
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Fellow broadcaster Dawn Neesom said: “So sorry Liz. Thoughts with you xx,” whilst former Talksport hostJon Gaunt said: “Thoughts are with you Liz. Stay strong love Jon”
One follower wrote to Liz: “Losing a sibling feels like you have just lost a piece of your heart, so sorry for your loss,” whilst another said: “I lost my brother almost two years ago Liz , I truly understand the pain … Thinking of you & your family & may Andrew rest in peace”
Earlier this year, his friend and podcast producer Peter Everett shared on Facebook that Andy had been undergoing treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and “a lot of scans and painkillers”.
Almost as soon as the news broke, social media tributes from those paying their respects poured in for the much-loved broadcaster.
BBC Radio 2 was amongst the first to lead an official tribute that ran early in the afternoon as part of BBC News. In a bulletin, Lizo Mazimba remembered the star as a “lifelong music fan” who had a “passion” for world music.
Following that, BBC Radio 3 released a statement onto Instagram which read: “We are very sad to hear that the much-loved broadcaster Andy Kershaw has passed away at the age of 66.
“Andy was a familiar voice on BBC Radio 3 for over 20 years, known for his eclectic tastes and his championing of music from across the world. During his time on Radio 3, in his words, Andy ‘continued to ignore categories and mix it all up# on Music Planet: a programme that continues to this day. Thank you, Andy, for everything you contributed to BBC Radio 3.”
Rock band The Stranglers, who emerged on the UK punk scene in 1970s, wrote on Instagram: “We’re so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear old friend Andy Kershaw. We shared many times together over the years, and his enthusiasm for whatever he was involved in, his intelligence, and extremely sharp wit, were truly infectious.
“It was always a pleasure to be in his company. There was never a dull moment. Our thoughts are will his family. R.I.P mate…” Sprinter and former Strictly Come Dancing star Iwan Thomas wrote on Instagram: “So sad what a wonderful man.”
One fan wrote on X: “RIP Andy Kershaw. A true pioneer who brought the world’s music to Radio 1 and took us to the most extraordinary places through his reporting. His passion for music and fearless journalism left a real mark. Condolences to his family and friends.”
Another said: “Andy Kershaw ex Radio 1 DJ has died brilliant broadcaster whom apart from spinning Records made some outstanding pieces for Radio 4 you are finally reunited with John Peel in Heaven and can talk about Motorbikes all day long,” and a third wrote: “Andy Kershaw probably did more than anyone else to inspire me to see the world, eat its food, and hear its music.”
A fourth wrote: “This is really sad because I used to see Andy at radio 1 in the 80s and he was really nice, and always very friedly and said hello to us. We would say ‘Hello, Andy!’ and he said ‘Ey up!’ Love and sympathy to his family and to his lovely sister Liz, who I still know. “
Andy was born in Lancashire in November 1959. He is survived by his older sister, Liz Kershaw, 67, who had been one of the longest serving female radio DJs in the UK national radio network, having been on air for three decades.
Kershaw started his career at the BBC in 1984 as the host of its rock music show Old Grey Whistle Test, and later co-presented the corporation’s television coverage of Live Aid.
The DJ joined Radio 1 as a successor to the late John Peel, and became known for his eclectic taste in music, often featuring non-mainstream sounds on his weekly programme.
Kershaw also travelled across the world to cover conflicts and cultural stories for the BBC, contributing to Radio 4 shows including From Our Own Correspondent, the Today programme and The World Tonight. His coverage included the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and reporting from Sierra Leone in 2001 during the final stages of its civil war.
Kershaw also documented radio diaries from North Korea which, according to the BBC, were among the first programmes to be recorded inside the country.
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