I have never cooked a meal in my life and always end up paying for dozens of people to eat with me.

Somebody curse the light And take me far away from myself

I made the decision to take on board the critical feedback. Reviews are something you can easily ignore as a performer or writer but I chose to not ignore them here and I think that I benefited. I think I'm stronger for it - and I have a tougher skin as a result.

I am under no illusion that I will ever be the greatest opera composer in the world, with Wagner and Verdi and Strauss before me. I think my work could fit very nicely into musicals, though.

I think I've done a pretty fantastic job, but of course I want to sell millions of records.

And you will believe in love And all that it's supposed to be But just until the fish start to smell And you're struck down by a hammer.

Life is the longest death in California.