Sad times! After 14 years with the Beeb, Mary Anne Hobbs announced last week that she is leaving Radio 1.

I won’t write a long post about her career because there are plenty of better places to read all about that. Instead all I really wanted to say is that this incredible woman has been such a significant and influential character in my life. Vast chunks of my music collection I own purely through hearing tracks played on either the Breezeblock or Experimental Show over the years.

MAH I feel is one of the few Radio 1 DJs that really stepped up to the mark where John Peel left off. Few DJs dared to push boundaries as much as her and even fewer gave their heart and soul to fostering brand new genres in the UK. Leftfield electronica, dubstep, breakcore - to say that hundreds of artists owe MAH for considerable exposure over the years would be a gross understatement.

She is also one of the most personable DJs out there, always responding quickly and politely to every email, being super friendly at live shows, and taking the time to personally listen to every track submission - that’s really something.

Thank you Mary Anne. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of you yet though. Can’t wait to catch you play live again!