I think snow is so evocative and has such a powerful atmosphere.

I suppose in some ways doing some of the songs in the show felt a bit like I was doing cover versions. I was covering myself. Not that they didn't feel like my songs, but the way I was approaching them was from a place so outside where they were written. The fact that these songs were in the context of a live show was a new thing.

If ever there's been somebody to hold as an icon of sheer determination and willpower, it's that guy [Stephen Hawking ], let alone any of the things he's done scientifically. I'm sure that's his driving force, but he's a miracle and an aspiration.

I think as a mature artist, you're probably always trying to undo the compromises of one's self [in general]. It's not necessarily to do with youth.

I think what is great is that if anything that I do is interesting to somebody else, then I really don't think it matters at all what I had originally intended.

Bang goes another kanga on the bonnet of the van

Numbers are really fascinating things, and they do play a big part in our lives. They are a language of their own.