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Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Club Statement: Andrew Peebles (1948 - 2025) Andy spent the late 1960s as a nightclub DJ He began his illustrious broadcasting career at BBC Radio Manchester in 1973 before going on to help found the independent radio station Piccadilly Radio a year later where he first presented his Soul Train show he moved to BBC Radio 1 where he would spend the next 14 years Andy was also a cricket presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire with Dave Edmundson and a keen supporter of the Red Rose Bob Bennett former Chairman of Lancashire Cricket said: “Andy was a great student of the game and in particular followed the fortunes of his adopted county Lancashire As a journalist he was respected and trusted by the Committee Room and the Dressing Room "During the 80s and 90s he was regularly the lead commentator for local radio on many of Lancashire's matches He had the perfect voice for radio and his knowledge of the game was exceptional "His was the last ever interview with John Lennon at the Hit Factory recording studio two days before the musician's murder in New York."Andy was a very good friend of Lancashire Cricket who was well respected by players and spectators alike The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time We’re here to support you with our services Download and order a range of resources to help you manage your condition. Read the inspiring stories of the amazing people who are living life to the full with a long-term health condition. confidential advice and support from our Advice Line practitioners Advice Line Every day people in Scotland are leaving hospital feeling scared and alone Join Scotland’s Fundraising Heroes by getting involved with one of our exciting events or challenges! Use our Store Finder to find your local shop or boutique and pop in to see us today. You can make sure stroke survivors in Scotland like Tim get the support they need after returning home from hospital We are Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest heart and stroke conditions live life to the full Find out about the incredible impact your support is having and the amazing things you’re helping to achieve. Search our current job opportunities to find a new role that’s rewarding exciting and allows you to make a real difference every day Work With Us Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has opened the doors to its newest store in Peebles this week marking a return to the town for the charity Scotland’s largest health charity welcomed members of the public to its newest store on the High Street on Thursday March 13th and have appealed for volunteers to donate their time at the Borders shop Funds raised at the store will help Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland support the one in five people across Scotland living with a chest Retail Regional Manager at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We’re delighted to finally get to meet the community of Peebles after lots of hard work to get the shop up and running over the last few months “We’ve had a great relationship with people in the Borders through our shops in Melrose Hawick and Gala and we can’t wait to support Peebles as well “Our retail stores are hugely important in raising funds for our charity We pride ourselves in offering high quality pre-loved items Every penny raised in Scotland stays in Scotland “Volunteers are key to everything that we do as a charity We’d love to hear from anyone in the local area who would like to join our busy retail team to make sure our newest store is a success “We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to come and give their time to help us to support the one in five people across Scotland with a chest The design of the new shop reflects the signature style of the CHSS stores with upcycled furniture throughout and a selection of high-quality women’s and menswear available to buy as well as bric-a-brac and homeware items Donations of these pre-loved clothing and bric can be brought to the store during opening hours of 10am to 5pm seven days a week local people can help fund the vital services that people with chest Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is committed to reaching 150,000 people living with its conditions across Scotland by 2028 through its Community Healthcare Support Services To find out more about our shops please go to www.chss.org.uk/supportus/shops and to discover how to volunteer please go to www.chss.org.uk/supportus/volunteering Your donation can help people do more than just survive – you can help them really live © Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 2025 Telephone: 0131 225 6963 General enquiries [email protected] Media enquiries [email protected] Pop radio DJ and presenter who recorded one of the last interviews with John Lennon in December 1980 Andy Peebles, who has died suddenly aged 76, was for 14 years a disc jockey on BBC Radio 1 where he presented shows across the schedule In 1981, three years after joining Radio 1 he settled into a Friday evening spot with a programme combining music and a preview of the weekend’s sporting action “I never dreamed that I’d get to talk to all those incredible people,” he said in a 2017 Radio Today podcast to mark the station’s 50th anniversary “Ian Botham was about to become a worldwide star Billy Beaumont was just about to lead his English rugby team to a grand slam Kevin Keegan – great character – was at the forefront But the interview with which Peebles had