Peel Books

[Alan Ford]

JOHN PEEL
by Mick Wall

JOHN PEEL: A Life in Music
by Michael Heatley

Extracts from reviews by Clive Selwood in today's Sunday Times:

"Since John Peel's life was such an open book, the motivation behind rushing
two unauthorised biographies into print so soon after his death is open to
question. Perhaps hundreds of potential readers are eager for inside stories
and scandalous revelations. In that respect, these books may disappoint. "

"Mick Wall's book is an earnest, affectionate trawl through the archives
with comments from some of the thousands whose lives Peel touched. Somewhat
one-dimensional, it comes alive when quoting Peel's writing. "

"Michael Heatley's book, on the other hand, is, quite simply, stunning.
Often drawing on the same sources, he manages to convey some of the urgency
and excitement of Peel's radio programmes. Given the short time frame, it is
a monumental achievement, and essential reading for all those whose tastes
Peel influenced over so many years. "

"For the real story and that extraordinarily intimate combination of wit and
self-deprecating irony we shall have to await "Dancing Jack"Peel's
autobiography, of which he had completed 50-70,000 words. I do hope whoever
finishes it is as honest and open as the man himself. "

It also adds

"Clive Selwood introduced John Peel to Radio 1 in 1967. Together they set up
Dandelion Records in 1969 and remained close friends and business partners
for 37 years"