Billy Bragg delivers the second John Peel Lecture, which invites a guest speaker to consider how the music and radio industries can continue the legacy of a DJ who ensured airtime was available to a diverse mix of aspiring and unsigned artists. 

The celebrated singer-songwriter remembers his own start in the music industry, from the playground celebrity which followed his Radio Essex debut; to a first glowing review in the Melody Maker; and how he grabbed the attention of Charisma Records' head of A&R after pretending he was there to fix the VCR.

Billy reflects on the appeal of the DIY aesthetic in punk and, before that, in skiffle bands; the pub residency that made him a fearless live performer; and the mushroom biryani that led to a career-changing encounter with John Peel. 

Peel was the discoverer, who led listeners "through a magic perfumed garden of culture". After he played The Milkman of Human Kindess on Radio 1, Billy was invited in for a session, and this exposure was the catalyst which allowed him to break through. 

Questioning why the music industry is increasingly dominated by artists who went to drama schools, or have graduated from shiny-floored, "culture-clogging" talent shows, Billy asks whether the focus on knowledge over creativity is contributing to the steady decline of state educated musicians getting into the charts.

Focusing on the Jake Bugg's recent - but rare - success, Billy celebrates the involvement of the BBC's Introducing initiative. And he praises other champions of new music, including Amazing Radio, a station devoted exclusively to new and emerging artists.

This programme was recorded at the 2012 Radio Festival in November and follows on from Pete Townshend's inaugural lecture the previous year. Published on December 16, 2012.

Billy Bragg

Charlotte Church delivers the 2013 John Peel Lecture on the theme of women and their representation in the music industry. Published on October 15, 2013.

Charlotte Church

Another chance to hear Iggy Pop deliver the BBC Music John Peel Lecture 2014 on the topic of Free Music in a Capitalist Society.

Iggy has never given a lecture in his life, but live from the UK Radio Festival in Salford he is going to attempt a discussion on the subject of free music in a capitalist society. A struggle which he says never ends.

The annual John Peel Lecture invites a notable figure from the music industry to shape a debate and create insight around music and music-related media. Taking its inspiration from one of the greatest radio broadcasters of all time, and a figure who perpetually challenged the status quo, the John Peel Lecture has been a part of the Radio Festival since 2011. The John Peel Lecture 2014 also marks 10 years since Peel's passing.

'Godfather of punk', Iggy Pop, is considered by many to be one of the pioneers of punk rock music and his musical legacy has inspired and energised rock and roll's alternative spirit since the late sixties. And John Peel was in fact the first DJ to play Iggy Pop as part of The Stooges on UK Radio - introducing listeners to their track, Little Doll from their eponymous debut album, on his show in August 1969. Fun House was released in 1970, followed by the band's third album, Raw Power, which has been cited as one of the most influential records of all time. Iggy has also released music as a solo artist and collaborated with other musicians, including David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Death In Vegas and Peaches. His incredible back catalogue of classic tracks includes Lust for Life, The Passenger, I Wanna Be Your Dog, Search and Destroy, Real Wild Child and many more. Although hugely influential to many of the major acts that came after, Iggy's own wide-ranging influences include blues, jazz, french chanson, art rock, roots, reggae, ethnic and avant-garde.

Iggy Pop joins a list of high profile speakers who have delivered the John Peel Lecture. These are The Who's Pete Townshend in 2011, who explored the implications of digital music media in an age of free downloads and a disposable attitude to music; Billy Bragg in 2012 who's speech explored how music and radio need mavericks to keep moving forward; and in October 2013, Charlotte Church delivered an insightful speech on the theme of women and their representation in the music industry. Published on October 13, 2014.

Iggy Pop's BBC Music John Peel Lecture

6 Music presents an annual discussion on music and music-related media, in honour of one of Britain's most iconic broadcasters.

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