made his name, in December 1980, was with the former Beatle John Lennon, who had just released Double Fantasy, his first album in five years. With his second wife, Yoko Ono, Lennon spent more than three hours talking to Peebles at the Hit Factory recording studio in New York before they and the BBC team spent several more hours eating at a Mr Chow restaurant The star spoke about the break-up of the Beatles a decade earlier (once they gave up touring, the occasional session in a recording studio “had [just] become a job”), acknowledged for the first time that Yoko was co-writer of his solo hit Imagine Asked about his privacy and why he had settled in New York Lennon said: “I can go right out this door now and go in a restaurant people come up and ask for an autograph or say ‘hi’ The interview then ran in the five-part series John Lennon: 1940-80 which began a month later and was followed by a full transcription in the book The Lennon Tapes Another highlight of Peebles’s time at Radio 1 was travelling to Moscow in 1979 to present the station’s exclusive live broadcast of a concert by Elton John one of the first staged by a pop act in the Soviet Union during the cold war The broadcaster described the visit as “terrifying” with the BBC team constantly followed by KGB officers “We are talking about walking around a city which in architectural grandeur terms was extraordinary to behold,” he recalled The interview ran in the five-part series John Lennon: 1940-80 The Lennon TapesPeebles was born in London he trained in hotel management and catering at Bournemouth College of Technology (now Bournemouth University) – starting in 1967 sounding the death knell for the offshore pirate stations of which Peebles said he was “a massive devotee” After showing his own talents as a DJ at a college dance Peebles was hired to work at the town’s Samantha’s and Chelsea Village discos This led in 1973 to a job at BBC Radio Manchester. A year later, he moved across the city to one of Britain’s first commercial stations, Piccadilly Radio. Peebles was among Piccadilly’s founding broadcasters and, while there, started presenting Soul Train a show that he took through his career to different stations Peebles began at the BBC in London with a weekday evening show in 1978 he switched between afternoons and mornings over the next few years until his daily shows ended in 1981 and he began his long-running Friday evening programme but only intermittently over five years (1979-84) “They were mad enough to employ the man who was ‘the perfect face for radio’,” he said self-effacingly “I was never comfortable with television.” Peebles moved to BBC Radio Lancashire (1992-99) as its morning show presenter but was back in London at Radio 2 to host The Andy Peebles Soul Show on Wednesday evenings (1997-2002) he presented the late show on BBC GMR in Manchester (1999-2002) He was then heard on Jazz FM (2002-04) before a long stint on its successor where Soul Train ended its on-and-off 40-year run Peebles also worked for the British Forces network BFBS and the BBC World Service as well as reporting and commentating on cricket for the BBC nationally and Lancashire cricket regionally for 27 years This article was amended on 25 March 2025 because an earlier version said that Peebles conducted the last interview with John Lennon It was one of the last interviews with the former Beatle We use cookies to collect information about how you use the Police Scotland website. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services. Police Scotland support those who wish to become police officers, special constables or police staff by hosting various online and in-person recruitment events throughout the year. Safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce. Read about our 2030 vision and three-year plan. Worried that your partner or the partner of someone you know might have an abusive past? You have the #RightToAsk. Domestic Abuse is everyone’s business. Information now available in BSL. If you've reported domestic abuse, rape or sexual crimes to us, we'd appreciate your feedback on the service we provided. Police Scotland has been working to make its websites more accessible - read our accessibility statement. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. IndependentLightDark{"modes":[{"id":"light","name":"Light","value":"#ffffff"},{"id":"dark","name":"Dark","value":"#000000"}]}Menu{"children":"Menu"}Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in Andy Peebles was the final interviewer of former Beatle John Lennon (Paul Williams/PA) Peebles once said the aftermath of the Lennon interview ‘blighted my life’ and brought him close to a breakdown I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles, who conducted the last ever interview with John Lennon has died shortly before he was due to start a new presenting gig His fellow presenter Mike Read shared the news on X on Sunday morning (23 March), writing: “Devastated to hear the news about our chum Andy Peebles “He was about to join us at Heritage [the UK’s only chart-based music show] He continued of the cricket fan and sports pundit: “Raise your bat and enjoy a long rest in the pavilion We lunched recently with DLT and Adrian Juste Peebles’s family confirmed the news of his death to the BBC Peebles began his career as a nightclub DJ in the late Sixties before joining BBC Radio Manchester in 1973 when he also presented for the BBC World Service He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1978, hosting the weekday evening show between 8pm to 10pm and interviewing stars including David Bowie, Paul