I'd rather have no music than be subjected to music everywhere I go, be it in pubs, shops, etc. and I would say "being assaulted by it" is fair enough. I was in the office this week for the first time in months and in the canteen they're now pumping in some brain-melting radio station. Being forced to hear to music agitates me, even moreso when it's killing the potential of a conversation with someone.
Silence is ok too. We shouldn't be trying to eradicate it.
Anyway, back on topic, Cliff made a bigger impact in three and a half years than most ever do in their lives. A great man and a great player.