You ask the questions

17 November 1999

17 November 1999

Marianne Faithfull, 52, was born in Hampstead, north London. She left home aged 17, when she was introduced to the Rolling Stones' manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. Described by Oldham as "an angel with big breasts," she made her music début in 1964 with "As Tears Go By". The song, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, was a top 10 UK hit.

Faithfull has one son, Nicholas, from a short-lived marriage to artist John Dunbar in 1965. In 1966 she began a long relationship with Mick Jagger, who wrote "Let's Spend the Night Together" for her. Her acting career was dogged by drug addiction which culminated in a suicide attempt in 1969. In 1972, she lost custody of her son and became homeless. In 1979, Faithfull briefly rekindled her career with Broken English. In 1987 she underwent treatment and finally broke her heroin habit. In 1994, her autobiography was published. Her latest album, Vagabond Ways, was released in June. She lives in Dublin.

Do you believe in reincarnation (and if so, who were you in a former life)? Katy Hannah by e-mail I was Boudicca. A "past life" person told me. But I'm not sure I believe it.

Since you no longer use heroin but still smoke, do you agree that nicotine is a more powerful addiction than heroin? Penny Solomons, London N19It seems to be to me. But when I want to give it up I will be able to, and that will be soon.

Looking back, is the creative stimulus gained from drugs worth the physical cost? Max Weeden by e-mail No. What I want to do now with my performing is very physical and I think it would be easier without all that. I think I would probably be a different kind of person. Not so self-centred.

How do you find peace? Jenny Ireland by e-mailSilence, being alone, reading, listening to music, going for a walk.

Was writing your autobiography therapeutic or painful? Daisy Randell, London, EC1Both. It was a way of leaving the past. It was really hard going back to painful and humiliating times. But I'm glad I did it. I think it was a good thing for me.

What are you most proud of and what do you most regret? Martine Ryan by e-mailI'm very proud of my son Nicholas and his family - his wife Carole and my grandsons Oscar and Noah. I regret three things: I wasn't nice to my parents when they were alive. I took heroin and I regret that I haven't made more money, but there's still time for that.

What is the significance of the bluebird tattoo on your hand? Do you have any other tattoos? And do you regret them? Nat Fuller, Bristol I don't have any others. I chose a bluebird at the time, which was 1966 or something, because I thought it would mean freedom. What it really means is that I can't rob a bank if I wanted to because it's a distinguishing mark on my person.

How come you are still friends with Anita Pallenberg, after she had an affair with Mick Jagger? Larry Turner, Brighton I decided to blame Mick. And I love Anita and when you love somebody you forgive them anything. Forgiveness is a difficult thing for me and I've forgiven Mick too.

Were you expecting to lose custody of your son, Nick? And do you blame the drugs for that? Keith Hanning, Newcastle No, I wasn't expecting to. If you want to keep your children I suggest you avoid drugs.

Favourite record you've recorded? (and don't just say the new one, to plug it!) Genevieve Young, Hove Ha! Ha! That's exactly what I would want to say. Damn it! Strange Weather.

Why do you call Kate Moss, Sinead O'Connor and Courtney Love your "children"? And who's your favourite celebrity mate? Sally Davids by e-mail I don't call them "mine", I call them the children. It's the way I refer to young people. My favourite is Kate. She's very complex, she's very like me, she's a Capricorn. We are best friends. I think she's great.

What was the worst thing about living on the streets? Dawn Nolen, DublinIt was very cold and a bit lonely. The worst bit was running out of drugs.

Did your convent school education teach you any valuable lessons in life? CJ Handy by e-mail Oh yes. It taught me how to make my own bed for one thing, which is always good to know. I got a very good education. It also gave me an understanding of the meaning of a "vocation". Mine was not the same as the nuns', but I had one.

If you had a daughter, what advice would you give her? Martine Ryan by e-mailGet a good education and get a job. Then do the best you can.

Which of the seven deadly sins are you most likely to commit on a regular basis? Colin Adam, GlasgowSloth at the moment, and pride.

All-time favourite tracks? Cary J Sanderson, West Sussex James Brown's "This Is A Man's World" and "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin.

Favourite beauty tip? Davina Jones by e-mail Sunscreen, hand cream, keeping your face really clean.

Do you ever feel jealous of Jerry Hall and think: "that could have been me"? Rachel Wilson by e-mail Ha! Ha! I rather like Jerry. Maybe I used to feel jealous, but I don't now. It would be nice to have the money, wouldn't it? No, I do not feel at all jealous of Jerry and I wish her luck.

Happiest moment in your life (and saddest?) David Jennings, EdinburghThe saddest was the death of my parents, and the happiest was Nicholas coming along.

Is the youth of today boring in comparison to the youth of the Sixties? Tony Gubbay, Crawley No, not at all. I think they are lovely. I think we were rather boring because we were so stoned on hash - then you can't speak.

Do you ever feel the urge to take drugs again? Dr Sandy Turner by e-mailIt would be dishonest to say that I never think about it. But not entertaining thoughts like that is very important.

If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say? Francesca Saunders, EdinburghShe was a good little soldier

How would you describe your relationship with Mick Jagger nowadays? Lynda Nathan by e-mail Cordial. I have a lot of respect for him.

All-time favourite rock god? Jo Foster, Edinburgh Rock god? I don't believe in God. However, Elvis.