Simon, Debbie Harry, Cliff Richard, Phil Collins and Roger Taylor Among his most memorable career moments was the last recorded interview with John Lennon on 6 December 1980 who conducted the interview just 48 hours before the musician’s death was on his flight back from New York when Lennon was murdered outside his New York apartment building During the conversation Lennon – who had not spoken to the media for the previous five years – opened up about the breakup of The Beatles his tense relationship with the US government Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music If you sign up to this service we will earn commission This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent “I don't think I've ever been so nervous in my life,” Peebles told CBS “I’d grown up not just idolising him but the group and everything they’d done.” Peebles later said the interview led him to the point of breakdown as he found himself delivering live tributes on radio and television while still in shock over the news “I lost all sense of self-worth in the aftermath,” he told the Daily Mail. “It blighted my life He was the creator of some of the most brilliant music of the 20th century and will never be forgotten He maintained a friendship with Ono and interviewed her again in 1983 in Tokyo The interview later became the subject of the 2020 documentary Lennon’s Last Weekend, directed by Brian Grant The film was released to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Lennon’s death Meanwhile, a series of photographs taken of Lennon and Yoko Ono taken during the interview by BBC producer Paul Williams were auctioned in 2015 Social media tributes have poured in for Peebles from both listeners and fellow broadcasters Veteran broadcaster Tony Blackburn tweeted: “So sorry to hear that fellow DJ from Radio 1 when I was there Andy Peebles has passed away. He was a lovely man and a great broadcaster. Very sad news. RIP Andy.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Host of Top of the Pops and My Top Twelve among other shows was one of last people to interview John Lennon Andy Peebles, the former Radio 1 DJ and presenter who was one of the last people to interview John Lennon Peebles began his radio career in Manchester in 1973 and joined Radio 1 in 1978 where he was a familiar voice for 14 years His friend and former colleague Mike Read said on X that he was “devastated” to hear the news Raise your bat and enjoy a long rest in the pavilion.” Read posted a recent picture of him having lunch with Peebles and fellow former Radio 1 DJs Dave Lee Travis and Adrian Juste Tony Blackburn, the first DJ to be heard on Radio 1 when it launched in 1967, posted: “So sorry to hear that fellow DJ from Radio 1 when I was there Andy Peebles has passed away He was a lovely man and a great broadcaster Peebles said the highlight of his career was interviewing Lennon in 1980 although it was bittersweet because two days later the former Beatle was dead after being shot by Mark Chapman The interview lasted three hours and 22 minutes “It is a staggeringly long time to actually talk to somebody and that was all down to him.” Peebles’ final question was about how safe Lennon felt living in New York Lennon suggested he felt very safe as he could easily walk down the street and go to movies and restaurants whereas in London he “couldn’t walk round the block” Peebles, in an interview with RTÉ to mark the 40th anniversary of Lennon’s death recalled going for dinner with him at Mr Chow’s in Manhattan after the interview he said; Lennon put his arm around Peebles’ shoulder and said: “They’re all saying who the bleep is that with Andy Peebles?” in which music stars would choose their favourite records and talk about their life and career Peebles also presented 15 episodes of Top of the Pops and a number of Radio 1 roadshows he had stints at Manchester’s Smooth FM and London’s 102.2 Jazz FM and was inducted into the Radio Academy’s hall of fame in 2011 Former BBC and commercial radio broadcaster Andy Peebles has died at the age of 76 He passed away unexpectedly yesterday morning Andy was best known for his 13 years at BBC Radio 1 which included hosting Top of the Pops over a five year period He was born in London but his studies took him to Bournemouth where he started DJing in local pubs and clubs whilst doing a national diploma in hotel management His love for music and radio then took him up to the north west of England He started his radio career at BBC Radio Manchester but quickly went on to be part of the launch line-up at Piccadilly Radio in 1974 After Radio 1 Andy went back to local radio where he mixed his love of cricket with radio to become a cricket commentator He spent many years hosting mornings on BBC Radio Lancashire then went on to be part of the original line-up at Smooth FM in 2004 He stayed with Smooth presenting the Late Show until Global’s purchase of GMG in 2013 which was revived from his BBC Radio 1 days Andy has also worked at BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Manchester He was inducted to the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2011 and presented with his fellowship by the late John Myers Anyone who’s had the pleasure of a conversation with Andy will be sure to have heard about his interview with John Lennon which took place in New York just two days before he was murdered The interview covered various aspects of Lennon’s life and his thoughts on his time away from the spotlight making it an emotionally significant piece of radio In 2017, Andy enjoyed the celebrations for 50 years of BBC Radio 1, and