So – Thanks to big Dave and AY for a fun tour. Got that Southern humour going now. Different again!

Keith Nickless: ‘Hope the road is kind to you (it wasn’t). Are you listening to any particular artists: Will you get the new Bowie album?’ Actually, I was spending most of my time freezing to death and catching up on UK telly.

Whalespoon thinks W.I.P. is the best Stones album they never recorded. I don’t get the comparison at all, but that’s just me.

Phyl: Hi Phyl, had a minor altercation with a hotel table.

Chris Miller wanted ‘Nightingale’ for his wedding to Andrea. Too late now, sorry!

Andrew Jones wanted ‘Soap ‘n’ Water’ or ‘Wash Us Away’ on the acoustic tour. Sorry! I wanted to give ‘Wash Us Away’ a rest. ‘Soap’ will be done at some juncture.

Peter: ‘I just watched the documentary on BBC4. You played St. Georges Hall – I met you with a chap who I thought was a tramp. It was Max Wall. Any memories?’ I just remember Max in the front row at sound checks leaning intently into the speakers. He loved the Who and he loved Mott the Hoople. Very gifted man – not only as a comedian, but as a serious actor. Also a very sad man; his personal life was in disarray.

Jim Porter wanted ‘Boy’ and ‘Wish I Was Your Mother’ at Dartford. Oh dear.

John: ‘What’s the opening violin music to R.I.P. on the ‘Strings Attached’ album?’ Ketjl Bergestrand wrote all of the additional orchestral music on ‘Strings Attached’. Beautiful, isn’t it?

Jeffrey: Don’t get me started – it was scary weather. Sorry about the other stuff. What can you do?

John Frawley: ‘How much longer do you think you’ll play live?’ How many gigs have we done – around 60 on top of W.I.P. – still in one piece. I don’t give it much thought. I guess nature will take care of itself.

Doc Watson: ‘Did you hear Chris Spedding’s last band, King Mob? Great CD – shame they split.’ Why split on a great cd?

Dave Hancox: ‘Two of my favourite songs on W.I.P. are ‘What For’ and ‘I Don’t Know What You Want’. This is partly due to the fact I can relate them right now.’ I think what you’re saying is do these songs pertain to annoying kids!! Well, we were annoying kids once, too. The one song didn’t motivate the other song – no – but I get what you are saying.

Rick Graves: As far as I know, it’s still in print in the UK and France.

Matt Nojonen: Yes, it was a weird ending to a life wasn’t it. I don’t know about Rose coloured glasses. The more I read, the grimmer it gets. Thanks for the book title.

Steven Defoe: Sorry – I don’t do facebook.

Robert Flynn: Canada? Eastern Seaboard? Truthfully, I’m not sure.

Pat Beirne: ‘Are you ever going to retire or are you going to be an old bluesman?’ Who knows. When I’m home; I want to go out. When I’m out; I want to be home. Bit of both is probably the most suitable.

Graham Hill: Hope you enjoyed Dartford.

Franchie wants a live ‘Rant Band’ C of last he last four cd’s. Who knows?

Jan Peter Reeves: Thank you for everything.

Michael McCreery: I think that’s the Rant Band.

David Conroy: ‘Will the original members of MTH reform?’ Hold your breath.

Keith Hollinshed is on bout a Beeb show called ‘Mastertapes’. I don’t go looking; they either come or they don’t.

Jean Clement Muller: ‘Hi – I’m from Luxembourg and saw your concert last night at 66 in Verviers. Let me tell you it was a really great gig and I felt luck to be there. Any chance you’ll release a live acoustic trio CD?’ We’re looking at it.

Dennis Yates: ‘What were your thoughts when you wrote ‘Beatles and the Stones’ in ‘Dudes’ ‘? You’ll have to ask David. He wrote it.

Howard: Hope Col enjoyed Sale. Give him my best.

Ian Crawford: ‘Shoreham was good. ‘Ta Shunka Witco’ was just amazing.’

Ian Mant enjoyed Tavistock.

Ian: ‘Really enjoyed Rope + Tackle; great set – view limited. You should stand up more.’ Couldn’t stand up – my right foot was working a foot pedal.

Thom: ‘What’s your biggest achievement?’ I have no idea.

Nick Wood: Thought ‘Ballad of MTH’ was great.

Jeff Belcher: Tracie played with me, Jess has played with me – same lady.

Andrew Field: ‘Manchester (Sale) brilliant yet again. Bass player amazing and Yorkie in fine form. Arrangements were equally impressive. Too Many highlights to mention, but I loved ‘Life’ at the end. Catherine (my partner) liked the Beethoven influences on ‘Dead Man’. Cheers for what you’re doing.’

Kirk: ‘Sheffield – we both loved it.’

Gerry Pachter: ‘Any news on Buffin’s current health?’ I’m not privy to that; Jean is the person you have to ask. ‘Is Pete still making music (dunno); do you keep in touch?’ Not really, but I love Pete so – you never know.

Glyn Jones: Ain’t too popular in your neck of the woods. Straight up the middle is where we go.

Derek Sargeant: ‘You’ve slipped in Holmfirth again as a wam up to the Isle of Wight. I take it you were impressed with the gig last year?’

Ken Riley enjoyed Sale.

Richard Boote: ‘Totally blown away at the Wulfrun Hall. The sound of the three of you and the engineer (Pete Dutton) did a great job. The sound was incredible. Double bass – incredible.’

Ted: ‘Ian – as a Shropshire lad (Ludlow – 44) and S.T.F.C. fan, just want to say what a brilliant night we had in Wolverhampton.’

