Andy Kershaw handed away on April 16, 2026 on the age of 66. His household confirmed the unhappy information, saying he was recognized with most cancers earlier this 12 months and handed away at round 7:30 on Thursday evening.
A pioneering broadcasting station that championed world music
Kershaw rose to fame by his long-running present on BBC Radio 1 from 1985 to 2000, introducing listeners to international sounds and unbiased artists they could by no means have heard in any other case. Many bear in mind his distinctive northern voice and passionate storytelling on air. He typically did back-to-back classes with John Peel, offering uncommon sounds all through the evening for music followers uninterested within the standard pop music favored by BBC Radio One.
He additionally gained consideration for his protection of Stay Support in 1985 and continued to broadcast on BBC platforms together with Radio 3 and documentaries for many years.
In 2025, most cancers impacts his backbone and he’s unable to stroll. Docs recognized the situation final summer time and introduced it publicly in January 2026. Kershaw has remained constructive regardless of present process chemotherapy, radiation remedy and different therapies, and plans to seem on extra podcasts.
Tributes proceed to pour in from followers and colleagues.
Social media customers have been fast to share their recollections of his affect. One among X’s posts learn:He has a really distinctive voice and has launched us to nice music from world wide. His ardour and storytelling made him unforgettable. Relaxation in peace, Andy.”
One other person wrote:He did quite a bit for African music, world music and indie bands within the 80s, when it was uncommon to listen to an unabashed northern accent on the BBC.”
Additional tributes highlighted his affect.Andy Kershaw and Charlie Gillett have been two nice souls and thousands and thousands of music followers…we consider they broadened our musical horizons…their stunning affect is indelible.yeah. ”
A whole bunch of followers additionally despatched messages of condolence to his sister and BBC radio co-presenter Liz Kershaw.
Born in Rochdale in 1959, Kershaw constructed a profession on British radio that opened doorways for non-Western artists. Colleagues and listeners bear in mind his eclectic playlists and dedication to international discovery.
The legacy lives on by recordings and podcasts
Kershaw’s subsequent podcasts have revived parts of his traditional exhibits, permitting a brand new technology to expertise his picks. His household, together with his sister Liz Kershaw, additionally a broadcaster, acquired messages of help.
His demise marks the top of an period for individuals who take pleasure in world music and various radio. Many have expressed their gratitude for the sonic journey, the tales behind it, and the magic he has dropped at the BBC over nearly 30 years. Kershaw leaves behind two youngsters.
