He is a music broadcaster known for his radio and television work for the BBC. His sister Liz Kershaw also works on BBC radio as a DJ.
He is a fan of the music of Bob Dylan and The Clash. He is also one of the UK's biggest champions of "world music". He famously criticised Bob Geldof for not including African performers on the main concerts for Live Aid (1985) and Live 8 (2005).
He was jailed for three months for breaking a restraining order involving his
former partner, Juliette Banner. (15th January 2008). He was freed on 29th February.
He has a son and a daughter from his relationship with Juliette Banner.