"I'll just be staring at him like a teenager," is how Johnny Borrell, oft-claimed hell raiser and Razorlight frontman is planning to spend tomorrow. Because Borrell will be sharing the stage with one Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), and a host of other names, all in the name of peace.
Razorlight and Islam will be joining artists including Youssoo NDour, Flawless, Jude Law and Eliza Doolittle at the O2 Arena for the Peace One Day concert, the biggest event yet for filmmaker Jeremy Gilley's Peace One Day campaign, dedicated to an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence, counting down to a Global Truce Day next year.
"We met on Jools Holland's show a while ago and started talking about music," remembers Borrell. "He's written all these stunning songs. It'll be amazing to be on stage with him."
But it seems Borrell would have rolled up anyway, the bonus ball of a duet with one of his musical heroes notwithstanding. As he puts it, "It's hard to be cynical about it, these people are working so hard, and if I can pop up and play a couple of tunes, it's the least I can do."
What can music do for world peace, Mr Borrell?
"Well, let's see," he ponders. "Music is an interesting vocation, basically a load of vibrating molecules, which can move to distraction, sadness, peace, so many things... so let's use it for good."
And do successful artists like himself have a duty to do charity work for others?
"I don't want to prescribe my morality to anyone else," he reflects, relaxing into his shtick. "But I certainly think you have to stand up for what you believe in. For example, this is a quest for a global ceasefire, that's unprecedented and inspiring."
Hang on - is this really the hoodlum providing reams of tabloid heaven with his on-stage arrogance and off-stage decadence? Where's that man?
He has the grace to laugh: "He was out and about last night, and I've got the hangover to prove it. Apparently I got on a motorbike and went out with some girls once. Doesn't every bloke under the age of 30 do that?"
If they could, I guess - so how does he deal with his toxic media reputation? "I did a gig once and I read two reviews the next day. One said I was diminutive, the other one said I was lanky, and even I, in my bedraggled state, realised one of them must be wrong. So I've never worried since. That was a strangely liberating day."
He's starting to sound horribly normal - what keeps him so? "Writing songs for my little album. And cricket, being pelted at with cricket balls on a village green. And sorting out motorcycle parts on my kitchen table. Sorry to disappoint you. I could say S & M..."
Please don't - this conversation has been a pleasure, surprisingly so. "Hmm," he ponders, "I seem to get that a lot."
Tickets are now on sale for the Peace One Day O2 Arena show