I met Paul McNeill once, briefly in Place Du Molard Geneva in the mid-80's. He was playing terraces. Well not actually playing an instrument - just singing - great voice but it was obvious the bloke was finished and yeah I heard he died of cancer.
As for New Zealand John? I met him in early '88 in Bondi Juction Sydney Australia playing One Man Band. Dodgy bloke. Last I heard he was in the nick in Bangkok on a drugs bust .... silly lad!