“You can leave a kid alone and it will learn to fend for itself, how to work the remote, a tin opener, and the microwave.”

Things inspiring me – good melody, a great bass line, a fabulous voice… by which I mean someone who sounds great, rather than does pyrotechnics… and people playing really musically.

Our cheeky sidekick. We’re like a motorcycle and sidecar.

It’s a weight problem isn’t it; you can’t wait for lunch.

The thing that interests me far more than anything is creating music, songwriting and arranging, and in that context drumming itself is a means to an end.

The harder you work, the luckier you get” is true in all things.

The American dream? We don’t have a dream in Britain because we’re bloody awake!

When I showed an interest in drumming, he showed me how to mummy-daddy roll and that set me up for a bit.

I love playing. In lots of ways, I think having been able to carry on playing purely out of love rather than having to do it for a living means I still love the drums.

We need a war every 10 years, so we can stay match fit in case the Germans try again.

In the world of comedy, there’s this: “If it’s going badly, get off. If it’s going well, get off”. You can’t argue with that either.

I’m a natural born show off. I love performing, and at school we had a really good music scene and an even better drama scene.

When I got to university, I played in bands and did sketch stuff and it was always about coming up with material, which is why I never really practised and have no chops!!

I see the holidays as a chance for kids to learn self-sufficiency.

And to be honest, it’s all about the sound, the noise, the rattle and hum. Who wouldn’t want to make a fantastic noise with drums and cymbals?!

I think it’s really easy to forget that – I’d sooner play something musical than flash, and as I can’t play anything flash.

I try to be musical. Drums can set a mood, create an impression, as much as anything else.