Andy Kershaw, a former BBC Radio 1 DJ who played a key role in the TV coverage of Live Aid in 1985, has passed away at the age of 66. His family confirmed his death, which occurred months after he was diagnosed with spinal cancer. The illness left him unable to walk, and he had been undergoing various treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and physiotherapy.
Kershaw was best known for his 15-year tenure on Radio 1, where he championed world music and introduced listeners to diverse global sounds. His work helped broaden the station’s musical horizons and brought attention to artists from different cultures.
His friend and podcast producer, Peter Everett, shared a message from Kershaw in January, in which he expressed optimism about his recovery. “I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast,” Kershaw said. He added humor to his situation by stating, “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.”
Born in Rochdale, Kershaw was the brother of fellow broadcaster Liz Kershaw. He grew up admiring artists like Bob Dylan and initially aimed to become a journalist. After moving to London in 1984, he worked as a roadie and driver for singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. This led to his involvement with BBC 2’s Whistle Test, and the following year, he was given his own show on Radio 1.
He remained on the station for 15 years before being replaced by another dance music programme, according to his website. After leaving Radio 1, Kershaw worked at Radio 3 and produced travel documentaries for Channel 4.
In 2008, Kershaw became a tabloid fixture after his 17-year marriage ended due to infidelity, which he admitted to. His ex-wife, Juliette Banner, left him and obtained a court order to prevent him from seeing their two children. Kershaw repeatedly violated the order, leading to three imprisonments and eventually going on the run.
During this time, he developed an alcohol dependency and faced homelessness. “Nobody, not even my allies within the serious media, bothered to look at what was really going on,” he told The Independent at the time. “All I wanted to do was see my children, so why was I in jail? Why was I on the run? It was ridiculous, insane.”
In 2012, Kershaw published an autobiography titled No Off Switch, which detailed his career in UK media, including his work as a war correspondent. Reflecting on his approach to music and life, he told The Independent, “It’s an insatiable curiosity, basically, a nosiness.” He explained how he initially struggled with the demo tapes he received from Liverpool-based indie acts but found greater inspiration in the music of Malawi, the Congo, and 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.”
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