I was more ashamed that I couldn't work the washing machine than the fact that I was taking drugs.

Loneliness was tough, the toughest role you ever played. Hollywood created a superstar, and pain was the price you paid.

I just go into the studio, look at the lyrics for the first time when I put them on the piano, and go. If I haven't got it within 40 minutes, I give up. It's never changed, the thrill has never gone, because I don't know what I'm going to get next.

I lived my teenage years in my 20s when I sort of left home and became Elton John success, then it became Elton John excess... Everything I couldn't do when I was younger I did 10 times over. I was having the time of my life. I was becoming the person that I wanted to be.

I've got to do something to make up for all those self-absorbed and selfish years when I just, you know, was taking drugs, sitting in my room, doing bad things, whatever.

We have a society where every hit maker and TV presenter is gay.

I'm so proud to be on a Kate Bush record; she's always marched to the beat of her own drum.