I used to listen a lot to Bowie,Dylan,Queen,Bolan etc etc etc. All the usual suspects for a guy of my age and upbringing.
Can I say I was influenced by them though?
I never even met them.
I feel more influenced, as in guided and introduced to new things and thoughts by people like Dick Appleton,Helen Bennett,Woja Coult(Bless Him)Vilan,BWM,the Tony Leonards,Ian Swinburns,El Grecko,s and Kenny Sharps of this world.
All the great people I have met and jammed and listened along to.
They influence me every time I meet them or hear them.
Maybe thats not what the originator of the post had in mind but thats how I see it.
;-)