You've been in the business for nearly 25 years now. What do you not like about it?
I think the sad thing is there is no commitment to artists' long-term to develop. A number of people are using Radio 1 as an A&R department - they'll present them the record and if they don't like it they drop the band. It's terrible. I'm a great fan of small labels who champion unusual acts.

How come you didn't get involved in the whole '80s resurgence that's going on at the moment?
I'm paranoid of living in the past and it really bothers me. I've turned down a lot of stuff - '80s quizzes on telly or radio shows where they want me to talk about that decade. I've said no to everything even when I could have done with it. It's been really frustrating. These retro tours people are doing are horrible! An '80s tour is simply people admitting that they've got nothing new to offer. The very word retro makes me feel ill. 'Cars' is used for so many things and it's haunted me! Now I've got something new and I'm just beginning to relax.

So what are you working on at the moment?
I've got a new album coming out in spring which will be heavier and darker than the last ones. I feel although I sold my soul in the '80s that I've got it back now! And I'm doing three shows in September, probably Glasgow, Liverpool and London. My agent hasn't managed to get me onto any festivals and I'm disappointed. I'm No.1 on Kerrang and I can't get Reading!

Do people still recognise you?
I was on a train today for the first time in 25 years and I didn't know what to do. My wife said you have to buy a one day travel card. So I'm at Baker Street and some bloke shook my hand. He said: "I don't know who you are but you're someone, ain't you?" and he walked off! So still got some work to do then.

What was Marilyn Manson like?
I've met Marilyn lots of times. He covered a track of mine years ago. He's a nice chap! The first time I met him he wanted to know what I thought of his cover and I loved it. The next day we hung out together. He's very smart - I love what he does. He's exactly the sort of personality I think the business needs - it's all got so bland and friendly.

Do you still like to go flying?
I've been an aerobatic display pilot since 1984. I've stopped doing airshows now because my team mate got killed in a crash. I was in another team and four of them are dead now too. My wife thinks it's too dangerous, but I do miss it. You're going so close to the ground and you're going so fast and the aeroplanes are so powerful that the tiniest mistake means you die. I've had areoplanes catch fire, bits break, bits fall off - but I'm still here!