A necessity: American cigarettes. I find they leave the filthiest burns.

A lucky charm: When my father was dying, he had a rosary blessed at Lourdes, so I always take that with me.

A memento: I carry what I think you people in the old world would call a mojo bag. It contains hotel light switches, coins, matchbooks, the teeth of the concierge - stuff like that. I've also got a remnant or two of every trip I've taken dating back to 1974 when I went to Puerto Rico. Does that seem obsessive?

If only: If I was going hitchhiking, I'd like a travelling companion with me on my journey. I can't be too specific, though. You've seen it happen where someone travels alone at first but doesn't stay that way . . .

• Neil Hagerty's solo album, Neil Michael Hagerty, is released on Domino records on April 9