Huey Morgan: ‘I’ve learned there’s really nothing to be scared of’

The musician, 55, on childhood loss, being raised by women, struggling with depression and the joy of dogs

My biggest rejection came from my father. He left and as a result there was a lot of overcompensation, me trying to be a tough guy on the streets. He was an alcoholic, a really bad guy, but my mother chose me over him. I’d tell people he’d died, because I didn’t want to address it. I didn’t do anything wrong, but for 20 years I thought I had.

I was raised in a situation that wasn’t judgmental and I was never dissuaded from being sensitive to other people’s feelings. I was brought up by my mum. I had a lot of women around me growing up, which was a great thing.