Colin Fowler: ‘Hey Ian – wondering if you remember two guys – myself and a friend – playing Mick Ronson’s guitar at Sheffield Octagon (Sheffield Uni). Mick did his crouch and we started strumming it – because we strummed in time he let us get on with it. He turned to you and shouted: ‘Look at this Ian.’ And you looked bemused – great times.’ I don’t remember this, but it’s totally believable.

Neil enjoyed Dartford, even though I didn’t do ‘Violence’.

Alan Davy enjoyed Dartford.

Geoff Bryant: Dartford was fantastic. Do ‘Henry and the H Bomb.’ Not a bad idea.

Twmas: ‘My wife and I travelled from Wales to Wolverhampton for the acoustic tour – utterly brilliant. Don’t know how you do it.’

Ma Nojonen: ‘Did you ever play or know Rory Gallagher?’ Once upon a time I played bass for Freddie Fingers Lee and Fred got dates in Ireland. Rory opened for us. I think his band was called Taste. Lovely chap. On the question of reggae – it doesn’t seem applicable in my geographic area, but when in Bahamia the cap fits perfectly. Love it. Segue into Adams and Jefferson a tad clumsy, but here we are. They even died on the same day!

Bob Allen: ‘In ‘Wild East’ what’s making that snapping air sound that is so cool?’ No idea.

Tyler: I believe the Dominion stuff is owned by the B.B.C. so it’s up to them. It was a great couple of gigs.

Clifford Bowen: ‘How long before you and Mick are inducted?’ Frankly, dear Cliff……

Art Munson: ‘Any chance of your doing the Stone Pony this summer?’ It’s not on the schedule at the moment.

Dr. Patricia Tillack: I know Mark – he’s a good lad. Thought he was piloting; give him my best.

Edward Shirley: ‘Do you still think Rock ‘n’ Roll’s a loser’s game?’ All depends what mood I’m in.

George: Album doesn’t belong to me; it belongs to Sony.

Chris Featherstone: ‘Just seen the acoustic set at Wolverhampton and you were immense – given the choice – electric or acoustic?’ Why choose when you can do them both? It makes a change now and again to mix it up. Don’t want it to become boring. Now I’ve done the trio I’m really looking forward to the Ranters.

Bernnd Spetzke: ‘Did you put a jinx on me? 5 years ago on my way to your gig in Hannover, I was involved in a heavy car crash and couldn’t make it to see you on stage having travelled 400K. This month I went to see your gig in Switzerland (long distance again -500 k), but really worth to go – great show and many thanks for the autographs. On my way home I crashed again (hit by a Swiss driver) so I’m very happy that I went by plane to see the MTH reunion. I don’t want to think about a plane crash. See you on stage next time!!’ You’ll be the one with the bandages!

Joe Allan: ‘Great show at Kinross on Friday. Liquid Room superb as well.’ Kinross was difficult. You’re playing on a hollow stage above a filled in swimming pool! OK for acoustic acts, but difficult with a double bass. Bloody cold too!!

By the way, we were stranded for ten hours 12 miles outside of Brighton on the A23. Nearly ran out of fuel. Scary. We all got the flu – different varieties but nasty just the same. Weirdest March ever?

The Kevsta: ‘Stamford – acoustic tour – stunning. Brilliant set. AY’s guitar excellent, Dave Roe – stunning! Set – prime first class. Came away beaming and grinning.’ That’s what it’s all about.

Rick Graves: ‘Was ‘Rose’ written for anybody in particular?’ Yup. ‘How did ‘Your Eyes’ not make it onto ‘Shrunken Heads’? I don’t remember this particular song, but usually we go with our instincts on what should or should not be on any given album. Maybe it doesn’t fit – maybe it’s not good enough. ‘Ever consider adding ‘Stretch’ to the set list?’ Not really.

Paul Cavani: Gotta do it somewhere!

Jay Tashjian: Alright, Jay.

Chris: ‘Just dug out ‘YUI ORTA’ and gave it some spins (yes, vinyl). Why don’t you ever play anything from it?’ We do from time to time.

Deirdre: My brother Bob was born in Market Drayton, Shropshire in 1947.

Paul and Jenny: ‘We LOVED Wulfrun – great mixture of old and new. New songs as strong as ever. See you next time.’ Cheers.

Gar Black: ‘Great show in Leeds last night. Any plans o include ‘Soul of America’ in future set lists?’ ‘Soul’ was in the set for a long time. We did it on the last acoustic trio tour, so I thought we’d give it a miss this time out.

Janet Mitchel: ‘Just had to say fab night in Stockton. Andy York was amazing. I was sitting right in front of him and couldn’t help watching his fingers. Don’t know how you feel after a show, but I was still high on Thursday after the Tuesday night.’ Thank you.

Seth Purvin: Susie’s still has that guitar.

Thom: ‘Do you still have the Maltese Cross as played with MTH?’ The original was crap. Joe Elliott had a facsimile made for my 70th. Sounds GREAT. Used it at the 2009 reunion.

Lee Ann: ‘Have you seen Mick’s Blues Band? Are you meeting him for his birthday?’ Haven’t seen the band because I don’t live in the UK. We were going to have a drink before I came home, but he got sick. He came to Milton Keynes, so we had a good old chat.

Mark Waite: ‘Leeds great – any chance of an acoustic cd?’ Don’t know yet; haven’t heard the stuff. I want AY to have a listen first.

Seth Purvin: ‘Do you get nervous before you go on?’ A little bit. Nowhere near how I used to be. I was too nervous for many years; like it better now.

