I like a big neck – thick, flat and wide. I lacquered the fingerboard with Rustin's Plastic Coating. The tremolo is interesting in that the arm's made from an old bicycle saddle bag carrier, the knob at the end's off a knitting needle and the springs are valve springs from an old motorbike.

The guitar was my weapon, my shield to hide behind.

I never took sheet music seriously. I could do better myself just by listening to other people and using my own intuition.

I think Hammer's very cool: he has a great voice and great presence.

I'm pretty basic as far as technique is concerned. I don't use many gadgets, and I like the sound my guitar makes, anyway.

Queen had its time and place, and at the moment I'm not concentrating on that era.

My children hate me being such a big star. It's very hard for them to have a father who is always in the public eye.