I could write songs as bad as Wham's if I really felt the urge to, but what's the point?

If you acquiesce to one interview, there's always another waiting in the wings. Also if you're interviewed repeatedly, you just start repeating yourself. I don't like to do that.

I've always spent more time with a smile on my face than not, but the thing is, I don't write about it.

I am very self-conscious a lot of the time.

When punk came along, I found my generation's music. I grew up listening to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, 'cause that was what got played in the house. But when I first saw the Stranglers, I thought, 'This is it.'

I'm not a morose person; it's just that my best songs reflect on the sadder aspects of life.

I look thuggish when I shave my head and wear big boots. I walk into a newsagent and people think I'm going to jump the counter.