Darren Johnson: ‘Just back from the Bloomsbury Theater. Thanks for a great gig. Love to see you at a UK festival. Do you get asked?’ We are doing the Isle of Wight on June 15th this year – main stage.

Pat Beirne: ‘Loved MK show – truly fantastic. New album great. Which of your albums would you record differently?’ Which album are you least proud of.’ ‘All of the Good Ones Are Taken’ – that’s off the bat. I might say different tomorrow.

Marcus: ‘Saw you last night at the Stables – totally blown away. Too many people around after to get to say thanks for a cracking night. Will the Stables be a regular tour date for you?’ Well, definitely be back in some acoustic configuration.

Marty G: I don’t know about being ‘ahead of their time’ but something about Mott just doesn’t go away. It’s quite incredible the interest the band still garners. It’s getting harder to turn stuff down. I’m glad there isn’t much video footage as it gives the band mystique. Zep never bothered with TV. And I think TV stinks as an R + R tool.

Jim Chisholm: Come to Vancouver and do ‘When the World Was Round’. That’s one song I would have liked to put in the acoustic set, but too many slow songs can knock it off balance.

Sara from Western, MA: We have a plethora of kick ass venues.

Colin: Two things you have to take into consideration – 1. The amount you need to pay the bills and 2. The overheads of the venues you are likely to play. I can assure you, if we can find a Liverpool venue that fits the criteria – we’ll be there.

Owen Kelley: W.I.P. out sold the previous four albums – both in the U.S. and in Europe. The radio station you mention sounds like it only plays fast rock.

Paul: It’s not up to me. It’s up to my agent and Welsh promoters.

Neil McCormack: ‘Do you ever sit back when a lyric is finished and glow with pride? Some lyrics – especially cute ones can bring a smile involuntarily. It’s nice to know it’s still there.

Ian Mack: ‘What’s your beef with Tony Defries?’ He messed up Hunter/Ronson because he couldn’t get full control. (p.s. from Trudi: He messed up MTH too.)

Jay Tasjian: I remember Arthur coming into Mott’s dressing room at the Felt Forum – he was huge with a tiny voice: ‘Pete – you’re bootiful!’.

Jack Benson: Just watch this site. I’ve only just got back from the UK so I’m a bit behind time.

Jonathan Cullinane: ‘Stables wonderful. Front row – truly blown away by ‘Ships’.

Colin Powell: Glad all was well.

Graham Stark: ‘Just wanted to say thanks for the UK acoustic tour. Probably better than I thought it would be – so many good songs. We all know how good Andy is technically, but Dave Roe also played brilliantly. High lite: ‘When My Mind’s Gone’ ‘.

David Shasta: ‘Loved Dartford and London. Lucky enough tot sit behind Maggie and Lisa Ronson. Took my wife – who enjoyed it more than Boston in late December – and that’s saying something! Were any of the shows recorded?’ I believe so, but we haven’t heard anything yet.

Chris Brett: As above.

Peter Jordan: ‘Thanks for a great night in Leeds. Loved the Rant Band in October, but I’ve never seen a crowd reaction quite like City Varieties including last time you were there.

Steve from Tulsa: ‘Firstly, let me say how much Judy and I enjoyed the shows at the Winery. The band was terrific and the new stuff sounded great live – Dennis is a great addition. He had awesome B3 sounds during ‘The Moon Upstairs’.

Steve Yardley: Saw you in Sheffield, great gig. Really like the new stuff.

Kent Engstron: ‘Flew over from Sweden. Saw the London show. Blew me away. 12th time I’ve seen you since 1977, but this was probably the best so far. ‘Dead Man’ made my wife cry (and she’s a tough cookie) – even though she’d never heard the song before. Magnificent!!’ Lovely.

ARF ‘Great show at Bloomsbury. Really enjoyed ‘Letter’. I’d given up hope of hearing that one again.

Phil Wood: They’ve told me twenty times what it is, but I still forget.

Clyde: ‘Denver’? Doesn’t seem to be much call for us round there.

Shep: Didn’t one of MTH write a book about Mott on the road?’ Yes, I did. It’s called ‘Diary of a Rock Star’. Get googling.

John Dalton: I can’t really answer this one as I don’t use session musicians per se. Some of my guys do sessions, but we’re all pretty much of a mind that machines can’t replace people. Machines are cold and accurate – that’s why pop is so stale and boring. I think you’re talking more about pop than the field I’m in. We don’t use machines – we use people we respect.

Lectric Eye: I think if I fell off that particular stage I’d remember it, so non, I don’t think that happened. For the record, he may speak highly of me now, but he didn’t in the old days.

John Caswell: ‘It seems like Proper Record have done a great job promoting the new album in the UK – even putting out the vinyl limited edition. What has the U.S. label done – not that much that I can see. It’s a shame – this record has some of your finest songs on it. What do you think of the job they’re doing?’ I thought Missing Piece was a great move on SlimStyle’s part, but now that deal has run out they seem to have disappeared. SlimStyle- where are you!!!

Pat: Thanks for the melodies!!! (Bob Hope) ‘Was watching the movie Chicago last night and got the sudden urge to hear ‘Pearl and Roy’. Then it hit me. ‘The Hoople’ would make a great show. You already have all of these characters: The ‘Golden Age’ announcer, The ‘Marionette’, ‘The Teacher, ‘Trudi’, ‘Alice’, ‘The Crash Street Kids’, ‘Pearl and Roy’, The mirror. Pearl and Roy could have come out of ‘Oliver’ – now all we need is somebody to write a book!’ You have a point.

