JOHN PEEL DAY, ANYONE?

09-01-2008

For (at least) five generations of music fan. John Peel was the man who opened our ears to the world(s) of alternative music. Nick Roberts-Alatti wants to celebrate the man’s achievements with a hoe-down in October – and he’s after your help.

Thirty years ago when Smashie and Nicey were for real and not just a comedy sketch, the only place to hear new, cutting-edge music was the John Peel Show on Radio One.

After hours of relentless pop and prattle from The Hairy Cornflake, Simon Beast and others, it was a minor miracle that music from the Fall to Prince Far I was being aired by Peel five nights a week from 10pm-12am.

Thanks to Peelie's eclectic tastes, many listeners formed bands of their own or became writers and even broadcasters. Peel's influence was immense.

To coincide with John Peel Day in October, I would like to stage an evening of music in Birmingham inspired by the John Peel Show. From 8pm - 12am or 9pm - 1pm, with different DJs (or just Peel Show fans) playing an hour of punk, an hour of post-punk, an hour of reggae and a miscellaneous hour in a small, intimate venue with a bar extension and perhaps a few crisps and nuts!

I could provide the venue, disco equipment and would be prepared to do the reggae hour, but could do with a bit of hand regarding promotion. It will strictly be a not-for-profit evening, just an opportunity to pay tribute to an inspirational bloke and get a few old farts out of the house.

Anyone interested in helping out Nick and joining the celebration? The Stirrer has already promised to spin a few punky discs. Contact nickrobertsalatti@googlemail.com