What was your first car?

It was a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville - four-door tank. We fitted all the gear for Stray Cats gigs in the trunk and on the back seat, the bass sticking out of the window with the three of us in a row on the front bench seats. It cost $400. When I moved to London my father sold it to a neighbourhood kid for $1 - it may still be going...

The Northern Echo:

How many times did it take to pass your test?

Twice - there was parallel parking involved in New York. I took it in a 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon . We all had driver’s education at Massapequa High School. 

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

Steve Jones to Beverly Glen deli because it’s in the realm of my reality and was a childhood dream that came true.

What is your dream car?

My own 1961 Corvette. I’m the second owner - it was my original rock star purchase and I still have it 35 years later. It runs great and still gets positive looks and the thumbs up from all walks of life. Seeing this car makes people happy - I can confidently imagine that Elvis would've loved this car. 

The Northern Echo:

How would you describe your driving style?

Everyone tells me i drive like a little old lady ... from Pasadena.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I live in LA - our universe is driving - I did have a new Corvette in the 80s and was pulled over going 120mph on Highway 101 near Santa Barbara. I was coming back from a gig that I had driven myself too. The highway patrol shined the flashlight in and saw a skinny guy in an orange cowboy suit with eye make up and must have figured i was not a menace to society. He let me go with a very, stern and angry warning.

What are you listening to?

Little Richard because he rocks harder than anything else, ever.

What do you drive now?

I drive a Prius for everyday getting around and my old 'vette when I have the need to be cool.