Andy Kershaw, Legendary BBC DJ and Live Aid Presenter, Dies at 66 After Cancer Battle
The music world is mourning the loss of former BBC Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter, Andy Kershaw, who has passed away at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with cancer. His family confirmed the sad news on Friday, revealing that Kershaw passed away the evening before.
In January, it was revealed that Kershaw had been diagnosed with cancer and had lost the ability to walk due to tumours affecting his spine. Despite the grim diagnosis, the broadcaster remained upbeat, stating in August that he was in high spirits and even planning another podcast.
“I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Ant and Dec. That should keep me going for a while,” Kershaw humorously declared in a statement, demonstrating his characteristic positivity.
His close friend, Peter Everett, shared that Andy had been battling significant health struggles, undergoing treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and physiotherapy. The radio legend, known for his eclectic music taste and world reporting, had continued to inspire through his passion for both broadcasting and storytelling.
Starting his career in 1984, Kershaw hosted the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test, a rock music show, before taking on the massive role of co-presenting the BBC’s Live Aid coverage in 1985. His diverse career spanned nearly three decades at the BBC, where he became famous for his Radio 1 show from 1985 to 2000, showcasing everything from world music to alternative genres. Kershaw was also instrumental in reporting from global conflicts and cultural hotspots, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the Sierra Leone Civil War.
Beyond music, Kershaw was known for his intimate radio diaries, including reporting from North Korea — one of the first broadcasts recorded within the secretive country. His rich legacy included multiple Sony Radio Academy Awards, and his contributions to global music and broadcasting were profound.
However, Kershaw’s personal life was equally as turbulent as his professional one. His relationship with long-term partner Juliette Banner ended dramatically in 2006 after 17 years, following infidelity that led to a breakup. His struggles with addiction and legal issues, including multiple prison sentences, were well-documented in his 2011 autobiography No Off Switch, in which he openly criticized himself for his actions.
Despite the personal challenges, Kershaw found love again with Catherine Turner, a financial expert, following his release from prison. His relationship with Turner brought him peace after the chaotic years that followed his high-profile breakup.
Kershaw’s older sister, Liz Kershaw, a long-standing national radio DJ, also made waves in the radio industry, speaking out in 2022 about her departure from BBC Radio 6 Music, accusing the corporation of ageism and sexism after she was dismissed for being over 60. Despite these controversies, the Kershaw family remains a powerful force in UK broadcasting.
Andy Kershaw’s career was a journey filled with highs and lows, but his contribution to radio, his passion for music, and his unwavering spirit will continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
