I never had any lessons. When I first started playing I used to read music. I was very interested in music. But when I started playing in groups I did a silly thing and dropped it. It's great if you can write things down.

I remember in the early days when we played six nights a week for a month and I was doing my long drum solo every night. My hands were covered in blisters.

My nerves before a gig got worse; I had terrible bad nerves all the time. Once we started... I was fine.

I don't consider that I'm particularly influenced by anyone or anything. But when I started playing, I was influenced by early soul. It was just that feel, that sound.

Brushes..? Nah. Hit 'em as hard as you can.

Mistreating your drum set is just one step below child abuse

I dare not drink before a gig because I'll get tired and blow it. So I have to sit drinking tea in a caravan.