When you're first starting out, there's always the temptation to hide behind distortion because it lets you get away with murder. But, when it comes to rhythm work, you've gotta back off that gain control a bit, especially if you're playing with another guitarist.

I think the whole concept behind lyrics is you better mean what you say, or you should like, become a storyteller. I mean, there's a lot of bands who are just storytellers, and then there are bands who actually have something valid to say. And the bands who have valid points are few and far between.

I went through a whole blues period in the Nineties, and that had some influence on 'Load' and 'ReLoad.'

Jeff Beck is one of my heroes and has been since I first picked up a guitar.

I was really, really wild in my early twenties and a bit self-destructive.

I've been into horror movies ever since I was five years old.

When I got my first Marshall amp, it was so empowering. No one ever forgets their first Marshall amp if you're a guitar player pursuing a big powerful sound. I mean, no one ever forgets their first Marshall amp.