"Rare or unique" items from John Peel's personal archive to be auctioned off next month
Rare items from the late DJ John Peel’s collection are to go under the hammer in June.
John Peel was BBC Radio 1’s longest serving original DJ until his death in 2004 at the age of 65, and helped the careers of some of the UK’s most cherished artists and bands, including David Bowie, Queen, the Sex Pistols and Joy Division.
Some of the items being auctioned off include a handwritten letter signed by David Bowie, a signed mono pressing of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1968 album ‘Two Virgins’, a 7in of Nirvana’s 1988 single ‘Love Buzz/Big Cheese’ and the DJ’s horn gramophone.
Peel’s family said in a statement: “John/Dad was in a position to have access to many of the most celebrated people and events in the history of popular music. This is reflected in a wealth of souvenirs he collected.
“In going through the accumulation of 40 years of pop music moments, we decided that some of the most interesting items might find a home, with fans of his programme or of the artists whose music he played,” they said.
“We hope these items find the attention and appreciation that we’re sure John/Dad would feel they warranted.
“We had no desire to split up his beloved record collection but have included in the sale a selection of particularly rare or unique records that do not take away from the integrity of his archive.”
The auction will be held at Bonhams Knightsbridge, London, on 14 June.
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