Andy Kershaw, a well-known broadcaster who made his mark on BBC Radio 1 and was a key figure during the Live Aid concert, has passed away at the age of 66. His family confirmed that he died around 7:30pm yesterday, leaving behind two children, Sonny and Dolly, from his 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner.
Kershaw’s sister, Liz Kershaw, who is also a respected broadcaster and one of the longest-serving female national radio DJs in the UK, expressed her gratitude for the messages of support she received following the news. She shared a photo of herself and her younger brother on X, writing, “Thank you for all your messages of affection for Our Andtew [sic] and kindness today. I’ve lost my best friend.”
Kershaw’s passing comes after he revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer in August of the previous year. At the time, podcast producer Peter Everett shared a message from him, in which he said, “I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast.” He began undergoing intense chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and physiotherapy, along with numerous scans and painkillers. However, the cancer eventually affected his spinal column, leaving him unable to walk.
Career Beginnings
Kershaw started his career as a promotions manager for independent station Radio Aire, where he inadvertently helped launch Carol Vorderman’s career. His own broadcasting debut came through a late-night alternative show and a weekly blues program. After being made redundant in 1983, he became a roadie for singer Billy Bragg.
His big break came in 1984 when he was asked to present the BBC’s flagship rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test, after producer Trevor Dann met him while filming with Bragg. As part of the gig, he recorded a television interview with his hero, Bob Dylan, and a live session from the Ramones. Kershaw went on to become a familiar voice on Radio 1 for 15 years and reported on global conflicts, such as the Rwandan genocide, for Radio 4. He was considered a potential successor to esteemed DJ John Peel at the time.
Broadcasting Legacy
Kershaw’s shows were known for their enthusiasm and played a mix of country, reggae, folk, and blues music, showcasing artists from around the world. In 1985, he was one of the BBC’s TV presenters for its coverage of Live Aid, the benefit concert that raised significant funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Organized by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the event reportedly raised £40-50 million on the day, with estimates suggesting around £150 million has been raised for famine relief as a direct result of the Wembley Stadium concert.
Kershaw left Radio 1 in 2000 when his contract ended amid a scheduling shake-up. His final months at the station included sessions with artists such as Willie Nelson and Lou Reed. The following year, he worked at BBC Radio 3. From July 2007, Kershaw was absent from his slot due to well-documented personal issues, which led to him being jailed for three months in 2008 for breaking a restraining order against ex-partner Banner. He later received a six-month suspended sentence for breaching the order again while trying to contact Banner while staying with his sister.
Later Years and Return to Broadcasting
Kershaw returned to the airwaves in 2011 with Music Planet, which he co-hosted alongside Lucy Duran. In September 2020, he fronted his own two-episode Sunday feature, The Kershaw Tapes. In his autobiography, No Off Switch, Kershaw wrote about his broadcasting philosophy and the influence of his mentor, John Walters: “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.”
Support for Cancer Patients
For those affected by cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support offers valuable resources and assistance. They provide a helpline at 0808 808 00 00 (open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm), a webchat service, and an online platform for more information.
