Andy Kershaw passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 66. His family confirmed the sad news, stating he died around 7.30pm on Thursday evening following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Pioneering broadcaster who championed world music

Kershaw gained fame through his long-running BBC Radio 1 show from 1985 to 2000, where he introduced listeners to global sounds and indie acts they might otherwise never have heard. Many remember his distinctive northern voice and passionate storytelling on air. He often played sessions back to back with John Peel, giving entire evenings of rare sounds to music fans not interested in the regular pop usually favoured by BBC Radio One.

He also notably presented coverage of Live Aid in 1985 and continued broadcasting across BBC platforms for decades, including Radio 3 and documentaries.

In 2025, cancer affected his spine and left him unable to walk. Doctors diagnosed the condition last summer, with a public announcement in January 2026. Kershaw underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments while maintaining positive spirits and plans for more podcasts.

Tributes pour in from fans and colleagues

Social media users quickly shared memories of his impact. One X post noted: “A truly unique voice who introduced so many of us to incredible music from around the world. His passion and storytelling made him unforgettable. Rest in peace, Andy.”

Another user wrote: “He did a lot for African and world music and indie bands back in the ’80s when it was rare to hear an unashamedly northern accent on the BBC.”

A further tribute highlighted his influence: “Andy Kershaw and Charlie Gillet were two wonderful souls and millions of music fans… credit them with broadening our musical horizons… their beautiful influence goes on.”

Hundreds of fans have been sending messages of condolences as well to his older sister and co-BBC radio presenter Liz Kershaw.

Born in Rochdale in 1959, Kershaw built a career that opened doors for non-Western artists in British radio. Colleagues and listeners recall his dedication to eclectic playlists and global discoveries.

Legacy lives on through recordings and podcasts

Kershaw’s later podcast revived elements of his classic shows, allowing new generations to experience his selections. Family members, including sister Liz Kershaw, also a broadcaster, have received messages of support.

His death marks the end of an era for those who delight in world music and alternative radio. Many express gratitude for the sonic journeys, the tales behind them, and the magic discoveries he provided over nearly three decades at the BBC. Kershaw leaves behind two children.

Rock artist Lindsey Buckingham, best known for his long career as the co-vocalist and lead guitarist for the British and American rock band, Fleetwood Mac, was attacked while arriving for an appointment in Los Angeles on Wednesday, April 1. According to reports by multiple law enforcement officials, a woman hurled an unidentified substance at the 76-year-old rock legend while he entered a building in Santa Monica.

According to reports, the woman is suspected of stalking Buckingham, and the guitarist had been aware of her due to other incidents.

Luckily, Buckingham was not injured in the attack. An arrest is expected soon, as the suspect has been identified and both the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Santa Monica Police Department are involved in the case.

Previous stalking incidents: Disturbing photographs, calls and harassment of Buckingham’s loved ones

Buckingham had previously been granted a permanent restraining order against a 53-year-old stalker named Michelle, but there has been no public confirmation from authorities that Michelle was the woman who attacked Buckingham on Wednesday.

In 2021, Michelle had allegedly gotten hold of the business phone number of Buckingham’s wife, Kristen, 56, and began calling her. According to Buckingham, Michelle left “long drawn-out messages” claiming that she was his child and involving threats to kill Buckingham and his family.

Michelle also blamed Buckingham for facial deformities she had suffered as a child and demanded money from him.

According to Buckingham, in 2022, Michelle was told by police to cease contacting the family. However, Michelle returned in 2024, leaving a perturbing collage of her face combined with pictures of Buckingham’s face outside his home.

At a hearing in December 2024, Michelle had also previously been found to have taken photos of Buckingham’s home. During the hearing, Buckingham insisted that he was not Michelle’s father and that he did not personally know her on any level.

The judge granted Buckingham five years of protection from Michelle, stipulating that she must remain at least 100 yards away from Buckingham, his wife Kristen, and their son William, and that she refrain from threatening, harassing, and contacting the guitarist at all.

Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac: An on-again, off-again love story

Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, replacing former guitarist Bob Welch. He also convinced the members to allow his musical and former romantic partner, Stevie Nicks, to join as well. Though the rock band saw smashing success, especially with its 1977 multi-platinum studio album Rumours, which sold over 40 million copies worldwide, Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac in 1987 in order to focus on his solo career. Buckingham and Nicks also broke off their romance during the recording of Rumours, reportedly due to pressures of fame and working together.

However, the pair continued to work together for around four decades, and Buckingham rejoined the uber-famous rock group for their 1997 reunion. However, in April 2018, just as the group was preparing for a new tour, Buckingham was fired from Fleetwood Mac due to intense tensions between the pair of ex-lovers.

Possible reunion for Fleetwood Mac stars

In 2025, Buckingham and Nicks re-issued their 1973 album Buckingham Nicks, marking the first time the record was available since its original release. The two artists, upon releasing the album, hinted at a reunion and Nicks revealed the pair were back on speaking terms, despite having one of the most tumultuous relationships in rock history.