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.

I'll hear something in my head, then eventually play it. But it's a subconscious thing. Most of the time I really don't know what I'm playing.

My first joint I smoked onstage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I smoked my first joint live.

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

I have my own style, but it's different for each kind of music. There are certain little characteristic things every player has.

I can't do anything but play guitar.

You're in direct contact with the music by having the strings under your fingers. It's not mechanical like a piano.

If you're not having fun it's not worth doing.

I came in with a completely new perspective. I would write songs and they would pick tunes they felt were in the Purple vein.

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

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

Do little pink fairies sing and dance in your world, Peabody?""Sometimes, when it's very quiet and no one else can see.

Against the ruin of the world, there is only one defense: The creative act.

Learning to live on less pride has been a great investment in my future.

One should not say that it is impossible to reach a virtuous life; but one should say that it is not easy. Nor do those who have reached it find it easy to maintain.

Like the sea itself, the unconscious yields an endless and self-replenishing abundance of creatures, a wealth beyond our fathoming.

I was a trial lawyer when I was elected to Congress.

There is scarcely a crime before me that is not directly or indirectly caused by strong drink.

Fashion faux pas should be celebrated. I enjoy them because it means we're not all clones.

Mankind are governed more by their feelings than by reason.

The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.