THE MUSIC industry is today reeling from the sudden death of broadcasting legend John Peel.

And among those paying tribute to the 65-year-old radio DJ who died from a heart attack was Andy Partridge, lead singer of Swindon band XTC. He said Peel played a crucial role in the group's success.

"He gave us the biggest leg up we could have wanted," said Andy, who lives in Old Town.

"He saw us live, and was impressed enough to give us a recording session for his show.

"After the broadcast, we got interest from record companies, and more gigs in London.

"I don't think we would have got off the ground if it wasn't for John Peel."

Andy who did an impression of Peel which was recorded on one of the sessions said he was deeply shocked by his death.

"He represents the end of the 60s spirit of experimentalism.

"We need more John Peels because nowadays record companies just look for a nice smile and a good dance routine."

Bill Reid, owner of Swindon's Brunel Rooms nightclub also has fond memories of Peel.

In the early 1970s, Mr Reid booked Peel to DJ at the Spa Lounge, a club he ran in Cheltenham which had seen live performances by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie.

Mr Reid said: "It was in 1971 and he was playing pioneering American music and rock.

"I remember him as a very entertaining fellow. He opened the door to new music, and never closed it. He gave music credibility, it was like the John Peel seal of approval."

Mr Reid's son, Stephen, who manages the Brunel Rooms and also runs live music venue Soda, has fond memories of listening to Peel.

"I grew up listening to him," he said.

"At boarding school, I would hide a radio under my pillow and listen to the latest tunes.

"I first heard the Smiths on his show, and I also remember listening to Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen.

"If you heard bands on his show, you knew they were worth getting into.

"He was also very funny. If I had to sum him up I would say he was independent."

Mr Reid said the DJ's spirit influenced his approach to putting on live music.

"Our No More Heroes night is about guitar bands who are trying to do something new," he said.

Brunel Room regulars DJ Webley Kerry and Sensation also had a track Me and You (For Eternity) played by Peel.

Neil Patterson, who organises the monthly acoustic sessions at the Great Western Hotel, is another fan.

"I started listening in about 1976, I loved his show because he was one of the only DJs who would play reggae," said Neil, who teaches dance and drama at Churchfields School.

"He was a nonconformist and would play absolutely anything. He didn't stick to a playlist."

During his 40-year career, Peel championed acts as diverse as Marc Bolan and the Sex Pistols. More recently, he presented Home Truths on Radio 4.

He died during a working holiday in Cuzco, Peru, with his wife Sheila.

Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said: "John's influence has towered over the development of popular music for nearly four decades, and his contribution to modern music and music culture is immeasurable."

Tamash Lal