Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.........got back a week ago - house stuff plus a birthday bash. Small get together with Rick and Stef (Guitar Hangar) and James Mastro (Guitar Bar), but we were feeling no pain whatsoever! English tour, plus a side trip to Oslo to see how things were shaping up. You'll be glad to hear they are!

And so to work:

Steve Morris asks was I on David Frost in '73? No.

Bruce Speary says 'Rant' deserved a Grammy nomination. That's what I told Len Fico at Fuel 2000. Whether he did anything about it is anybody's guess. Would I go on Drew's show? Well, they've asked if I was amenable to doing it and I said I was, but that's as far as we've got.

Betch: Come to Windsor, Ontario. We'll try.

Tom Villermaire: Come to Canada. We'll try.

Euron Griffith: DJ on Radio Cymru in Wales plays all the stuff. Came to Cardiff. Good lad!

Shawn: A sequel to 'Diary of a Rock Star' he says 'Diary of an All Star'. Actually, the stuff and the experiences I heard and had on that tour were pretty amazing, but it's not for public record.

Justin: Testing to see if it works after 'new site upgrading'. Yes it does Justin!! Thanks!!

Jim Flowers from Calgary to Oslo. Thanks for your support. Do I listen to JJ Cale? No.

Bart Smith loves 'Dead Man Walkin', and so do I.

Ian (not me - honest) looks forward to Newcastle. (I enjoyed that one). Will I play Alice? (No.) Anything from 'Overnight Angels'? (No.) 'Bluebirds' was an outtake from 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken'. 'Sunshine Eyes' was written about Jesse in New York City. Never on any album. (*He's got this one wrong. 'Sunshine Eyes' is on the Columbia/Legacy 'Once Bitten Twice Shy' compilation - tp) 'Teachers' was commissioned by Orion pictures and 'Great Expectations' was another movie commission (loosely Tracie). 'Ain't No Way to Treat A Lady' was an outtake from 'Artful Dodger'. No, I haven't seen the video of the IIIyushin airplane landing in East Germany. Send 'em 'Bluebirds'.

David Balfe: Don't know who supported at Fairfield Hall in '99. (*Yes, it was Diesel Park West - webmaster)

Ray Waters wants to hear 'Where Do You All Come From' live. Maybe one day.

Michael Eastwood wanted to go to the sound check in Northampton with his three brothers. Well, I don't know if you made it Michael because I didn't. I was down Northampton General with a mate of mine, Barry Parkes who was having an operation. He came through well. Hope you enjoyed the show. By the way, I was probably already gone when you sent this. And my back did get better. Thanks.

Peter Arvidson says Boston was 'Paradise'. Hasn't seen James Mastro since 'Health and Happiness Show' Mentions Richard Lloyd favorably. Everybody Mastro knows is good, Peter. He has taste.

Jason Ruin says I should do a journal of the tour in the U.K. with Mick Ralphs. Good idea, Jason. Never thought of it, and now it's too late. A lot of stuff happened and it was all good.

Mick McKenzie: 'What does a young man's thoughts turn to in the spring?' An Ian Hunter tour!!! All this and me too!!!

Andrew Freedman: Thanks.

Marty Petosa: See this is the thing with kids. It's only when their parents are dead they find out just 'how cool' they were. This word cool - it's been round enough and now means nothing. Let's scrap it.

Philip Whelan wants me to come to Australia. The Forum in Melbourne. What's the Forum's word on this, Phil?

Kitty Shuffler: 'Sorry to complain about your web site especially as you seem so proud of it!' Pale green on yellow on gray. She says it's 'not a good idea'. Well, Kitty we've had no other complaints regarding the print colours used by our webmaster. Any comments?

Brian McNeill: You sent in your request too late, mate. Try again next year.

Colin Lenk: Went to Leeds. Wanted us to do 'Lounge Lizard' - not this year.

Joe Eglash wants an update of 'Diary of a Rock Star'. Maybe one day. Asks if we will do Long Island this year. May get the chaps together for a few New Yorkish dates later this year - terrorists permitting.

Pat J: Stan Tippins as tour manager? Asks if we needed the abuse! Yes we did, Pat - and we got it - in spades. But we got him too. Absolutely brilliant.

Pete Kendal asks which bit of Shrewsbury was I from. Swan Hill (behind the Music Hall). Yes, I go back. My eldest son, Steve, has a business there.

Phil Hopwood: A lot of people actually believe stuff like East Enders. They live their lives by them Coronation Street. Manchester United Newcastle United. As the World Turns. The Yankees. I was just saying, is there room to think? We're so inundated with junk mail, TV, computers, and video games that nobody wants to think. It's too depressing to actually think. Business s usual.

