Terence McKenna was obviously not an artist. If he was, he'd understand a little bit more about drawing inspiration from those who are the best in your field. How many dancers and choreographers got to be so successful at what they do because of Michael Jackson's influence? How many artists have been inspired by some of the set pieces and creative videos (and 'short-films' like Thriller)? There is a lot more to love of entertainment than just 'giving power away to icons.'
In fact, I would go so far as to say that McKenna is guilty of the same thing, accept that he draws entertainment and inspiration from other people (possibly other scholars). Does he not listen to music at all? Has he never enjoyed a movie? Has he no favorite artist? No favorite author? It's only logical that, if someone's followed the career of one of their favorite artists, for a span of almost 5 decades, they are going to be somewhat concerned over an untimely death. To say that having a favorite musical act, or to be curious as to the affairs of one of the richest, most charitable men in the world - someone who's single-handedly changed the face of modern dance - is shit brained, in itself, pretty ignorant.