The Godfather is gone.

JOHN PEEL, renowned BBC Radio 1 host, has died of a heart attack while on working holiday in Peru.

Umm, it's really hard to even say anything in tribute to the man, because he was beyond words. Suffice to say that if it weren't for Peel, you wouldn't be here on this site right now. It was John Peel's love of indie music that first exposed the world to some of the best bands on the map. Punk... indie... even hip-hop -- got some of its first world exposure via Peel's radio show. Live recordings of bands playing in his studio have become the legendary Peel Sessions that we all know and love. Even though many of us live in the States and only had limited exposure to his radio show, without it most of our favorite UK bands wouldn't have had the exposure to hop the pond in the first place.

Tributes are pouring into the BBC from fans and artists alike. The BBC has an official obituary HERE. Stop by and read what artists like the Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals, and The Undertones are saying.

Rather than wax poetic, we at Excellent would just like to say thanks, John, for the music. You helped shape our lives.

John Peel was 65. He leaves his wife Sheila and 4 children.