Janey wants to know if I have a photo of the 1940's actor Ian Hunter. No.

Dave Stephens writes 'Ian' and nothing else on two messages. Our first stutterer! Do I believe in the afterlife? Well Dave, - I wouldn't be so presumptuous and neither should anyone. I notice a lot of people making money out of it. Put it this way, wherever you were before - got you here. So if you like it here then logically, you must trust the thing that got you here to take you elsewhere.

Graeme Turnball: Which 5 albums would I retire with? How about artists. The Stones, Nirvana, Dylan, Little Richard and Lorraine Ellison. Why? Who knows.

Dr. C says 'Artful Dodger' is a 'masterpiece'. No it's not. There's a couple of songs it could do without and a couple of out takes it could do with. I'm very happy with the production though. It's beautifully done. 'Rant' hangs together better as a total unit. The nearest I've come to me in a while. 'Rant' by a hair.

Ron Swanson says 'Rant' is the best thing he's heard in years. Ta.

Nachtflug: We lived in Chappaqua and later in Katonah. No, Mott the Hoople will not tour with Queen again.

Keith Nickless: Will Ralpher do 'Ready for Love' or Thunderbuck Ram'? As you know, he didn't. He just wanted to play on stage again. 'The Presidents of the United States' do the Drew Carey version of Cleveland Rocks. I've heard that Chrysalis wouldn't license my version, but I don't know the details. Anyway, they do it and I like it.

Bruce Cameron asks who 'Soap 'n' Water is about. It doesn't matter. Hope you enjoyed Glasgow.

Gary James - we'll get back to you.

Mike Heller: 'Add me to the length of fans clamoring for another U.S. tour with Mick Ralphs.' Long odds on this, but you never know.

Steve Dinwoodie: Thanks for the email. Trudi tried to get the record company to hire you for this tour, but as Papillon folded, it was near impossible. Your presence was missed. Tell Jim that it is true that I saw Buddy Holly in Leicester in 1958. Tell him it was like 'Barbarella'. Six different coloured strats and a huge narrow amp. The bass player played double bass and the drummer had a snare and high hat. They all stood around one mike. We thought the roof was coming off - we'd only heard 5 watt amps before then. I remember kids rushing down to kiss his feet and I remember thinking ' Well yeah - he's pretty good, but I'm not up for going down and kissing his feet!' A bit daft really.

Torre Fjeld says, 'Come back to Oslo!' How can I get 'Death of a Nation' promo single? I don't know about the promo single, it was Fuel 2000 in LA that released it.

Rick Goward enjoyed the Amoeba in store in LA.

Doug Moss says I'm forgiven for not playing Brighton as Dylan is. Well - one outta two ain't bad, Doug.

John Powell and his Mrs. (Happy A.) flew from the U.S. to the U.K. for the Astoria show. He wants me to tell Ralpher he has to do 'Cadillac'. Well, as you know the time has past, but he'll read this and be consumed with guilt!!

Tim Lee: Noted.

Chris Kelly asks if I remember playing Weeley Festival in 1971 and the Hells Angels fighting. No. Did I know Lindisfarne? No. I liked the band and we may have said hello on occasion. No, we didn't do 'Ballad of Mott'. Ralpher and I discussed a lot of songs. Ralpher thought that particular one a bit 70's epic(y) and I agreed. Incidentally, Mick also said he preferred playing the new songs which was a compliment I do not take lightly.

Tommy Mac: Thanks.

Dean Kurtz: The way the autograph thing works is if you see me playing you send a SAE to the gig with a letter telling me how lovely I am and we send it back to you signed.

Drew Cantrell says 'Rant' is better than anything else on the market right now in the U.S. (I didn't say it, Drew did!!!)

Bill Rehaume loves 'Rant'. Wants Ralpher to play 'Thunderbuck Ram'. (See I told you.) Oslo show and double CD and DVD are very much on. I was just there and the DVD and the music are great. Come to the States with this line up! You never know.

Alan Keinch: We told Dave Stopps. Nothing happened.

Rob: I'm assuming your in-store was in England. You wrote too late. Try again next year.

Simon Gausden: Press passes for Wolverhampton. Too late this time around.

Dave from SF: As you know certain agents only work with people they know or at least can check on through people they know. This is for obvious reasons. However, I will send you our P.O. number.

Dale Turner: A lot of people ask for 'All American Alien Boy' on tour. And 'Whiz Kid' comes to mind as well. However, brass was employed on these tracks, and that's why I don't do them. When we had brass in Canada in the 80's I did them.

