It was very interesting time to be in England. Even at that point [John] Lennon and [Paul] McCartney influenced my writing. I thought, "maybe there is a huck or two in here I haven't thought of".

Of course I knew The Band's Canadian keyboard player, the late Richard Manuel, but I didn't play that night because I was there as a guest with my record executives. People ask, "why didn't you play?" If I had known I was going to be playing then I would have been prepared for it.

I never really had stage nerves but I did have had trouble getting up to the right energy level. For a long time I drank. I drank up until 1982 and then I gave up alcohol.

Think about the fool who by his virtue can be found in a most unusual situation playing jester to the clown.

I can see her lying back in her faded dress in a room where do what you don't confess.

Be calm in the face of all common disgraces.

Those who put their faith in fire, in fire their faith shall be repaid.