I suprised myself at how upset I was to hear that John Peel died today. I have to admit that I was, in recent years, more partial to Home Truths than the Peel Sessions - call me a fuddy-duddy, or a young fogey - though I know without a doubt that I’ve certainly benefitted from the influence of his exceptional, generous, eclectic taste in music over the years.

He was one of the very very few people who would always grab and hold my attention whenever I flicked through channels or stations. I wanted to listen to what he had to say. I never met him, but I felt like I had. We all did.

I liked his dry humour and his way of talking to people. I loved the fact that he could present shows on Radio 4 and Radio 1 every week, and I think it speaks volumes that he is now mourned by both audiences, and many, many others, besides.

He will be missed.