Rick Graves: How do I come up with a set list. Well, take this last tour. I still believe and want to play 'Rant' so we did a lot of 'Rant'. Ralpher was only doing one song ('Hideaway'), as was his wish, and I wanted that towards the end. We decided I'd go off for a break when he did 'Hideaway' and then he'd have a break while I did 'Picasso'. Sometimes stages are small, so I decided to leave the piano songs for the encores. Ralpher said, 'Golden Age'; I wasn't on that one was I?' I said, 'No, but it's the only other hit we've got on piano.' Basically, do the thinking music earlier in the set and then let loose on some Mott stuff towards the end. Ralpher was there. It seemed the natural thing to do.

George Miller: 'Come back to L.I. and bring Mick with you.' Actually the first time Mick and I played Long Island somebody nicked his Les Paul Junior and he hasn't forgotten!

Bob: 'Rant' is great. 'Artful Dodger' is one of the 10 best records ever! Bloody Hell!

Kim Fletcher has a bar in Bangkok and wishes to be remembered to Tommy Morriengelo. You got it.

Tony: R.I.P. is the first song on the Oslo DVD. I have no song in mind for my funeral, but I love the Spike Milligan quote, 'I told you I was ill!'

Nick Malcolm asks if I like Lucinda Williams. Yes I do and guess what, I hear Lucinda is a fan of my songs.

Brian Wright: Had tickets to Kylie Minogue on the same night as us. However, real music won out and although 'Kylie has a nice ass' (I resent this deeply) he came to see us. Brian - why did you have tickets to K.M. in the first place?

Rege Kraus: 'Saw you at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - great show.'

Ant Joel: The trouble with Swindon Wyvern is you book the venue and do all the promotion yourself. (Kris Grey did it). Personally, I'd rather do guaranteed shows. It's simpler.

Andy Fox: Thanks. I believe we took care of business!

John Von Reine: No Mott the Hoople.

Mike: 'Please come to South Florida' Tell your promoter to call Marsha.

Bob Clayton and son: I'm getting a lot about my back but really it was nothing. It's true I couldn't move for about four days, but I knew it was muscular and just a question of time. I'd never had it before and it probably won't happen again, but thanks anyway. Yeah, I saw the Strokes on tele. Not bad, but it's the tele. I know they're doing OK. I just hear a band called 'Truck'. It's not out yet but they're bloody frightening. Watch out for them next year. 'Sedate Ralphs and get him to the States.' He needs sedating anyway!

Rick A: Angel Air recorded the Manchester gig. We don't know when it will come out as I have other recording commitments.

Paul Wright: Try contacting Angel Air Records or mail order. They have the contact info.

Scott Mallender was disappointed with 'Rant' off the bat, but his 8 year old son, Michael, hear d it and the house was soon alive to kids shouting 'Morons'. Now it's all happening in Mallender Manor. We get more and more kids.

Paul Kellet asks if I'm coming to Vancouver. Don't know. Loves a Vancouver band called 54-40. Best of luck chaps.

Jim Madden: 'Mick has to play 'Memphis' in Birkenhead.' We did. He was having a devil of a time with that one at first. Couldn't remember how he'd done it and I was singing it a bit different and we were in a different key. It came as it went.

Ian Peter Reeves: Like I said, we recorded Manchester for a CD. They wanted a DVD, but we weren't ready for it.

Kev Tock wanted autographs in Leeds. I know I did some. In fact, I did a lot. Jeff and Moira Appleby were there and I missed them because of the general melee.

Rick A.: The New Yardbirds had nothing to do with any Yardbirds or Led Zeps. It was a phony group that was supposed to do the midwest and fool people. Mickey Most was paying the wages for Peter Grant. Zep were in the States and when they came back, Peter nixed the idea. The band itself was actually very good. Grant never saw it. I remember the singer - I think his name was John Gavin or something like that. He was a strange guy, but a great singer.

Keith Storey: Of all he musicians I've known, who do I admire the most as a musician - and who as a person? Well to me the two are the same. Any good musician plays who he is - that's his only shot. Unfortunately, nice guys play nice and that can be a problem. They've all got ego's otherwise they wouldn't be getting up and doing it. The kind of guys I respect are the ones who are great and give maximum commitment. Commitment spreads within the band so I'd have to say Andy York is very special in my book. James Mastro gives more than you ask for. Steve Holly still working to get more from the song. I never work with a guy I couldn't share a room with.

Paul D. wants 'The Outsider' live. Well, it's about due I must admit.

