I like their darkness but I also like the pop-side of the Velvet Underground.

When people meet me I think they're surprised to find out I'm not always angst-ridden.

I always hate explaining away songs, because for me they mean something, and for other people, they'll mean something absolutely different.

I lead two totally separate lives. There are times when I have to slip into rock star mode.

I will be the focal point for however long I decide to play. Half of me likes that idea and half of me doesn't, but once the adrenaline kicks in, I'll probably really enjoy it.

Anything that I write comes from the soul.

I don't think I've ever tried to be anything other than a weirdo.

I'm not advocating violence but I think somebody should shoot Simon Cowell.

It creates a conflict of interest - what songs would I use for me, and what would I use for the band.

I do a cover of a Velvet Underground song, and they were one of the most important bands, for me.

When I write love songs, people think they're really soppy - but I see love as a consolation for the boredom of life.

Why don't you think of [God] as the one who is coming, who has been approaching from all eternity... the ultimate fruit of a tree whose leaves we are.

Science is for crowds what art is for individuals

Claret is the liquor for boys

The idea of imposing universal peace on the world by force is a barbarian fantasy.

Everyone makes moral choices that better themselves and hurt someone else along the way - and whether or not the means justify the ends. And that, to me, is universal.

I'm thrilled the president [Barack Obama] has endorsed me. We started off as fierce competitors, and we've ended up as true friends and partners and worked together on so many important issues.

As long as each individual is facing the television tube alone, formal freedom poses no threat to privilege

If you have children in your house you have Frosted Flakes.

When you have once gained sight, it is impossible to feign blindness.