I was allowed a freedom as a baby boomer to do whatever I wanted to do. My parents were able to give their permission because they just felt, 'Why not?' I joined my first band and dropped out of school.
I formed Humble Pie when I was only 18. We were one of the first 'supergroups,' with Steve Marriott of The Small Faces on guitar and Greg Ridley of Spooky Tooth on bass. With Humble Pie, I tasted American success for the first time.
I have a soft spot for 'Wind of Change' because it was my first one, and it was a departure from Humble Pie - very much so. It showed me the spectrum of what I could do.
I'm sure that I am enjoying my sobriety. And respect it. If you've been through what I've been through, then you really do treasure it.
I would like to be No. 2 but never No. 1. When I was No. 1, all eyes were on me. No. 2 slips out the door quietly and makes another great record.
A lot of people were moved to write after September 11th. It had to affect us all in a way.
