One of the most beneficial things I've ever learned is how to keep my mouth shut.

Music became a healer for me. And I learned to listen with all my being. I found that it could wipe away all fear and confusion.

I've always wanted the sound of Muddy Waters' early records - only louder

Oh yeah, I mean, it wasn't a very good guitar, most good guitars have got thrust rods in the necks that you can adjust or that'll keep them in shape, you know keep them straight. This one just, well it turned into a bow and arrow after a couple of months.

Yeah, it is, because it's a real discovery of your inner resources, you know. That's what my character is all about and what my playing is all about. But to get up there and just go inside and draw out something that makes you feel good first and foremost.

The point of being at home is to be with my family as much as possible.

From the beginning, I knew intuitively that if nothing else, music was safe, and that nobody could tell me anything about it. Music didn't need a middleman, whereas all the other things in school needed some kind of explanation.