Billy: Great show at Bloomsbury – neat reaction at the end of the gig. Do you ever do ‘River of Tears’? We did it for a while when that record came out.

Mark Trude: ‘I recently contributed to several artists ‘kickstarter’ like campaigns to pay from production costs. What is your take on this?’
I’m all for it. As long as you believe in the artist and what they’re doing – I think it’s great. Why not.

Ooour Wullie: ‘Hello – while I absolutely love the Rant Band, I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing the different arrangements and versions by the trio. Superb. Your in the form of your life.’ Appreciated.

Chris: ‘Artful Dodger’ was me on the way back from nowhere. ‘Shrunken Heads’ is more confident.

Steve K: I had a good time. Those guys are seriously good.

Gaz T: ‘I think your band is as tight as it’s ever been and just for the record – Steve Holley’s outstanding!

Peter Kane: ‘Australia?’ By the time I get there, most of England will be there too.

Aaron Davis: ‘Get the boys back together and make another run at it. Saw you in Kansas City. Queen and Aerosmith opened for you and haven’t seen anything like it since. Overend just a Rock + Roll star. Theatrics and Rock – can’t beat it.’

Gerald Lynch: It’s all here – on this site. All you have to do is drop by and check the updates once in a while.

Stefan Carlsson: ‘Thanks for a great gig at the Bloomsbury Theater. Flew over to Heathrow in the morning. Took some pictures you can see on our friend Fred Pettersson’s website ‘Ian Hunter Rocks’ .’ I used several people for ‘Boy’

Jack: Cheers

Daniel Allanson: My pleasure, Daniel.

Patrik: ‘Wow! I was terribly impressed!!’ About what, Patrik?

Pasquale Truglia: Nice meeting up. They looked after us really well. Their reps were with us everywhere – great splitter!

Brit Fan: ‘Acoustic at Sheffield outstanding; Dave Roe superb. Who’s idea to go back to Holmfirth?’ Everybodies.

Ian Mack: ‘Your thoughts on Margaret Thatcher’s passing?’ I always thought that she and Reagan took the guilt out of greed. The rich kind of got nastier and more openly arrogant. But she also made a lot of sense that people didn’t want to hear. So grudging respect. She stuck to her guns did Maggie. Not my cup of tea, but Conservatively spot on. Now, had I been a miner……

Fish: Bloomsbury – brilliant.

Paul Rivers: Graham’s doing pretty well over here as we speak.

Jeffrey Williams: I got a better idea. Pack!!!

Sorry I was late, but you know how it is. Somebody’s hacked all this spam into the Horse’s Mouth -totally useless info that nobody wants. Computers are great and all that, but I think they’re actually extremely annoying.

Nice to see a bit of sun again!!

IH

The Horse’s Mouth

If you would like to hear it “straight from the Horse’s Mouth”, you can Ask your question here.

“Now people realise that we were innovators. When you work as hard as we did, you appreciate that” – Ian Hunter

“My favourite ever band, there’s not one dud on here, but there are some great tunes with very insightful lyrics and the ultimate pop song in “Honaloochie Boogie”. Joe Elliott of Def Leppard on the ‘Mott’ album

Formed in 1969, Mott The Hoople went on to become one of the best loved and most influential rock groups of all time. Their string of hits started with the David Bowie-penned “All The Young Dudes”, after which the band’s legend was written with original classics such as “All the Way From Memphis”, “Roll Away The Stone”, “Saturday Gigs” and “The Golden Age Of Rock N Roll”.

The band, whose fame was established initially by their incandescent live shows, reformed to celebrate their legacy in 2009, which saw them play a series of critically and commercially successful live dates to mark their 40th anniversary. The gigs, including a 5-night, sold-out stint at London’s Hammersmith Apollo, were the first time the original lineup had played together in over 35 years, and brought a tear to many a fan’s eye. The universally lavish praise for them included a 5/5 Daily Telegraph review that declared “Mott The Hoople storm back to London for a dazzling night at the Hammersmith Apollo.”

The band will be returning to the UK in November 2013 for five dates only:

Mon 11th Nov Birmingham Symphony Hall
Wed 13th Nov Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
Sat 16th Nov Newcastle City Hall
Sun 17th Nov Manchester O2 Apollo
Mon 18th Nov London The O2

The shows will feature original members Verden Allen (keyboards/vocals), Ian Hunter (vocals/guitar / piano), Mick Ralphs (guitar/vocals) and Overend Watts (bass/vocals). Due to ill health, original drummer Dale Griffin will be substituted by Martin Chambers (The Pretenders).

All tickets are priced £40, except London, which is £45 – subject to booking fee and available through www.aeglive.co.uk. Tickets go on sale at 9am GMT Friday 26th April 2013.

www.mottthehoople.com

Hey,

Sitting in my Berne Hotel room watching Wigan seeing off Everton. Italy was fine – better than expected, although Andy and Dave had nasty bouts with flu in Trieste. I had it before them, so I was OK.

Dan McAllister: ‘Ever done ‘The Outsider’ on stage?’ Yup.

Leon Laudenbach: ‘Record the acoustic tour!!’

Steve: ‘Are you coming to Cleveland?’ Always.

Catherine Lyons wants ‘Girl From the Office’ on the acoustic tour. We do it now and again.

William Moran: ‘When’s the next album out?’ Jeez – give me a break here.

Peter Jordan: ‘Has the way your songs hold up in the acoustic set surprised you?’ It’s just a different mindset. We’re having fun – it’s just different.

