I think labels for the most part want to sign new discoveries so that that label alone is seen to be responsible for the rise of the artist. Not many labels want bands who have already made their mark, because their success is usually attributed to some other label somewhere else at another time.

My parents were worried about me, certainly when I became so deeply interested in music and people like the New York Dolls who, at the time, were very peculiar indeed.

You may not realize this, but people have the power to change the world.

When you sleep I will creep Into your thoughts Like a bad debt That you can't pay Take the easy way and give in!

The Smiths was an incredibly personal thing to me. It was like launching your own diary to music.

Yes I have had a tan, actually. I went to Los Angeles and got one there, but it didn't make it back to Britain. You're not allowed to come through customs with a tan.

Smiths songs certainly have an astonishing afterlife.