I've seen foreigners really shift on their view of America, and that's hard for me to take.

The point is to let the music be itself. If it doesn't mean anything to you, then it's bullsh*t.

Smashing Pumpkins has never been a band about hit songs.

You give me a @#$%& kazoo and I'll write you a good song.

Most of my arguments with musicians through the years have had more to do with their attitude about music, or their attitude about their own lives, or their personal responsibility. Music has never really been the big centerpiece of the fight.

The difficulty, if you're in the world - and this is for anybody - is the eventual disappointment that comes with having to meet other versions of reality. Imposed systems that ask you to compromise or sacrifice things which you consider holy or sacred.

Actually, I was having dinner with Michael [Stipe, of R.E.M.] when our second album went platinum, which up until that point was the highest success we'd ever had. And he turned to me during dinner and said, 'Welcome to the deep waters, kid.' I'll never forget that.