Hendrix inspired me, but I was still more into Wes Montgomery. I was also into the Allman Brothers around the time of those albums.

I found the blues too limiting, and classical was too disciplined.

When you're around someone good, your own standards are raised.

In my early days, I never used finger vibrato at all. I originally carved my reputation as one of the 'fast' guitar players.

I see someone like John Williams, the classical player, and the amount of discipline and the natural ability that man has is so frightening. That requires so much natural talent. And I think my talent came from just practising, and I feel a bit intimidated when I see players that good.

Stevie Ray Vaughan was very intense. Maybe that's what caught everybody's attention. As a player, he didn't do anything amazing.

Ian Gillan, Roger Glover and I wanted to be a hard rock band - we wanted to play rock and roll only.