Culture That Made Me: Gilles Peterson on Tony Cascarino, Level 42 and Ezra Collective

The late 1970s was an effervescent time for music according to the founder of Acid Jazz who has compiled more than 100 albums

Gilles Peterson plays Cyprus Avenue during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Picture: Benjamin Teo

Gilles Peterson, 59, was born in Caen, France, but moved in childhood to south London. Since founding Acid Jazz in the late-80s, he has been the engine behind several influential record labels, and he has compiled more than 100 albums. In 2004, he was recognised for his work supporting the UK’s underground music scene with an MBE. 

His primetime Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music is one of the station’s most popular music shows. He is an ardent Arsenal football club fan. He will DJ at Cork’s Cyprus Avenue, Sunday, October 29, as part of Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.