Before we could afford a telly or a car, John's alt-radio presentations helped us through the worst time of the day (the 30 minutes after dragging our asses out of bed and facing the trek to the bus-stop ready for the tedious journey to work) - a daily injection of real tonic to face the day. After nearly 40 years he somehow seemed part of the family.

David Jacobs (last Sunday night - Radio 2) said that he didn't care too much for John's choice of music. Further endorsement of what a top guy he was.

Bless you John ....... and thanks for the tonics and the memories.