After watching an amazing performance by the Who, a 15 year old Peter White decided to wait outside in the parking lot of the Dunstable Civic Auditorium, a venue some 30 miles north of London, in the hope of meeting his idols. Sure enough, soon emerged Pete Townshend, to the excitement of PW and his cronies. Not having thought of a better question despite having had at least a half hour to come up with one, Peter exclaimed "How do you swing your arm like a windmill when you're playing the guitar and yet not hurt your fingers?" For the answer, see above.

I was playing piano at a private party and he was a guest. So I thought I would be clever and play the "Pink Panther" theme (Which he wrote of course). He looked over at me, smiled and nodded his approval. Feeling rather pleased with myself, I proceeded to play "Night and Day", (written by Cole Porter). He looked round with an even bigger smile and uttered those immortal words... (see above)

He was doing stand-up comedy at Andersons 5th Estate in Scottsdale AZ and opened up for Al Stewart when I met him. I particularly liked his Tom Petty impression. "Oh dear" he said on stage, "I can look like Tom Petty and that scares me!" Last time I checked he really does have his very own TV show ("Just Shoot Me").

He brushed past me on the way out of a restroom in a rehearsal studio in London. I was rehearsing with Basia and her band for her 1990 tour and he was rehearsing in the next studio for a London show. I saw a flash of purple and only realised a moment later that it was him. Purple is a royal colour, and James is royalty as far as I am concerned. And yes he did take his bodyguard with him!

One autumn night I attended a solo performance of the now late jazz guitar legend at the Vine Street Bar & Grill. His playing left me spellbound, and I wondered what I would say to him if I had the chance to meet him. Sure enough, after the show quite by chance he walked by me, so I seized my opportunity. "Mr. Pass" I said sheepishly, "You're really not afraid of those flat keys, are you." You see, I marvelled at the way he could play effortlessly in any key, not just the sharp keys which most guitar players like myself favour (they're easier!). His answer (see above) made me feel like I wanted to disappear into a hole in the ground. Yes, a true guitar giant.