The only good thing about America is that you killed John Lennon.

A blank page of paper and a pen is the greatest invention its so exciting to be confronted by possibility.

If literature or music can make you think or become aware, then it's done something. That's what we've always wanted to do, just ignite sparks in people's minds. We can't offer a manifesto of how to make your life better.

The only good thing about America is that you killed John Lennon.

I think solitude is a really positive thing. I cherish solitude immensely. In today’s society, there’s so much pressure to communicate, eat out, be friends with people. Why can’t you read a book on your own? Why have you got to have a book club?

I do consider myself to be something of a pretentious wanker.

We all decided that from the start, me and Richey can't write music but we can write lyrics and look pretty tarty.