“I feel like the rap metal at the end of the 1990s destroyed rock music...” — Nate Ruess Quote

I feel like the rap metal at the end of the 1990s destroyed rock music for everybody and suddenly everybody felt like they had to apologise for being in rock bands. People suddenly felt bad about wanting to reach massive audiences and the sense of theatre, that we have in our live show, became something to avoid.

We love a good, hyped sound, but when it starts to sound insincere, that's when I lose interest. I hope that our music, even if it sounds polished, doesn't sound insincere.

As a songwriter I hate this whole, 'If it's a sad song, it has to sound like a sad song thing.' And that goes all the way back to my days with the Format. I'm an insane narcissist, so if I have to get something off my chest, I'll get something off my chest.

If you can make the song a soundtrack to what you're living at the time, I think that's the most important part of a song.

You would give up your career if you lost your voice for good, or if the impresarios stopped calling, or the audiences stopped coming. But as long as those things are there, I don't plan to stop. There is nothing that makes me feel better than to be with my public.

My idea is to provide maximum entertainment to audiences who want to experience the horror factor, laced with comedy that provides the relief.

The States still has the best audiences by far.

The Supreme Court is having a hard time integrating schools. What chance do I have to integrate audiences?

No matter what kind of film audiences pay money to watch, they definitely expect to be entertained. They want to forget the outside world and have a good laugh while watching a movie.