The Ramones were American, and I knew about them, and I thought they were interesting. But they were like a pop band to me.

The Sex Pistols had it all - they had the snarl, they had the I-don't-give-a-crap attitude - plus, they could play.

I think I've probably had one of my guitars on display at every Hard Rock Cafe in the world.

My parents were both opera singers, and they also were both heavily into religious and church music.

I always use my Les Paul. I have a Hamer as well. I use a Tele and an Esquire - once in a while, I will use a Strat, and I never use any pedals... except for in my car.

We always record with the whole band. That's key to capturing the feel, especially trying to get a good basic track.

Nobody wants to hear long speeches.

I've owned about 2,000 guitars through the years because I've traded a lot and given away and sold some stuff.

I knew the guys in the Allman Brothers way back in the day, before they were famous.

I did what I believed in. It got me in trouble, but it also got me a job.

If you can make it in Rockford, you can make it anywhere.

Have a good work ethic. You've got to practice, practice, practice. I'm not telling you what to practice - that's up to you.

The only time I have a problem is when I have to get in a vehicle after we play and sit there in a cramped position for a couple of hours to drive to the next place. Then I get super stiff.

Ed Sheeran? I don't like the fact he gets a lot of stick. I like the fact he works hard, and God knows how much money he pays to the tax man each year.

I am so lucky that I have been part of and written songs that will always resonate no matter how old they get.

The mad thing is, most of my life, when I'm not in a dark mood, it's been humour that's got me through. The only way to get through this business is by laughing.

There's lots of people I'd love to work with.

The greatest footballers take the sport into the world of art, of performance.

The most sacred thing you can get is time. That's all people want on their death bed; that's what it's all about.

I'm a strong person, but every man has his limits.

I am a family man, and I have children.

I was always going to be vulnerable when I left the Verve. It was a hardening experience for me. People saw me stripped down and decided to have their shot. I suppose they wanted to take me down a peg.

We're the most talented musical island ever.

You have to build yourself up a bit. You have to believe in yourself, because not that many other people will, you know?