I prefer to think of myself as a musician who is still learning and trying to do something every time out.

Rock and Roll does have its limits as far as the aging process. You want to go out there and play while you're at your peak, right? I think that's encouraging us to keep going out on the road - to maximize the playing at the moment.

Back in the day, fans wrote letters to groups - you'd get them, although it could take a while. Now, artists can go online and there's discussions about what you should and shouldn't be doing. The minute you announce that you're recording an album, thousands of people are telling you what that album should be.

I would like to think that Ben and myself have begun a partnership that will take us into different areas of music that we can continue to write, enjoy and keep me involved with music other then what I do with RUSH.

It destroys the soul to hear that you're all hype, that you have no talent, and that your whole career has been contrived.

I have several writer friends, but I don't involve them in my work process. I'm more likely to talk about the business of publishing with them.

In my position, I've always admired Claude Makelele. I grew up watching him play. I was able to play against him in the final stages of his career. I have always liked his way of playing football, and given my position and style, he's been a mirror to compare myself against.

I mean, I would love to have the career Joan Baez is having in Europe right now, but God knows I don't begrudge her that career.