The Peel Sessions: A Story of Teenage Dreams and One Man's Love of New Music

by Ken Garner

Between 1967 and 2004 John Peel picked more than 2,000 bands to come and record more than 4,000 sessions to be played on his radio show. Many were young and had never been in a recording studio before, and for some it was the start of an illustrious career, though for others it was the only recognition their musical talent ever received. For more than 35 years the cream of British musical talent made the journey to the BBC's studio, from Pink Floyd to Pulp, the Small Faces to the Smiths. John Peel was so respected, his sessions took on a legendary they were a rite of passage that every new band wanted to go through. Unfettered by commercial pressure, the Peel Sessions were a unique British institution that produced an archive of music that reflects one man's passion for finding and encouraging new music. A full sessionography is included in this comprehensive resource, listing songs, band members, and broadcast dates.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2007

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you get through all the bureaucracy/red tape of the first couple of chapters, just as Mr Peel himself had to at the archaic 1960’s BBC, you’re in for a great ride through musical and cultural history. Ken Garner has once again produced an exhaustive deep dive into the BBC archives but this time only having one subject to concentrate on; John Peel’s Sessions. A must read for music lovers of all ages, especially those who remember listening late into the night for those unmissable musical moments.

[Mark Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that John Peel was an inspiration to millions is an understatement and this republished work is a great addition to the post-death archives of Peel and the details of which are therein. As well as a great accompanying story to the 'Margrave of the Marshes' book, it details all of the sessions, what people played, contributions from a lot of the bands that partook and gives a really interesting insight to the Maida Vale studios. Personally, I never listened to a lot of his radio show (I turned off after Whiley and Lamacq) but I appreciate his legacy, loved his Glastonbury appearances and with hindsight wished I had listened to him more.

[Martinxo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, this book brought back happy memories of taping John Peel shows late at night as a 15 year old. Gosh, the first time I heard Teenage Kicks, In A Rut, California Uber Alles, all on Peel's show. I'd tape it all and walk around school the next day with my boogie box playing the tunes.

Thanks John.

My only complaint with the book is that the Ruts great first JP session was not included under the 'Classic Sessions' heading. Pah!

[Steve Gillway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nostalgic. I was a listener over a 10 year stretch. He was a DJ who would always keep me listening. I did tape a few programmes and they made a lasting impression on me. This book is great, once you get past all the technical stuff and the internecine politics. This back can, for a short time, take you back to your carefree youth and those inescapable educational tunes. Just like B Springsteen I learnt more from a 3 minute record than I ever learnt in school.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a "reading" book, more of a fantastic reference that any serious Peel-head will wear out in no time. The complete list of shows and sessions at the end is phenomenal. We miss you, John!