By the way, it’s an hour set with the Rant Band at the Isle of Wight.

r.j.croteau: ‘Been a fan since ’73; any planned gigs in Florida?’ Sorry.

Joejo: ‘Any NY shows in the works?’ Keep checking this site.

Joe N: ‘How did you get to the Winery if all the roads were closed in CT for most of the day?’ It all seemed a bit over dramatic to me – our side of the state was clear – it was the eastern part that really got it.

Frank Cino: ‘Great show Sunday at the Winery! Thanks for ‘Shrunken Heads’. I could rave more about your stellar performances but you probably get bored w/all. I’m learning how to précis!

Amanda Jones: ‘ ‘Dudes’ was on the Simpsons – did you know?’ We signed off on it.

Dave Roberts: ‘How do I get autographs?’ It’s a crap shoot. If I’m around and you’re around – I’ll do them.

Pat Beirne: ‘Do you get fed up being questioned about MTH when your new stuff is equally potent? Saw you on the Beeb and questions were biased to the past.’ The BBC (bless ‘em) didn’t do their homework. It’s sad that the only time you get a big ‘shot’ – they insist on delving. I guess they can’t follow everybody’s careers, but we do have web site. I’m not a fan of TV; I don’t enjoy doing it.

Matt Giarrizzo: ‘I should have gone to see you and the Rant Band instead of ‘The Who’ in Oakland. You can never go home as they say. Why did the promoters put you on on the same night?’ I’ve no idea; what can you do.

Danny want’s ‘Apathy’ on the UK tour.

Roni Von Henschen: Don’t remember this; good title.

Carol Thor: Sorry nothing in April – saves you a fortune!

Cino: I do ‘Shrunken Heads’ – we’re doing it at the moment – but songs can get stale and so I might leave them out for a while. ‘Flowers’ is not in the set at the moment because we’d done it non-stop. Sometimes they need a rest.

Northampton Nick: Not sure. It might have been 13. It was at the top end on the right – not far from the pub.

Dave Hines: ‘Just want to thank you for your wonderful show at ‘Infinity Hall’ in Norfolk last night. I’ve never seen a better concert anywhere. What you are doing at this point in your life is amazing. When will the N.R. A. song you performed be released? I can see why you are so happy with the Rant Band.’ Thanks. The ‘NRA song you mention is ‘Now is the Time’ It’s off an album I did in the 90′s – I modified the lyrics.

Tamara Guo: ‘You guys are the BEST.’

Mike: ‘Detroit.’

Jalopy: ‘Can I have your glasses after the next NY show – like jockey’s give their goggles after the end of the horse races at Saratoga?’ Well – goggles are cheaper! ‘I want a Rant Band double album. No guests – just you and the Rant Band.’ So do a lot of people, but I don’t see any label approaching it as of yet.

Jay Tashjian: ‘Is Pete lame from all those high boots?’ Nope.

Kellianne Flynn: ‘Where do I begin – saw Sunday night at the Winery – still shaking my head – you got perfection running through your blood. Absolutely blown away. ‘When My Mind’s Gone’ perfectly done …..’ And she goes on. Blush, blush!!

Dennis Romano: ‘Great night at he Winery.’

Nigel: ‘Love W.I.P. – when is the next one coming out?’ We played WIP in Italy. The cd’s not out here but it went down great. Kind of neat playing a two hour set of stuff people have never heard. They were great. As far as the next cd – I haven’t had a chance as of yet – owing to the live work.

Edward Shirley: ‘Ian – will you stand for Pope?’ Nope – I watched the Borgias.

Larry Woodside: Enjoyed the El Ray.’ So did I.

Tom L.: ‘Thanks for two great shows in NYC. Great time. R.L.F.’

Mike Pecucci: ‘Does it bug you when people want a bunch of stuff signed just so they can make a few bob?’ It bothers me when they get aggressive (as they did when we did Carnegie Hall).

Jeffrey: ‘WIP – brilliant piece of work. Great arrangements esp. Boschy’s pulsing guitar (was that his idea? (Yup). Song is like a narcotic.

John Dalton: ‘Always amazed at your ability to write and transition between moving ballads and scorching rockers. Which type of song is more difficult for you to write and compose?’ Fast ones are harder to come by.

Nigel: ‘How come you replaced And Burton? I thought he played well.’ Rufus Wainwright offered AB a year’s worth of work – so he took it. Ennis replace him and has played his way into the band. We still ove AB, he was at the Winery, as was Tommy Mandel – another fine keyboard player. Life goes on!!

Julian Richards wants ‘Win It All’ in Stockton. That’s not on the list at the moment. Sorry.

Adam Hammond says the UK Subs have doe ‘Angel of Eighth Avenue’>

Steve Karmazin: Proper (our UK label) are releasing WIP on vinyl.

Louis: ‘Please do ‘Ships’ in Tavistock. We may.

Eric Nielson: ‘Why haven’t you been inducted into the RRHF?’ Haven’t got the any idea. Trudi says it’s because I don’t schmooze and play the game.

Steve Karmazin: Andy and John are mates, so I’m sure that had something to do with it.

Mouth: ‘Ever play around the Tallahasse/Pensacola area? You are on my bucket list – been listening to you since ‘Brain Capers’.’ Can’t say we do.

Carlos Tejeda: I remember doing Kirshner’s show. Don’t know what happened to it.

Peggy: Enjoyed the El Rey. John Cusack was at the El Rey show – very nice chap.

Eric Allan: ‘Where do I get a legal down load of ‘Overnight Angels’? Try Amazon.com or i-tunes.

