WHEN he wasn’t introducing Britain to some of the world’s greatest music he was reporting from some of its most dangerous places.
Renowned DJ and broadcaster Andy Kershaw will be discussing his life, as documented in his autobiography ‘No Off Switch’ at Holmfirth Arts Festival , which starts this week.
But don’t ask him why he decided to write it.
The Radio Three world music DJ said: “I’m hoping people will ask me interesting questions. In the past people have asked me boring questions like: ‘Why did you choose to write the book?’”
The Rochdale-born presenter, who is touring his Adventures of Andy Kershaw show, has had a varied and unconventional career, to put it mildly.
He drove political activist and singer Billy Bragg around, presented TV rock show, The Old Grey Whistle Test, worked for Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones and introduced listeners to hidden gems alongside the late legendary DJ, John Peel.
He also served time in jail after being convicted of breaching a restraining order over a former girlfriend.
Andy, 53, has visited 97 countries, including Iraq, Sierra Leone, North Korea, Angola and Haiti, as a correspondent for Radio Four.
Famously opinionated and unconventional, some of Andy’s most memorable moments include reporting first-hand on the Rwandan genocide and going on a blind date with a then unknown musician Courtney Love.
He’s what you’d call a ‘stimulation junkie’, like an adrenaline junkie but with a more intelligent edge. Speaking of adrenaline seeking, he’s training to ride a motorcycle ‘wall of death’, where the rider navigates a circular, vertical wall.
Andy, who now lives in Todmorden, said: “I have boundless energy and enthusiasm. There’s no point where I switch off. I count myself lucky to have enthusiasm that makes for an eventful, colourful life.
“When you consider the improbability and randomness of our own existence ... it’s almost an obligation to be a stimulation junkie.”
Andy may be a sharp-tongued Lancastrian but he doesn’t believe in trans-Pennine rivalries.
He said: “I don’t have time for those artificial rivalries.
“Holmfirth is a delightful place and I’m very pleased to be back to do a one-man show there. It should be nice to be part of a festival where there’s lots of other cultural activities.”
Andy will be appearing at Holmfirth Picturedrome for Holmfirth Arts Festival, on Monday, June 17 (8pm).
For tickets and more information visit: www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk or call: 01484 222444.
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