I think we have a lot in common with classical composers of the 19th century, although I'm not claiming to have their intelligence. They wanted to create a musical explosion, to blow the crowd away.

Opera can be exceptionally moving but can also be pompous.

I never understood bands who were only influenced by a narrow era of, say, five years of music.

Bands in the Nineties seem to forget the entertainment aspect of rock music.

I think that's what a lot of writers do, create a totally fantastical scenario that is a reflection of something else going on in their life.

In the U.S., the conspiracy theory subculture has been hijacked by the Right to try to take down people like Obama and put forward rightwing libertarianism.

Playing to a stadium is not for everyone because you are essentially gambling, big-time. You have to go all in on production. You can't hold back.

There's always been a slight twinge of some classical elements in our music.

As a rock band, you're slightly one foot in the past, playing instruments like guitar, bass and drums.

I always go for walks in the countryside.