Tributes paid to presenter Janice Long
Musicians and broadcasters have been paying tribute
Last updated 26th Dec 2021
Tributes have been paid from across the worlds of music and broadcasting to presenter Janice Long, who has died aged 66.
Her agent Nigel Forsyth confirmed that she passed away on Christmas Day morning after a short illness.
Described as 'trailblazing', Janice Long was the first regular female presenter on Top Of The Pops and across a career spanning 40 years, presented many radio shows across the BBC and on Greatest Hits Radio.
Tributes to Janice Long
Simon Mayo, Toyah Wilcox, the Pet Shop Boys, Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order, and The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess were among those sharing tributes.
Fellow Greatest Hits Radio presenter Simon Mayo said she "maintained her extraordinary enthusiasm for music she played on every show she presented"
Edith Bowman, who was a regular presenter on Radio 1 until 2012, described Long as a “trailblazer and role model for all women broadcasters”.
The Pet Shop Boys tweeted to say how supportive she had been of their band in the early days.
Merseyside band The Coral, who received early support from Long, said: “Sad to hear the news about Janice Long passing.
“She was great to us and like the best broadcasters, talking to her was always easy, like catching up with a friend. RIP Janice.”
Peter Hook said she was “always a great friend and a great supporter of our music” and added: “She was a lovely lady and a pleasure to be around. RIP.”
TV presenter Carol Vorderman also described Long as a trailblazer:
Toyah Wilcox said that Janice Long had championed women in music and said she had been a part of her life for her whole career.
Tim Burgess, from The Charlatans, praised Long for her support of fledgling bands.
He said on Twitter: “Janice Long was a supporter and mentor for so many bands.
“To hear our records on her show was always the biggest thrill – her enthusiasm and love shone through. One of a kind. Safe travels, we’ll miss ya.”
Veteran radio DJ Tony Blackburn also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “So sorry to hear the Janice Long has passed away.
“She was the sister of my great friend Keith Chegwin who passed away a few years ago now. On the few times I met her she was always fun to be with. RIP Janice.”
Rock band The Subways said they were “truly devastated” to hear news of the death of “the wonderful, beautiful, passionate Janice Long”.
“We first met her in 2004, and it remains one of our favourite interview experiences. Janice’s love for everything, not just music, will always be felt,” they added.
Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds, who co-wrote football anthem Three Lions, added: “So very sad to hear of the passing of my friend Janice Long, who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.”