John Peel (1939 – 2004) is an icon of radio... A broadcaster who managed to remain fresh and relevant even after 38 years in the industry. He championed artists who went on to become household names and his ongoing series of live “Peel Sessions” managed to capture the raw sound of bands at their best.

This recording was made on the 22nd of Feb 1980 by Tim Wall, Professor of Radio and Popular Music Studies in the Birmingham School of Media at BCU, when he was a student at University. The tape was uncovered in 2009 when Tim was cleaning up around the house - and has been previously unheard for more than 30 years.

The interview gives an unique insight into Peel's attitudes towards music and his career on reaching the age of 40 - and covers a diverse range of topics such as; his culpability in “killing” Mark Bolan, capitalism in music, and why the 70’s were rubbish...