Tom Forgette: ‘Any plans for ‘Diary’ to become available as an e-book? Hadn’t really thought about it. Good idea. Tom still likes AAAB (the one that did me in).

Barbara Anzellotti: Glad for him.

John Sutton: A change is as good as a rest sometimes and it’s a big improvement. I’ve had tents and fires burning back in the day. All sorts of stuff and it’s not cool.

Hairy E. Rutherford: ‘Come to Grand Rapids – me in the front row awestruck and smiling.’ Sounds good to me.

Jack: Thanks.

Tom Flynn: ‘London date around the IOW? Not London (due to contractual exclusions), but a couple of warm ups.

Kevin Brooks: Still ain’t a blueser, but you’re very welcome.

Tom: favorably impressed with everything!

Madeleine Hague: Thanks for the syrup – Madeleine says her husband ‘gets it’. Really, that’s it – either you get it or you don’t!

K. Lucas: Re: Shadow Morton R.I.P. Yes, he produced a MTH single (Midnight Lady). Steve Marriott helped out on that one. Shadow was larger than life. I told him I liked his shirt and he immediately ripped it off and gave it to me. Don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

Gary Ashton: ‘Looking forward to Leeds acoustic. City Varieties is the perfect venue for this type of gig? Yup.

Jorge: ‘Hi Amigo!! Waiting for you in Spain. No chance so a couple of Spaniards going to London! Viva el Rock ‘n’ Roll!!’ Ole!

McClenaghan: distracted, impatient, lazy.

Ian Mack: ‘What’s your favourite quotation and do you have a credo?’ You’ll have to wait on the quotation bit – I’ve got a book full of them at home, but they’re not here. Credo? Do what you want to do (There’s always a way). Avoid anything the main pack follows – it’s usually duff. Avoid anything institutional – if at all possible. Delegate and don’t take your job home. That’ll do for starters.

Graham Stark: ‘Do ‘When My Mind’s Gone’ on the acoustic tour.’ It is on the short list, but it won’t be performed every night.

Mark F: ‘Just the Way You Look Tonight’ another Trudi song? Yeah. How many tunes have written about your better half? Dunno – she’s the muse.

Paul: ‘You should write a song about fans who look different.’ Well, we are all looking different nowadays. I can’t even remember how we looked before.

Burr O’Bryant: ‘What made Mick Ronson different?’ Quality control and taste.

Lee Ann: ‘Did you hear 72 is the new 30?’ I can’t hear anything!

Ian Docherty: Looking forward to Stockton.

Thomas Kundrath: Only doing the H/M now, but better late than never. HAPPY BIRTHAY VICKIE!!

Ken Thomas: A bay window is a type of window – no ‘bay’ involved.

Matt: That’s largely why I’m doing it. Kinda like Everest – it’s there.

Dave Griffiths, MBE: ‘Black Tears’ has got hit written all over it!! But obviously not!

Caz: We may do the NYC Winery in the fall. It’s being worked on.

Rob Clayton’ ‘Nice to see New Hope becoming a yearly tradition.’ As to the other part of your email – I’ve met him two or three times and he’s always very gracious. Son’s pretty cool, too.

John Bird: I have to be in the U.S. in April.

Billy: ‘ ‘Ta Shunka Witco’ amazing live – how do you prepare for gigs? ‘With ‘Crazy Horse’ you can’t really rehearse it that much – it’s organic (like ‘Bastard’). It will change slightly every night. You let the guys do their thing – don’t like rehearsing much – and if everyone does their homework… Everybody I work with is very good at homework.

Ian Mack: ‘What do you remember about the first time you heard yourself on the radio?’ I don’t know about the first time, but I remember hearing ‘Half Moon Bay’ on a blokes bicycle transistor radio in Greenwich Village and that blew me away.

Bertie: ‘What is your proudest achievement? Professionally, and personally.’ Professionally, it’s been this little comeback roll we’ve been on for a while now and personally that the kids are fine and Tru and me are still standing.

Take care,

IH

The Horse’s Mouth

If you would like to hear it “straight from the Horse’s Mouth”, you can Ask your question here.

Just did the Winery last night; doing it again tonight. We made it by the skin of our teeth. Sorry for those who couldn’t get in due to Nemo. Here goes!

Tore Brynjulfsen: ‘Do you think ‘Shrunken Heads’ and ‘Man Overboard’ better suited to acoustic?’ You just approach it differently. The Rant Band’s got their version and the trio’s got theirs. Really, it’s in the ears of the beholder.

Julian Richards: ‘What’s the story behind ‘Win It All’?’ People get down and out – got to remind them all is not lost.

Don + June have been traveling around with us – Boston – West Coast – NYC – and Brighton. Much appreciated.

Jack Benson: ‘Come back to Phoenixville!!’

Oor Wullie on about an acoustic ‘Nae Wheels ti Ride’. No.

Jim Hardy: Getting the whole family involved. Chicago based. Nice one.

Patty Woltz: Yup – up and moved. Trudi will let you know.

Thomas: ‘Is there a DVD release from the Union Chapel planned?’ No.

Pat Beirne: ‘Which critics do you have respect for?’ People who know what they’re talking about. I can smell a phony sod a mile away.

Mark Trude: ‘Thanks for Washington D.C. Graham Parker just had his star turn in ‘This is 40′. Have you ever been offered a film role, and if you were, would you be interested?’ I’m happy for Graham – he’s very excited about the movie. For myself – it would depend on the script. I use to fancy doing it, but now I’m not so sure. It has been suggested from time to time, but it’s never materialized for various reasons – mainly financial.

