When Raybon met Clive
They say never meet your heroes. Well, Raybon Kan proved that wrong when he met Clive James.
With news of James’ death at the weekend, aged 80, the New Zealand entertainer and author recalled the day he met the Australian broadcaster.
‘‘Clive James is the reason I got into writing,’’ Kan wrote on Facebook. ‘‘During university, a friend gave me his travel book, Flying Visits, when I had to take a long flight. I had never experienced unstoppable, gastric fits of laughter from the printed page before.
‘‘In imitation of his TV reviews, I even went on to review TV.
‘‘Years later, I wangled the opportunity to interview him.
‘‘Being old school, I felt it would be unprofessional to seek an autograph. But part of me could not help packing seven of his books into my carry-on bag on the flight up for the interview.
‘‘The biggest thing on my mind was how to segue from professional interview questions, to stalker bag of memorabilia.’’
At the interview the next day, Kan now admits it did not really work out.
‘‘I was too much of a fan. It was like a disciple meeting Jesus, like a child meeting J K Rowling.’’
While there, photographer Kevin Stent blew Kan’s cover, mentioning Kan was a fan. ‘‘Out spilled some of the books. ‘‘He signed generously. ‘‘And somewhere, there is a photo of Clive James and me, holding hands, literally skipping down a street.
‘‘His hands were very soft. ‘‘Thank you, Clive James. Your work changed my life.
‘‘If there is something more fun than peace, I hope you are swimming in it.’’
And indeed that photo – taken on March 6, 2004, exists in Stuff’s archives.