John Peel was a singular agent of change and contributed to shaping what pop music is today in ways few others ever did. What truly blew me away was that he remained a staunchly uncompromising rebel and never gave up on his passionate support for those who he felt were deserving, no matter how obscure or controversial; he was of course proven right and his tasteful picks validated so many times. He continues to be a crucially important inspiration to many of us selectors today. R.I.P.