It was by listening to Goodman's band, that I began to notice the guitarist Charlie Christian, who was one of the first musicians to play solos in a big band set-up.

I began to learn a lot of chords and rhythms. It was a bit boring at the time but came in very handy later on.

I went to see John Mayall at the Marquee, with Peter Green on guitar, and that was a particularly good gig.

I think a lot of modern day guitarists start off playing like Eddie van Halen, and they don't take the time to learn the basics.

They have decided to tour under the name of Ten Years After which I don't think is very cool. To be honest, they have had to do that as it's the only way they can get any work.

Strangely enough, through all those school years I decided at 13 or 14 I was going to be a musician and so school was just something to get out of the way, a waste of time and not to bother with it.

George Harrison was also a pleasure to work with. He was one of the most famous people I've ever known, but in spite of that fame, he was such a nice and friendly guy.