Andy Kershaw, the well-known former BBC Radio 1 DJ and host of Live Aid, has passed away at the age of 66.
The broadcaster passed away on Thursday evening (16 April), his family confirmed.
In January, Kershaw announced he had been diagnosed with cancer that impacted his spine and made it difficult for him to walk.
His friend, Peter Everett, who creates the Andy Kershaw Podcast, announced the news on Facebook, explaining that the broadcaster had been undergoing treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, and physical therapy.
Everett shared a message from Kershaw saying he’s doing well, feeling optimistic, and is planning to record another podcast.
He jokingly said he’s determined to outlive several prominent figures – Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and the TV duo Ant and Dec – claiming that goal will give him plenty of motivation to stay alive for a good long time.
Everett himself added: “My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time.
We haven’t released any new podcasts for the past six months, but we really appreciate the continued support of our patrons and everyone who’s stayed with us.
Gary Kershaw worked at the BBC for nearly thirty years, and he became famous for hosting a show on Radio 1 from 1985 to 2000.
I first discovered him way back in 1984 when he started hosting ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’ over at the BBC. That’s where it all began for me – he was brilliant presenting that rock music show!
He later worked at Radio 1, where he gained a reputation for playing a diverse range of music. He also contributed reports to Radio 4, covering both music and international news.
In 1985, he helped host the BBC’s television broadcast of Live Aid, a massive concert that collected funds to help people suffering from famine in Ethiopia.
In 2021, Andy Kershaw started a podcast to build on the popularity of his former show on BBC Radio 1. He interviewed guests like Martin Carthy, Robyn Hitchcock, and The Burner Band.
Kershaw is survived by two children from his 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner.
Authors
Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in television, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has also contributed to major news outlets like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.
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2026-04-17 17:04