The 5-Minute Interview: Buster Martin, musician

'People expect me to look older, but they don't know working keeps me fit'

Buster is the oldest member of senior-citizens' rock group The Zimmers, whose debut single My Generation reached number 26 earlier this year. The band, which have a collective age of around 3000, are releasing a cover of The Prodigy's Firestarter this autumn. He celebrated his 101st birthday this weekend.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Working at my part time job with Pimlico Plumbers. I keep their vans in pristine condition. I would be relaxing doing crosswords or picking horses I fancy while having a drink down the pub.

A phrase I use far too often...

Young man or young lady. It is very rare I meet anyone who is older than me.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Old people. They should follow my employer's example by keeping them in work long after retirement and giving them back their dignity.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was ...

When I was accepted by the lady that became my wife, God rest her soul. She was the love of my life and the most extraordinary woman I have ever met.

A common misperception of me is...

That people expect me to look older, but they don't know that working keeps me fit.

I'm good at...

My job, which my boss appreciates. I never pretend do be able to do something I cannot.

I'm very bad at...

Being a liar because I was reared not to lie. Lies will always come back to haunt you and you will always regret it when it is proved you lied.

The ideal night out is...

An evening with my wife on Saturday night going to the theatre or a dance and then a late meal with booze afterwards. I have not had a night like that since she died because it would make me miss her all the more.

You know me as a Zimmer but in another life I'd have been...

Just who I am. Plain speaking, no frills – just who I am as you find me.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this...

Live and let live without offending people. In the past I have often walked away from arguments but it is not always possible to do that. Then the only option is to thump them!