John Peel's Record Box
John Peel's Record Box

Movie spotlight

John Peel's Record Box

2005
Movie
60 min
English

John Peel's Record Box is a documentary film made by Elaine Shepherd, released on 14 November 2005 on Channel 4. It was nominated for Primetime Emmy Award. It is about a small private collection of the British radio DJ John Peel who died in 2004 at the age of 65. Peel's main archive contained more than 100,000 vinyl records and CDs. This smaller private collection, however, contains 143 singles - some of them doublettes - stored in a private wooden box representing some of his personal favourites. According to the documentary, there are no singles by Peel's favorite group, The Fall, because he kept them in a separate box. The film features interviews with John's wife Sheila Ravenscroft, radio DJs and artists like Mary Anne Hobbs, Sir Elton John, Ronnie Wood, Roger Daltrey, Fergal Sharkey, Jack White, Michael Palin and Miki Berenyi.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: VariousGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the eclectic and influential record collection of the legendary BBC Radio DJ John Peel. It explores his unique taste in music, showcasing a diverse range of artists and genres that he championed throughout his career. Through interviews with musicians and friends, the film offers a glimpse into the man behind the mic and his profound impact on the music scene.

Critical Reception

The film was generally well-received by critics and fans of John Peel, celebrating his legendary status and extensive musical knowledge. It was noted for its affectionate tribute to a pivotal figure in music broadcasting.

What Reviewers Say

  • An insightful tribute to the iconic DJ.

  • Highlights Peel's unparalleled ability to champion diverse musical talent.

  • A must-watch for fans of John Peel and alternative music history.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

John Peel's personal record collection, which forms the basis of this documentary, comprised over 25,000 vinyl records at the time of his passing.

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