This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51879429

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pete Mitchell: Former BBC Radio 2 presenter dies aged 61 Pete Mitchell: Former BBC Radio 2 presenter dies aged 61
(32 minutes later)
Veteran radio DJ Pete Mitchell, who championed a generation of indie bands, has died aged 61.Veteran radio DJ Pete Mitchell, who championed a generation of indie bands, has died aged 61.
The former BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music broadcaster, originally from Crumpsall in Manchester, collapsed while walking near his home in Stockport on Thursday.The former BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music broadcaster, originally from Crumpsall in Manchester, collapsed while walking near his home in Stockport on Thursday.
A statement from family friend Jo Houlcroft confirmed the father-of-two's death.A statement from family friend Jo Houlcroft confirmed the father-of-two's death.
Across a 34-year career, Mitchell championed dozens of acts from his home city, as well as The Charlatans.Across a 34-year career, Mitchell championed dozens of acts from his home city, as well as The Charlatans.
"Pete collapsed whilst out walking near his home in Stockport, the cause of his death is still unknown but he was not thought to be displaying any signs of illness," Ms Houlcroft said."Pete collapsed whilst out walking near his home in Stockport, the cause of his death is still unknown but he was not thought to be displaying any signs of illness," Ms Houlcroft said.
"He was knowledgeable and passionate about music of all genres, discovering and supporting many bands and was a huge part of the Manchester music scene."He was knowledgeable and passionate about music of all genres, discovering and supporting many bands and was a huge part of the Manchester music scene.
"His wife Helen and two grown-up sons Adam and Sean are devastated by their loss.""His wife Helen and two grown-up sons Adam and Sean are devastated by their loss."
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess tweeted that Mitchell was "one of the first DJs to play and champion The Charlatans".
Mitchell, who began his career as a cricket commentator at Red Rose Radio in Lancashire, held posts at stations including Manchester's Piccadilly Radio, Radio X and Absolute Radio, and was one half of the duo Pete And Geoff, with Geoff Lloyd, on Virgin Radio.Mitchell, who began his career as a cricket commentator at Red Rose Radio in Lancashire, held posts at stations including Manchester's Piccadilly Radio, Radio X and Absolute Radio, and was one half of the duo Pete And Geoff, with Geoff Lloyd, on Virgin Radio.
IQ, his specialist weekend programme on Key 103 in the 90s become an important platform for rising acts such as Oasis, 808 State and Happy Mondays. IQ, his specialist weekend programme on Key 103 in the 1990s, became an important platform for rising acts such as Oasis, 808 State and Happy Mondays.
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess tweeted that Mitchell was "a friend of ours for thirty years" and was "one of the first DJs to play and champion The Charlatans".
"Always a pleasure to catch up with him, such fond memories of our times together. My thoughts are with Pete's family and friends," he added.
BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins said: "Pete Mitchell was not only a brilliant and passionate DJ but a really honest bloke and a lovely, supportive person."BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins said: "Pete Mitchell was not only a brilliant and passionate DJ but a really honest bloke and a lovely, supportive person."
A statement from BBC Radio 2 said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of the much respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell."A statement from BBC Radio 2 said: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of the much respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell."