Joel Madden 'luckiest man in the world'

Joel Madden says becoming a father has helped him experience real love.

The Good Charlotte rocker has already forged a strong bond with daughter Harlow Winter Kate Madden, after partner Nicole Richie gave birth on January 11, and feels like the luckiest man in the world.

He said: "I've always been a guy who loves to love. Probably one of the things that define me outside of my work is LOVE. But I had no idea what love even was until Harlow came along.

"You've got to surround yourself with the things you love. I want my kid to grow up around that. Me and her mother feel like the luckiest two people alive right now. This time in our life has been amazing."

Joel, 28, also said he will do everything in his power to protect Harlow from negativity and evil in the world. He wrote on the blog of his clothing website, DCMA clothing: "Nicole and I both look at our little girl every single moment everyday and know there is nothing we wouldn't do to protect her and her perfect little innocence.

"It seems like you turn on the TV, or go online and it is all bad news. We don't want her to know any of that yet. I actually never want her to know any of the pain and suffering we see out in the world everyday, or how harsh people can be as a result of it.

"Having this baby has really made me realise we all start out that way, then somewhere along the way something happens and people go one way or the other. But all started out sweet and innocent just like my little daughter.

"The world could really make you bitter if you let it, but that is where music and art come in to save the day."