Asked & Answered

I actually played a big concert fro Nelson Mandela (when he was still imprisoned) with Phil. We always sang Phil Collins drum fills while we were recording so I asked him if he would come and play.

We've met them a few times, they seem like very nice down to earth people. I never compare our careers or music to anyone else's as I don't believe they can be equated, it's not a competition.

Love both, as you can probably tell by "Perfect Day" I'm a Brian Wilson fan.

I'm presuming you mean someone that I haven't already. If that's the case then Charlotte Gainsbourg would be the top of my list.

I think he's a genius, slightly disturbed but still a big influence.

Come Together

Love Gwen Stefani! Especially her kid's clothes.

Don't know Shelter but will look them up. Liked Michael Jackson when he was black and love Interpol (the band not the agency).

I doubt it. They're OK, would be better if they were more musically experimental.

Unfortunately you're talking to someone who plays by ear and doesn't read music. I actually learnt by watching people and luckily having an ear for it. I would certainly get any Beatles books as McCartney is probably one of the best melodic bass players ever.

Not currently.

It really depends what kind of artist you are. If you're fashionable then it makes sense to hire the newest guy/gal to update your sound. If you're not (i.e. us/me) then it makes no sense.

His 3rd album - "Family Snapshots" being my favorite track.

The Feeling.

Nice hair, nice shades, strange taste in women.

Paul McCartney, Phil Lynott, bassists that include melody.

It's normally someone else playing it to me or online stores like iTunes or Amazon that have an "if you like that, you might like this" button.

Anything that is produced well or interesting, from Flaming Lips to Kings Of Convenience, saying hello to The Feeling, Aimee Mann and Modest Mouse along the way.

Early years it was Slade and Sweet, progressing on to rock bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Rush, until finally settling on well produced music like Peter Gabriel, Davis Bowie, Talking Heads.

I have many, but there are a few specific role models that influenced my early career. Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Elton John to name a few. People that make music on their own terms and in their own time. Life = Inspiration.