Former Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter Andy Kershaw dies aged 66

Andy Kershaw, a celebrated BBC Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter, has died at the age of 66. His family confirmed the news, stating he passed away around 19:30 BST on Thursday. Earlier in January, it had been revealed that the broadcaster was diagnosed with cancer and had lost the ability to walk.

Kershaw gained recognition for his unique approach to music on Radio 1, where he hosted from 1985 to 1992. Known for his diverse musical tastes, he played a key role in popularizing world music. After leaving Radio 1, he expanded his work to BBC Radio 4, covering global conflicts and music across the world.

Born in Rochdale in 1959, Kershaw began his career in the early 1980s as a promotions manager at Radio Aire in Leeds. He later formed a collaboration with veteran presenter Martin Kelner. His breakthrough came in 1984 when he became a host for The Old Grey Whistle Test, the BBC’s iconic rock program. In 1985, he joined BBC Radio 1, seen as a possible successor to DJ John Peel.

One of Kershaw’s most notable roles was as a presenter for Live Aid in 1985. The event, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, aimed to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine and featured a star-studded lineup. His sister, Liz Kershaw, also worked at the station during his tenure.

By 2000, his late-night show on Radio 1 was removed during a major schedule update. In his final months there, he featured artists like Willie Nelson and Lou Reed. He then traveled globally for BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3, including a musical journey through Iraq, Iran, and North Korea.

Kershaw faced personal challenges, leading to a period of absence from broadcasting. In 2008, he was jailed for three months after violating a restraining order. A suspended six-month sentence followed when he breached it again. In 2011, he returned with a new series linked to BBC One’s Human Planet, titled Music Planet.

During his time on Radio 3, Kershaw described his philosophy: “We’re not here to give the public what it wants. We’re here to give the public what it didn’t know it wanted.” His distinct personality was evident in a statement after his cancer diagnosis, where he remarked with a touch of humor: “I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant’n’Dec. That should keep me going for a while.”

He also authored an autobiography, No Off Switch, reflecting on his life and career. Kershaw’s legacy includes his eclectic contributions to music and his fearless exploration of global stories through the lens of sound.