Q: You just released a live DVD of The Time Machine tour, which featured Prince songs. But he's made you remove them...
A: I stupidly assumed doing a cover version would be flattering. Cascada did a hideous cover of my song, Truely Madly Deeply, but i ddin't think i had any say over that. I offered Prince the entire songwriting credit for the DVD, becasue i love him and the song. And he said no. We had to cut one song, Popular, which i sang over (Prince's) Baby I'm A Star, and completley re-edit where I'd used When Doves Cry on Darkness.

Q: Is it actually Prince saying "No"?
A: Yeah, it is. I'm a massive fan. I've spent years paying tribute to him. But it's not like i did a cover version, i used elements of his songs. It's your right as a songwriter to say no to that. That's part of growing up in this business. You assume because you love your idols they might love you too. I didnt't take it too personally. He was mean to Radiohead and they're way cooler than i am.

Q: Prince won't let his songs appear on Youtube either. Is it a blanket ban on everyone?
A: It's crazy. He's a law unto himself, be he's also a genius. I still love him. It was so strict. Not only can you not do it, but you must destroy all copies.

Q: Was there a ritual burning?
A: Totally. We burnt it, mixed the ashes into a paste with bird seed and fed it to a virgin seagul.

new interview i just posted on my site:

http://www.facedownunder....ndex1.html


[Edited 8/6/08 18:36pm]