In reply to profitofdoom:
Two things I'll say in their defence: often they were very driven people, with scant time for social niceties. And obviously all of us can have off-days.
But those two caveats aside, to me the true measure of a person is when you finally get to meet them. (And yes, I know they say don't meet your heroes!)
Sadly I never met Joe Brown but he seems to have been really lovely with people. A true gentleman.
I can remember bumping into John Syrett and being convulsed with embarrassment. But he was lovely too. Will always remember the kindness in his eyes.
Mick