Andy Kershaw, BBC Radio 1 and Live Aid legend, dies aged 66

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid host Andy Kershaw has died at the age of 66, it has been confirmed.

The broadcaster passed away on Thursday evening (16 April), his family confirmed.

Kershaw revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer which was affecting his spinal column and leaving him "unable to walk".

At the time, his close friend Peter Everett – who produces the Andy Kershaw Podcast – shared the news on Facebook, revealing that the broadcaster had been receiving treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and physiotherapy.

Everett shared a comment from Kershaw himself, which read: "I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast."

He added: "I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant’n’Dec. That should keep me going for a while."

Everett himself added: "My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time.

"Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us."

Kershaw spent almost three decades working at the BBC, and was best known for his Radio 1 show which ran from 1985 to 2000.

He began his career at the corporation in 1984 as the host of its rock music programme The Old Grey Whistle Test.

He went on to join Radio 1 and became well regarded for his eclectic taste in music, and also reported for Radio 4, both on music and global conflicts.

In 1985, he also co-presented the BBC’s television coverage of Live Aid, a huge benefit concert which raised money for the Ethiopian famine.

In 2021, the broadcaster launched The Andy Kershaw Podcast as a continuation of his much-loved former BBC Radio 1 show. The podcast featured guests such as Martin Carthy, Robyn Hitchcock and The Burner Band.

Kershaw is survived by two children from his 17-year relationship with Juliette Banner.