122 Quotes by Rick Nielsen

The Ramones were American, and I knew about them, and I thought they were interesting. But they were like a pop band to me.

In 1977, I had Paul Rivera hotrod six Fender Deluxes for me. At that time, a lot of studio guys in L.A. were using those - not so much live guys but studio guys. They had terrific tone and great technique, and I was like, 'Well, I like having terrific tone even though I don't have any technique.'

Some people design buildings and aircraft carriers and cars - and I designed picks.

I never wanted to be Keith Richards or Jimmy Page.

If you're going to be ridiculous, be over-the-top ridiculous.

Playing it safe isn't fun; you have to take a chance.

I didn't want to be one of the Beach Boys or one of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah band. I mean, we appreciated that music. But I didn't want to grow a beard to look like Roy Wood just because I liked him.

I'm a normal person. I don't see where people come off saying I'm crazy.

If you don't have a great chorus, write a good bridge first. I often do that and find I write good bridges.