There are many critics who have an idealised version of where my strengths lie.

I've never felt British. I'm just not interested in national identity. I don't know why.

But there are things in Il Sogno that the methods of The Delivery Man could never achieve.

And obviously, when I started out, I had a little bit more curiosity than some, and went seeking out the original artists, or in some cases searching up country music.

Don't start me talking, I could talk all night. My mind goes sleepwalking while I'm putting the world right.

And I'm up while the dawn is breaking, even though my heart is aching. I should be drinking a toast to absent friends instead of these comedians.

My family calls me Declan. But most people call me E.C. I think it comes from my dad. It's an Irish convention. You usually call the first child by the initials.