Both Neil and I had done solo projects where we were the boss and I just thought that if he was willing to get into it, it would really be a good experience for him.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I began hearing rumors of apossible recording session with Neil Young. I was a huge fan of Neil's.
I can't even imagine how it must be to be a solo artist playing with session musicians.
Neil's effect on the band was immediate and very fulfilling. He adds a certain edge to the sound and, of course, he is an incredible musician. We became a better band because of the inclusion of Neil Young.
It's good fun, making a solo album, because there's perhaps songs that wouldn't get used for the Stones or any other kind of outfit that I'm working with. It's just nice to be the boss.
The band projects just took natural priority. I didn't really have a solo career, just wanted to share the music in another way and to learn more about writing, recording, etcetera.
Certainly after the tragedy in Neil's life, we were holding out hope for his recovery. It wasn't too promising at the time and obviously you get to the point of thinking that that is it.
I think that was the whole idea behind doing the solo record was to be able to do musically whatever I wanted to do.
The way I look at a solo project is, I create what I want with whoever I want.
The director is a bit analogous to the conductor of a symphony orchestra. It's a collaborative adventure.
I fell in love with Neil's pain. We were in this cocoon of intensity. Neil and I were uniquely in the same position at the same time, having overwhelming success facing us.