All the different styles I've played have really helped me as a guitarist and helped me develop my own way of playing.

I used to listen a lot to Rolling Stones records and play along with them when I was first starting. It's a good way to learn, jamming around basic music.

When I'm with Purple, I'm totally with Purple; when I'm doing my thing, I'm totally doing my own thing.

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 don't like English bands. They're too structured.

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.

I'll play drums a lot at home, and it will help my wrist action.