George Harrison was difficult to interview and his familiarity with the workings of the media made him ever so suspicious.
But as a huge Beatles fan, I could not pass up the opportunity to see Harrison, let alone speak with him.
It was March 1998, the day of the Melbourne Grand prix and I managed to find him (with the help of photographer Fiona Hamilton) after the big race behind pit straight.
I approached, tape recorder in hand, nervous at both being in his presence and of his reputation for being a bit difficult. It didn't start well.
"Oh God, a tape recorder! There is nothing to say," Harrison said after I introduced myself.
"It's only bull so you can fill another column in the newspaper - you have already filled it will bull!"
The mood then lightened and I was able to enjoy a friendly exchange about the race and his favourite driver, Mika Hakkinen.
But boy, did he get narky when I asked about the Beatles, a subject he took pains to avoid for 28 years.