My super power? No food necessary

Mark E Smith was born in 1957 and grew up in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. He left school at 16, and worked in a meat factory and then for an import-export company in Manchester docks. In 1976, he formed the post-punk band, The Fall, who were championed by the late DJ John Peel. He has been the only constant member since the band formed. Tomorrow, The Fall will play the Friends Of Mine Festival in Cheshire; in September, they will release their 29th album, on Cherry Red Records. His autobiography, Renegade, was published in 2008.

When were you happiest?

Every day is great for me. I dislike rose-coloured glasses.

What is your greatest fear?

Being trapped in a lift with Chatty Man or at a UK music festival with no transport. Fear is something I try not to absorb.

What is your earliest memory?

Having a hot wash at the age of four, before my first day of school.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

All nurses and television programmers at 4am who "update". But mainly myself, as Napoleon.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Having to clean my teeth and look after my health.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

A lot of people seem obliged to have a viewpoint.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

It is weekly.

Aside from a property, what's the most expensive thing you've bought?

Human souls are not cheap.

What makes you unhappy?

All UK comedians.

What is your most treasured possession?

A tree in my front garden.

Where would you like to live?

Peking during the Boxer rebellion, 1900.

What would your super power be?

No food necessary. True bats know false powers drag you down.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I could use a new brain and other organs.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?

A decent bitter/lager.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Orson Welles or Brian Cox.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Random spitting, stealing lighters – both are unconscious.

What is your favourite smell?

Rain.

What is your favourite word or phrase?"See you later."

What is your favourite book?

North, by Céline, and My Autobiography: Kevin Keegan.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

A Jack Straw outfit, including voice and face.

What is the worst thing anyone's said to you?

Don't think you can leave me/this company/this train etc.

Cat or dog?

Not dog – mutual hatred.

Is it better to give or to receive?

The first.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Spiked Opal Fruits/Starbursts (in whisky) – cheap.

What do you owe your parents?

Pointing the way to the front door.