appeared on the RadioToday podcast looking back at his career and talking about his days at the BBC Devastated to hear the news about our chum Andy Peebles. He was about to join us at Heritage. We joined Radio One together. Knew his music & cricket inside out. Raise your bat & enjoy a long rest in the pavilion. We lunched recently with DLT & Adrian Juste. Great innings. pic.twitter.com/I9IumRIrP4 — Mike Read (@MikeReadUK) March 23, 2025 So sorry to hear that fellow DJ from radio1 when I was there Andy Peebles has passed away He was a lovely man and a great broadcaster — Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) March 23, 2025 So sad to hear the news about Andy Peebles passing. I’ll miss our long conversations about football and soul music, of which he was far more knowledgeable. There’s going to be a Quiet Storm in heaven tonight. RIP Andy pic.twitter.com/VvCWPJ6M3h — John Simons (@simoradio) March 23, 2025 — Steve Penk (@StevePenk) March 23, 2025 RIP Andy Peebles 😢 pic.twitter.com/FlUbcWBOD1 — Aircheck Downloads (@airchecks) March 23, 2025 RIP Andy Peebles, famously the last man to interview John Lennon. We used to work in adjoining studios at Real Radio. I always remember him telling me what he said to the boss when offered a new contract: “I asked him, do you know what the word derisory means?” 😂 pic.twitter.com/7jokT9iptD — Wes Butters (@wesbutters) March 23, 2025 Very saddened by the news #AndyPeebles has passed. When I joined the national Smooth station in 2010 Andy followed me everyday. We became friends. I’d love the stories of his Radio 1 days, the many colourful tales of celebrities he’d interviewed & our mutual love of Bournemouth.… pic.twitter.com/mx2esXCeGE — Carlos (@carlosradioguy) March 23, 2025 Sad news about the death of Andy Peebles at 76. He was a quality DJ who loved his music, cricket and the whole radio business. I met him at a Radio 1 Roadshow in Edinburgh in 1979 and he was a class act. A year later, he was the last person to interview John Lennon! pic.twitter.com/6eE0QVMr3M — Neil Drysdale (@NeilDrysdale) March 23, 2025 The latest #OneMinuteMontage is an Andy Peebles special with a selection of his jingles through the years ▶️ Radio 1 (JAM)▶️ Radio 1 (JAM)▶️ Radio 1 (JAM)▶️ Radio 1 (JAM)▶️ Radio 1 (John Wells)▶️ Smooth (Wise Buddah)▶️ Smooth (Wise Buddah)#AircheckDownloads pic.twitter.com/bc419tA2yM — Aircheck Downloads (@airchecks) March 23, 2025 Get real time updates directly on you device For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend It will be a dry night with long clear periods Also turning into another chilly night with a frost in rural spots later tonight A chilly start then becoming warmer than of late settled weather will continue for rest of the week with light winds There will be more sunshine to come and becoming warmer by day but still some chilly nights Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average Colleagues and friends have since paid emotional tributes to the "amazing broadcaster" including Mike Read who said he was "devastated" about the passing of his friend He wrote: "Devastated to hear the news about our chum Andy Peebles "Raise your bat & enjoy a long rest in the pavilion We lunched recently with DLT & Adrian Juste Tony Blackburn OBE also paid an emotional tribute to his "lovely" pal He said: "So sorry to hear that fellow DJ from radio 1 when I was there Andy Peebles has passed away MUM'S THE WORD Princess Andre looks just like mum Katie Price as she glams up for star bashMeanwhile earlier today I learned of the passing of a very old friend and excellent DJ "His knowledge of sole music was second to none and his 4 years at Piccadilly and 13 years at Radio 1 made him known to the nations music fans! "Sadly today Andy Peebles, totally unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. "After speaking to him yesterday when he was totally fine, his wife Ann called me today with the tragic news, I couldn’t believe it! "So all I can say is that you will be sadly missed by your many friends and I would like to offer my condolences to his dear wife Ann also reflected on his memories with the late broadcaster He said: "I’m utterly devastated that my great pal Andy Peebles has passed away so suddenly and unexpectedly "We only spoke 2 days ago and we were so excited about our plans for him to return to radio hosting his beloved Soul Train with me producing him each week "I’ve just spoken with Ann his lovely wife but there were so few words of comfort to say "He was one of the giants of our industry he could do anything on air and all at the highest level - an all time great! Friend and radio executive John Simmons added:  "So sad to hear the news about Andy Peebles passing "I’ll miss our long conversations about football and soul music There’s going to be a Quiet Storm in heaven tonight Andy began working as a club DJ in the 1960s before joining local station Piccadilly Radio in Manchester He then earned a job on BBC Radio 1 in the 1970s hosting daytime programmes and hosted the station's shows such as My Top Twelve and Soul Train along with Top Of The Pops Andy left the BBC in the 1990s and went on to Global's classic station Gold Radio One of his career highlights includes an interview with Beatles legend John Lennon and artist Yoko Ono which aired just a couple of days before the singer was killed in New York He also had stints at Manchester's Smooth FM and London's 102.2 Jazz FM and was inducted into the Radio Academy's Hall of Fame in 2011 Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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