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

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 status: 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.