Former BBC Radio 1 Dj Andy Pebble Dies
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ and prominent broadcaster Andy Pebble passed away at the age of 76.
Legacy and Tributes
Pebble, known for being one of the last interviewers of John Lennon before the legendary Beatle’s tragic murder in 1980, organized numerous shows on Vertex during the 1970s and 80s.
He was also one of the speakers at Wembley Stadium during the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985, representing artists like David Bowie and Spandau Ballet.
Former Radio 1 host Mike Reed was among the first to pay tribute to the late DJ and broadcaster.
He wrote: “I was devastated to hear the news about our friend Andy Pebble. We were united through radio.
Tony Blackburn, the first DJ heard on Radio 1 when it launched in 1967, also expressed his sadness: “I was very sorry to hear about my colleague from Radio 1, Andy Pebble’s passing. He was a wonderful person and a great broadcaster. Such sad news. Rest in peace, Andy.”
Devastated to hear the news about our friend Andy Pebble. He was a key part of our legacy. We joined Radio 1 together. He knew his music and cricket inside out. Raise your bat and enjoy a long rest in the pavilion. I recently had lunch with DLT and Adrian Jaya. Great times. pic.twitter.com/i9iumirp4
– Mike Reed (@mikereaduk) March 23, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear of my colleague from Radio 1, Andy Pebble’s passing. He was a wonderful person and an exceptional broadcaster. Such tragic news. Rest in peace, Andy.
– Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) March 23, 2025
Pebble began his broadcasting career at BBC Radio Manchester in 1973, before transitioning to Radio 1 in 1978, where he spent the next 14 years.
During his tenure, Pebble interviewed John Lennon just two days before he was shot by Mark Chapman.
The interview spanned three hours and 22 minutes, and later Pebble stated, “This is an amazing long time to chat with someone, and all of this was for him.”
The final question asked by Pebble was about how safe Lennon felt living in New York. The late Beatle remarked that he felt secure, being able to walk the streets, visit cinemas, and dine in restaurants, whereas in London, he felt less safe.
Speaking to CBS about the interview with Lennon (via BBC News), Pebble expressed: “I don’t think I have ever been so nervous in my life. I grew up loving not just the music but the group (the Beatles) and everything they achieved.”
In 2020, a documentary celebrating his interview with Pebble titled Lennon: Last Weekend was released to mark the 40th anniversary of his death.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/former-radio-1-dj-and-presenter-andy-peebles-dies-aged-76-3848543?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-radio-1-dj-and-presenter-andy-peebles-dies-aged-76