Kevin Brooks: I think Miller’s in Germany when I’m over there. We’ve been offered to do the Iridium in NYC, but haven’t been able to do it yet.

Paul D says Miller’s in Austria when we get to Shoreham, so there you have it. Paul wants ‘Henry ‘n’ the H. Bomb.’

Greg Becker says I’m rocking harder now – is age creeping in? Yup!!

Sam: ‘When can we grab a quick pint and talk about the olden days?’ (Sam is 26). Hey – I can bore with the best of them – ask the band!!

Jim Porter: ‘Got the acoustic set list yet?’ Working on it with Andy.

Mark Tomlinson re: Ronno. That’s Defries territory.

Pul Palladino wanted ‘Irene Wilde’ last night. Sorry! Lots of you commenting on Dennis (our new keyboardist) favorably. He’s a great fit. We still love AB, but it’s Dennis’ gig – he’s earned it.

Carsten Linde: I like Denmark, but we don’t do well there so what’s the point.

John Bird: I’m working solid through March.

Dave Iozzia: Typical David.

Brian: ‘If you were a new act with a decent product entering the market now – how would you approach things?’ I’d get the web site up and running as soon as possible. It’s the wild west out there. One of the band needs to network non-stop. * The ‘decent product’ – probably needs an upgrade.

Mo: ‘One of my favourite tracks of yours is ‘Now is the Time’. (Same here.) What is it about?’ ‘Now is the Time’ was the first decent song I’d written in a while after the 80′s. I know I had it when I did the Freddie Mercury show in ’92.
I really like the song a lot and I’ve recently reintroduced it into the current set. Changed the lyrics slightly – now it’s aimed at that idiot who runs the NRA. Steve and Paul giving it a real slinky groove. Definitely fun to play.

Emma: ‘Are you coming back to Sweden?’ Yup. ‘Do you play ‘Man Overboard’ often?’ Currently it’s not in the Rant Band set, but it’ll probably be in the acoustic set. Thanks for the genius bit!

Seth Purvin: Actually, I preferred Stan and Ollie.

Steve (Tulsa) is very fond of ‘Black Tears’ and Boschy’s solo therein. Nice bumping into you.

Russ Sulich: Good albums are fluky. ‘Schitzo’ was a combination of good musicians, good studio, a good engineer good co-producer and a few songs I’d put together while Mick was away. Good label, good manager etc. etc. etc. – fluky.

Dave Hancox: Too personal.

Dan Baker: ‘Danny Goldberg was very complimentary to you in the book he’s just released.’ Didn’t know he had a book out. ‘Just had the flu. I wanted to die!’ I had it too. Trudi took my temperature and it was 103.7. She said, ‘You’re going to hospital’. I said, ‘Take it again’ – she did – it was down to 102.4. Scared me lower.

Wayne wanted ‘Big Mouth’ at the El Ray. Sorry, Wayne.

Bill Milks: All depends on the geography. We fly – we use splitters – get cabs now and again. In Europe it’s mostly splitters.

Barbara Anzellotti: By the time you read this I will hopefully have met you or at least talked about your husband. Hope you made it as the Friday was cancelled and we’re now scheduled for this coming Wednesday. It takes time. I didn’t get upset; I just got angry – very angry.

John Dalton: ‘Fatally Flawed’ was written about two people – both of them female.

Paul Cavani: We’ll be there.

Bill Kuecher: ‘Please come back to Chicago with the Rand Band.’ We will.

Loydster went to the Coach House – how was it?

Liz K: You’ve got Mark down!) I enjoyed the El Ray. Good crowd as was the Fillmore.

Colin Powell is going to Kinross.

Matt Nojonen: Pretty wild poem – you should be in a band! We remember you – I’ll let you know if we get round to it.

Ian Mack: I think lead singers want to be lead guitarists and lead guitarists want to be lead singers. We’re the front guys. We’re the attack and we’ve got the defense behind us. (And I have the best defense!)

Jeffrey: Hoping I got over the flu – I did.

John Hoffman has been waiting for ‘Alice’ for 35 years. It had been in the set for awhile – we just took it out as it was getting a little too much use. Sorry about that.

Paul Skau – along with a lot of you – is really enjoying the new album.

Jz and the gang.: ‘Thanks for coming to California!! New album perhaps your best…play the whole damn thing!!! See you at the Coach House/Canyon Club but ….we want a RANT band set at the El Rey!!! (You got it!).

Dan Sebald: ‘The Who did the same night as you in Oakland. Tell Roger to keep his shirt buttoned up.’

Ian Crawford: If you bump into me, I’ll sign.

Rick Goward: The regulars say it must get bothersome to answer the same questions over and over again, but – hey – new people pop by and I don’t mind filling them in. It’s kind of like the shows. The regulars see the similarities, but you have to remember we’ve got locals and casuals coming as well. You may be sick of i.e. ’23a’ – but it has impact for the newcomer.

Lyle wants Toronto – we just got back!

Tom Caulfield: This is the Australian guy who travels all over the world with us. Welcome aboard Tom and thanks for your support.

Dave Combs: Sorry, ‘Too Much’ wasn’t in the set at the Canyon Club. Hope you had a great anniversary (I’m reading this after the event).

Jersey Steve: Haven’t seen Eric in a long time, but we are mates.

Craig A: ‘How about playing the Roxy again in LA?’ I kinda like the El Rey. They keep the place tidy. The Roxy haven’t made an offer anyway.

Brian Easton: ‘What was the instrumental track on the October tour?’
Can’t remember. The one we’re using currently is a James Mastro find. This guy, Lomax, taped an actual chain gang; that’s what we’re using.

