Ray and I do not draw salaries. Any profits will be re-invested into marketing the music we believe in.

I was a kid, 12 or something, when the Partridge Family was big on TV. I liked the curly cord running from the bass to the amps, which were real fancy. That cord looked so cool. I said, 'Wow! I gotta play something like that!'

It's hilarious, because my guitar has what's known as a tremolo bar or a whammy bar. And the whammy bar is probably the most alien thing on my guitar that could possibly relate to a classical guitar.

If I remain true to what's in my heart, that's all the success I need.

I know it is common nowadays for artists to start labels but this is a thoroughly constructed vehicle for inspired talent. This is a market that we've been living, breathing and eating for our entire lives - one where a huge void currently exists. Favored Nations is a long-term commitment.

You can never deny the immense talent, rock credibility and iconic historical contribution that Van Halen made.

The cool thing about playing is that the more you do it, the better you get.