John Peel’s son, Tom Ravenscroft, follows in his fathers footsteps with a show in BBC radio 6 music
John Peel was a radio icon in life and is a beacon of great music in his death. He cut a trail of uncompromising dedication to introducing the best musical talent as it emerged for 37 years, a skill that BBC Radio 1 has been missing for a long time. Now it’s the turn of his son, Tom Ravenscroft, to take up the mantle, along with the rest of the marathon relay team at BBC Radio 6 Music.
Joining the likes of Marc Riley, Lauren Laverne, Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour and the Adam Buxton’s Big Mix Tape, Tom Ravenscroft will host his own three hour radio show every Friday night. Starting on the 4th June, the show will replace Bruce Dickenson.
The news comes at a troubled time for the much loved radio show as it is under the cold war stare of the BBC strategic review. Though threatened with closure, the move to bring Ravenscroft to the digital radio station re-establishes its commitment to music. Recent figures show a 50% listener jump over the last year and there is currently a consultation taking place by the BBC Trust, so hopefully there’s a mighty judgement coming.
