Former BBC Radio 1 DJ and broadcaster Andy Kershaw, known for his diverse taste in world music and for co-presenting the 1985 Live Aid coverage, has died at the age of 66. His family confirmed that he passed away on April 16, months after revealing a cancer diagnosis that left him unable to walk.Kershaw, who was a familiar voice on British radio for over a decade and a half, was widely recognised for championing global music and bringing African, folk, blues, reggae and country sounds to mainstream audiences.
Early life and education
Born on 9 November 1959 in Rochdale, Lancashire, Andrew J G Kershaw grew up in a family that valued education. He studied at Hulme Grammar School in Oldham and later attended the University of Leeds, where he read politics but did not complete his degree.During his university years, he was actively involved in student entertainment, booking major acts including Ian Dury, The Clash, Elvis Costello and Iggy Pop as Leeds University Union Entertainments Secretary.
Rise in broadcasting
Kershaw began his media career in the early 1980s at Radio Aire in Leeds before being spotted by the BBC. He went on to present the iconic music programme The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1984.In 1985, he joined BBC Radio 1, where he hosted his own show for around 15 years. His programme stood out for its unconventional playlists and strong focus on world music, earning him a reputation as a broadcaster who pushed musical boundaries.He also co-presented BBC television coverage of Live Aid in 1985, the global charity concert organised to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Career beyond Radio 1
After leaving Radio 1 following a station overhaul, Kershaw worked across BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4, reporting on music, culture and international conflicts, including coverage of major global events such as the Rwanda genocide.He also presented travel and music documentaries, often focusing on remote regions and traditional music cultures. In 2011, he returned with the series Music Planet, which explored “extraordinary music” recorded in isolated locations around the world.
Personal struggles
Kershaw’s later life was marked by personal and legal difficulties following the breakdown of his long relationship with Juliette Banner, with whom he had two children. He faced court proceedings for breaching restraining orders and served time in prison in 2008, followed by a suspended sentence for further violations.He also spoke publicly about struggles with alcohol dependency and periods of homelessness, describing them as a difficult chapter in his life.
Illness and final months
In August 2025, Kershaw was diagnosed with cancer and later shared that he was undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intensive treatment. Despite his illness, he continued to express optimism in public messages shared by friends.In a characteristic message, he joked about remaining determined and in good spirits, reflecting the humour that often defined his public persona.
Who is Andy Kershaw
Andy Kershaw was an English broadcaster and disc jockey best known for his long-running BBC Radio 1 career, where he became a leading voice in promoting world music to UK audiences.He was known for mixing genres such as African music, blues, folk, reggae and spoken word, and for challenging conventional radio programming with global sounds.Kershaw was also a travel and documentary presenter who reported from conflict zones and culturally significant regions, combining journalism with music exploration.He was awarded honorary doctorates by the University of East Anglia and the University of Leeds in recognition of his contribution to music broadcasting and cultural journalism.Kershaw is remembered as a distinctive broadcaster who reshaped parts of British radio by introducing global music to mainstream listeners and for his adventurous approach to programming.
