You see, here in America there's a reason why we celebrate the 4th of July and not April 15th because in America we celebrate our independence from the government, not our dependence on it.

About 70 percent of everything is really sketched out on my keyboard beforehand, because I do want accidents to happen in the studio.

The music has to be as interesting. It has to keep taking you into places that you're at least not used to.

I have unbelievable support among Republicans.

I don't want to be a slave to history or facts. As long as I'm getting a good cursory understanding of what it is and I'm not drifting too far away at certain points, then I can play with the idea and take it anywhere I want to.

Melodies are far more interesting. They are there, in your face, in certain sections of the songs. People do complain about the melody thing, but we do hit patches of melody and beauty, as well as the other stuff.

My problem with public sector union leaders, the bosses, has been they stood in the way of protecting the taxpayer.