Broadcaster Liz Kershaw has paid a heartfelt tribute to her brother, the celebrated BBC DJ Andy Kershaw, following his death at the age of 66. In an emotional post on social media, she described him as her "best friend," expressing profound loss after his passing.
A Storied Career at the BBC
Andy Kershaw enjoyed a distinguished broadcasting career spanning nearly three decades with the BBC. He first joined the corporation in 1984, hosting the iconic rock music programme Old Grey Whistle Test. His rise continued as he co-presented the BBC's television coverage of the historic Live Aid concert in 1985.
Radio 1 Legacy and Eclectic Tastes
Kershaw's most prominent role came as a presenter on BBC Radio 1, where he succeeded the late John Peel. His show ran from 1985 to 2000, earning acclaim for its eclectic and non-mainstream music selections. He was instrumental in bringing world music and specialised genres to a mainstream audience, a contribution that garnered him multiple Sony Radio Academy Awards.
Beyond music, Kershaw was a dedicated journalist, travelling globally to cover conflicts and cultural stories for the BBC. His reporting included harrowing accounts from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and Sierra Leone's civil war in 2001. He also produced pioneering radio diaries from North Korea, among the first programmes recorded inside the isolated nation.
Personal Challenges and Later Work
After leaving Radio 1, Kershaw moved to BBC Radio 3 in 2001 but departed in 2007 amid personal difficulties. These included the breakdown of his 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner, with whom he had two children, and a brief imprisonment for breaching a restraining order. The couple had resided on the Isle of Man before separating.
Kershaw later returned to the BBC, hosting Music Planet in 2010 and presenting The Kershaw Tapes on Radio 3 in 2020. In recent years, he launched his own podcast, featuring guests like Robyn Hitchcock and Martin Carthy, showcasing his enduring passion for broadcasting.
Cancer Diagnosis and Final Months
In January of this year, Kershaw publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis. Tumours discovered in his spine in August had severely limited his mobility, leading to treatment. Despite the prognosis, he maintained a positive outlook, humorously stating he was "determined not to die before" figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin.
Liz Kershaw, herself one of the UK's longest-serving female national radio DJs, shared a poignant photo with her younger brother on social media, accompanying her tribute. "Thank you for all your messages of affection for Our Andtew and kindness today. I've lost my best friend," she wrote, capturing the deep bond between the siblings.
Andy Kershaw's legacy as a broadcaster who championed diverse music and fearless journalism leaves an indelible mark on the industry, mourned by family, colleagues, and listeners alike.
