Biography

He describes "Suzanne" by Leonard Cohen as a "perfect song".

He has cited Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, The Doors and David Bowie as his biggest influences.

His band Echo & The Bunnymen were one of the biggest cult bands of the 1980s.

On 15 March 2003, he performed at the anti-war "One Big No" concert at Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, organized to protest against the invasion of Iraq.

Like his contemporary, Morrissey of The Smiths, he was known as much for his outspoken opinions as his music, which earned him the nickname "Mac The Mouth".

I just think Bowie (David Bowie) was so influential and the greatest solo artist of the 20th Century. In any walk of art.

[on the album "Ocean Rain"] It's got everything on it - it's so unusual - and the sound of it is quite unique. The way it was done it sounds completely different from everything else we did. From the start to finish, ending with 'Ocean Rain'... In the liner notes on our box set, Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips said that was the defining moment of rock and roll for him - hearing the waves.

I'm the most opinionated person I've ever come across.

Radio 1 is now so shite we don't have to worry about getting on there. You stop thinking: 'I wonder if this will get on Jo Whiley.' Not that I give a toss, 'cos I think she's crap too.

Once a Bunnyman, always a Bunnyman. That's why we had to get back together. The thought of it sometimes reduces me to panic, but when I sing 'The Killing Moon' I know there isn't a band in the world who's got a song anywhere near that.