I logged onto #perl only to see this topic:
STAY OFF THE SCENE / LIKE A DEAD MACHINE. RIP JB.
Dang. What is it with people who've had a massive effect on me musically dying on Xmas day? Last year it was Derek Bailey; this year it's James Brown. Bummer. And of course my joke about the Funky Vice-President is lame; everyone knows they don't make'em like him anymore. Yet another great, irreplaceable musician I'll never have the chance to see live.