23 Quotes by Jimmy Somerville

When disco came around the first time, there was this real core of progressive thinking and a positive lyrical content - about freedom, the possibilities of love, change and expression.

I slowly became less famous and less successful. That was very difficult.

I've always been making music, but I sort of went under the radar. I kind of disappeared... I was never really that comfortable with the music industry. I loved the idea of being able to express myself creatively - but the rest of it never really sat well with me.

I was painfully self-obsessed and self-aware. I wanted people to love me but at the same time I was terrified of them.

I've always relied on a big producer and big studios. I had budgets that were ridiculous.

I went to squat with a bunch of friends - creative, intelligent, political people. We got involved in a community project funded by the Arts Council and we made this video. I sang a poem and somebody, I think it was Richard Coles, who was later my partner in the Communards, said I had a very strange sound and I should use it.

People like Duran Duran were a big production but it was a nothingness. That's just my personal opinion.

When you grow up with constantly being told or made to feel that you are less than, then it's very difficult to grow into an adult and to shake that off.

Actually, have you ever heard Sylvester's live version of 'Mighty Real' that was recorded in San Francisco? If I listen to that, I never fail to get goose bumps all over. I go crazy. That song just makes me so emotional.