I learned a lot about lead; you don't have to blow your cookies in the first bar. It is much harder to be simple that to be complicated during solos.

When I got to LA and was with the James Gang, I got the opportunity to write a lot, to play in front of large audiences, make some money.

When you come from the Midwest, you have a more open mind than if you come from the West Coast or the East Coast.

I started on drums when I was 13 and played them for two years. Then I went to guitar for a year, played keyboards for a year and a half, and went back to guitar.

I can't do anything but play guitar.

I think the way I play the guitar is very percussive. I play a lot of rhythm chops as though I were playing congas or something.

I'd rather work than not.