I feel like I'm always having to justify why I haven't kept in touch with anyone from the old days in Stoke-on-Trent, but I'm like that with anybody. I don't let anybody in. I just rely on myself.

I never took a grant or borrowed a penny from anybody. It was partially because I didn't really know how to do that, but secondly, my pride never would have allowed me to. In the beginning it was about doing it the right way, on the merits of the music.

No chains around my feet, but I'm not free.

For me there is something primitively soothing about this music, and it went straight to my nervous system, making me feel ten feet tall.

You must make the effort yourself. The Masters only point the way.

Give, even if you only have a little.