Jay Tashjian enquiring after my health – all is well.

Michele Lynn: Actually we always hated the Olympia in Paris. I don’t think the people had a clue as to what we were about. I remember Stan throwing the D.J. out of a first floor window, but that’s about all I remember. Actually, we probably played pretty well as we were all P.O.’d.

Steve Sjogren: ‘Can you please post a pic of your set list after the Coach House.’ I can’t – but somebody else did.

Fiona: Thanks.

Ron Scarlett: Re: Byron quote. Actually, I had a similar quote from a guy in the 15th century but I lost it somewhere. I guess everybody moans about the ‘decline in standards’. I know my dad did and I know I do.

Andy K: Ah – memories!!

John McMillan: I was asked to do ‘Top of the Pops’ when ‘Once Bitten’ was in the British charts at number 9. Ronson and I got on the plane at Kennedy and as we landed at Heathrow, he suddenly said, ‘Do you have to be in the union to go on TOTP?’ I could have strangled the bugger.

Mark F: ‘City Winery’ in NYC seems to be somewhat of a regular gig – any chance for the City Winery in Chicago being in similar rotation?’ Sure – if it works.

Steve Jones: ‘Why the link with Michael and Picasso?’ Pretty obvious.

Bob J.: Dennis is from Bronxville.

Wade Stapp and Rick: There is a lyrical change in ‘Now is the Time’.

Doris Burtner: I wear Lots of different stuff – maybe I was cold!!

Ross: There was something terribly wrong with the sound track at the UC.

Keith: Re: Loung Lizard. Too far back!

Edward Jett: ‘Come to Atlanta’

Darrell Ambidge: I don’t remember the name of the street, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t play together. It just means that I can’t remember that far back. Hope you enjoy Milton Keynes, By the way, if anybody’s thinking of going to MK – step on it – it’s nearly sold out.

Pasquale Truglia: How are you doing? Trudi and I have already been to Venice so we are ok with that. Look forward to a bit of sightseeing.

Nick Malcolm: ‘Do you know, or did you know any one involved in the Shrewsbury 24?’ Nope.

Jim: No problem.

Mark Warrington: ‘Can you and the band get to the Philadelphia area sometime soon? We NEED you.’ We’ll try.

Paul Skau: ‘How about ‘Now is the Time’ and ‘Something to Believe In’ at Norfolk? We’ll see.

Kerri Frazer has got a tattoo and wants a Rant Band DVD.

Roy: There were no in stores planned for California as we had very little time.

Leon Laudenback: Record the acoustic tour.

Steve: ‘Are you coming to Cleveland?’ Eventually.

Peter Stavrakoglou: I’m not an American citizen; I’m a green card holder.

Howard’s friend, Col, has visited us in Manchester and London in considerable discomfort. Col Ford goes in for an op on February 13th and I’m sure you all join me in wishing him the very best. See you in Sale, Col. You’re going to be just fine.

Chris Burt: Norfold was rescheduled for the following Wednesday. It’s funny – I remember the snow storm gig at Toads. I was thinking of that, too.

Thomas Clifford: Weather permitting – as above.

Carl Ewens: That was then – this is now.

Megan Tenzer thought the Fillmore was absolutely amazing! Good-oh.

Rick Graves: Yup, I did know that, but I didn’t know it was in a book. I remember having a conversation with the chap you mention at said studio – he was quizzing me about my phrasing!

Dave Gremlin: ‘How come no middle age spread?’ Don’t eat much and do a bit of walking. No secret.

Bob R: ‘Any link between ‘Ta Shunka Witco’ and AAAB? ‘ Not really

Yucca Flats: ‘Any chance of the acoustic tour in Boston?’ Dunno.

Bart: ‘What book are you currently reading.’ It’s more of a booklet really about Thomas Paine. The English chap who wrote ‘Common Sense’.

Rockin’ Rob: ‘Do you ever get tired of answering questions about MTH?’ I think we all do, but I love the buggers.

Catherine: No sisters; one brother (Bob).

Dave P. ‘Have you read any Satish Kumar books?’ No.

Tall Paul is offering me a set of Time Life books. I’m pretty sure I’ve got that sorted, but thanks for the offer.

Timothy Weigl: Don’t recall being given the poster you describe, sad to say, but I’m glad you enjoyed the Fillmore.

Dave the Pilot: To get us to Phoenix you’d have to find a promoter who is interested. We don’t do the Irish Center because John went out of business. Hope you enjoyed the El Rey – we did.

Mark Hughes: Nah, still an alien.

John Frawley: ‘Were you a fan of the new wave?’ Great ploy that – ‘new wave’ – effectively making us – old wave. That’s some marketing genius.

Nick Wood: ‘I thought ‘China’ was on S.B. ‘n’ S. I remember Mick sang it.

Steve Parsons: ‘Just to let you know, I saw Chris Spedding the other day and he was wearing sandals – with socks.’ We’re doomed.

Carl Barnard: On enjoying ‘WildLife’. Some good stuff on there.

Jody: Haven’t heard from them.

Mark Davis: You never can tell.

Jimmy S: Enjoyed ‘When My Mind’s Gone’ at the Canyon.

Brenda: Sorry – can’t remember that far back.

Paul Terry: Hope you enjoyed the El Rey.

I missed a fair amount but it was mainly saying you enjoyed the shows – which I do appreciate. Up and at em! See some of you tonight!

IH

The Horse’s Mouth

If you would like to hear it “straight from the Horse’s Mouth”, you can Ask your question here.