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

In January this year, it was announced that the broadcaster had been diagnosed with cancer and was unable to walk.

The presenter had been undergoing treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and “a lot of scans and painkillers”, his friend and podcast producer Peter Everett shared.

Born in Rochdale, Kershaw – the brother of fellow broadcaster Liz Kershaw – grew up a fan of artists such as Bob Dylan and went to university to become a journalist.

Kershaw was a familiar voice on Radio 1 for 15 years from 1985, known for his eclectic taste and for helping champion world music.

He went on to report for Radio 4, both on music and global conflicts, including the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.

On his broadcasting philosophy, he talked about how his mentor John Walters had influenced him, saying: “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 distinctive take on life and humour could also be seen when he released a statement after learning of his cancer diagnosis.

Saying he was in “good spirits”, he joked: “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.”

Andy Kershaw’s autobiography

In 2012, he published an autobiography, titled No Off Switch, which detailed his improbable rise through UK media, including his work as a war correspondent.

“It’s an insatiable curiosity, basically, a nosiness,” he told The Independent that year of his approach to music and life.

“I think initially Radio 1 wanted another [John] Peel, but I got quickly bored of those awful, insipid demo tapes I was receiving from Liverpudlian indie acts, especially as I was beginning to discover properly fantastic, amazing music from Malawi, the Congo, South Africa.

“The way I saw it, this was music that would have an appeal way beyond the circle of African music aficionados.

“And the letters I received from enthusiastic listeners suggested I was right.”

Tributes to Andy Kershaw

People on X started posting tributes to Kershaw after learning the news of his death.

One said: “So sad to hear this. Andy Kershaw was a brilliant broadcaster & brought so much joy to radio. A real loss.”

Another posted: “Sorry to hear of the passing of English broadcaster and disc jockey, Andy Kershaw. Aged 66.

“Former presenter of The Old Grey Whistle Test, he co-presented BBC television coverage of Live Aid in 1985”

Meanwhile, someone else commented: “So sorry to hear the passing of Andy Kershaw brill DJ RIP ANDY”.