Damien Rice Still Loves Lisa Hannigan

Damien Rice does interviews only slightly more frequently than Axl Rose or Sly Stone. But apparently when the Irish troubadour does open up, he decides to make it count. OhNoTheyDidn't reports that the singer, in an interview with Hot Press, explained his split with frequent collaborator Lisa Hannigan for the first time. "I was a complete a--hole on many occasions," he said, blaming the difficulty of the music business and touring.

Hannigan was a vital part of Rice's sound since teaming up with him in 2002, providing harmonies and background vocals, and even singing lead on '9 Crimes,' the first single from Rice's '9' album. But in 2007, Rice said the "relationship had run it's course." He now admits it was their failed romance that led to the split and says he regrets that decision.

"I love her," Rice said. "I love her so much. And I love her so much that I love that she hasn't spoken to me -- because even in that I have learned so much over the last two years."

Hannigan has moved on, launching her own successful solo career, earning strong reviews for her solo debut, 'Sea Sew.' But Rice has not. He told Hot Press he "would give away all the music success, all the songs, and the whole experience to still have Lisa in my life."