Our lead singer had a ridiculous Five Year Plan which went horribly wrong.

… in the current era of reduced band shelf-life?

A band can mean a lot. We like to mean a lot. It’s not been easy.

What do you think the secret of your continued success is?

1. We have many great songs. 2. We know about rock music. 3. We like rock music. 4. We have fucked every opinion-forming member of your family. 5. We rock.

At your first gig in York in 1981, did any part of you think that you might still be in the business thirty years time?

At our first gig in York, we were amazed to find ourselves still in the business after thirty minutes. We’re more confident now. We have taught ourselves some stuff, and we have walked it like we talked it. It’s not been easy.

Do you think there’s still a place for The Sisters Of Mercy in 2011 and beyond?

There was no place for us then, and there’s no place for us now. It didn’t stop us then, and it doesn’t stop us now. We’re everywhere. It’s what we do.

SISTERS XXX