Freddie Mercury: "Yeah, Rock 'n Roll!" San Antonio, Texas. Spring, 1975

On my first tour with Al Stewart, I was very excited one night to find that we were opening for Queen. After watching them perform a fantastic set, Al and I went to their dressing room to introduce ourselves. Next thing I heard was myself saying, "Now I want you guys to go back out there and play some Rock 'n Roll!" You see, the audience was still clamouring for more! Freddie looked at me for a moment as if to say, "who is this idiot?" and then turning on his heel, uttered the memorable words printed above, strode back on to the stage, and proceeded to sing a very campy version of...."Big Spender." Rock 'n Roll, anyone?

Pete Townsend: "Sometimes I do!" Dunstable, England 1970?

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 Townsend, 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.

Joe Pass "Oh, they're all the same..." Hollywood, California 1992

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.

David Spade: "I wish I had my own TV show". Late 1980's.

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")

James Brown: "Excuuuse me!" 1990.

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!

Henry Mancini: "I didn't write that!"

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)