Kurt Stromquist says the 'Dead Man Walkin' lead guitars sound like Ronno. Well they sound like Ronno because Ronno was melodic and Andy's melodic too. I remember Andy talking about George Harrison at the time, but really these solos are Andy's. When I hear them - that's Andy. Nobody else.

Bruce Pattison: When will I be in Minneapolis: short answer is I don't know at the moment.

David Long: 'Man O War' was written for 'Welcome to the Club'. I wrote (I think) four different songs to make the album more saleable. Silver Needles' was another. I don't think it's on anything else.

Anthony Caminiti: No burning, you hear?! All of you - no burning. Anthony was offered, but didn't.

P.K. The book did come out here originally and it had more photographs. Now you can only get the English version. I agree about the R.S. review. Vacuous.

Mike Gebhardt: I did mention to Andy and he responded, but so much has gone on over the last two and a half years. Andy's off with John Mellencamp now. I saw Blue Weaver in England. Very spry and talkative as ever. Love Blue - and he's doing just fine with the other thing.

L.L. sends me a piece that's on Ringo's Forum dedicated to Jane Scott. Jane's been hangin' round Cleveland nightlife forever. She's in her 80's now and just decided to stop her regular column in the Plain Dealer after 50 years. I know Jane well. Whenever I go to Cleveland Steve Poppovich always organizes something and off we go. Had a great meal with Steve, Hank and Jane a couple of months ago. She's very clever getting you going and then quietly getting the pen out of her handbag. She told me she'll continue to do stuff but not on a regular basis. There's not many left in the business as valuable as Jane.

Dominic DiBlasio thinks 'Rant' is fantastic and asks, 'Why no 'Artful Dodger'release in the States? Why is promotion such an obstacle, what are the politics behind this?' The short answer to this is the business is in a total mess. I won't have anything to do with it. I just do what I do. It's the quality that matters. Who knows, something may happen, but all that bothers me is the music.

Peter from Australia: Yeah, I remember the gig on the pier. Robbie Altar on guitar (Ronno and I weren't speaking!). I don't remember saying anything about Iggy's relevance. I've never even thought about it. Iggy's Iggy. One off. Maybe they caught me on an off day. Really this is news to me.

Jon White is having a loyal fan base, a comfort, a responsibility or a bit of a bind? A good question. It's definitely a comfort - it's not a responsibility and yes - with a few - a bit of a bind. But heh - this is what I do. The one thing comes with the other. Get on with it!

Paisley Paul/Hamilton Scotland: Why don't I do the Stadium Rock thing. Hamilton Accies have got a lovely new ground built for me! Well, apart from the fact that I would draw considerably less than the accies (which isn't saying much) nobody asked!

Peter Jorden asks me to define success. In my eyes success means doing what you want to do. If you want to do nothing - that's success in a way, but it might be temporary and you might regret it. With me the deeper I go into what I'm trying to do the more pleasure I get from it. Unfortunately, this entails a great deal of hard work just getting to the point where I want to dig deeper. There are stops along the way and obstructions that are probably set deliberately to separate the men from the boys. Success is satisfying your own quality control in whatever you do - if you are lucky enough to have a quality control. Success is taste in a way. Whatever makes you smile - whom ever you make smile. Sure beats the shit out of beating up old ladies, screwing somebody on a second hand car or selling your stock before your company folds. I do what I do because I like doing it. The money was a problem for years, but eventually everything turned out OK. Success is doing what you want and doing it as well as you can possibly do it - and then still looking for something else!

Bill Beattie asks will the next release be on Papillon. No. Papillon is no more. I think I know who's doing the DVD and I also think I know who's doing the CD's, but I can't tell you that yet. When it's certain you'll be the first to know.

Neale Devine: Did Mott play a gig in Chelmsford, Essex in the early days. I don't know - anybody?

Craig Isherwood: Uncross your fingers if you Wanda play guitar!

Mark X: Don't ask me - I haven't got one.

John N.: Do I like Def Leppard? Well, I saw them at Jones Beach a while ago and they were effin brilliant. Joe is one of my best mates and all the Leps are great people.

Frederick Daniel: All the original members of Mott the Hoople are still alive.

Brent Coursey: Seldom anything Ariel did was 'on purpose'. He just happened to hit that solo and that was it.

George Dobell: Sorry George - we already left by the time your email came in. Next time around.

Dan Sebald: 'This Rant is awesome'. Thank you, Dan.

Carl Ewens wants 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' remastered. Who knows.

John N. loves 'Rant'.

George Sottolano: Thanks

Graham Stark: Can't understand why the 'general public' never catches on. I think I know the answer to this one.

Ian Bjork: Again, I'd already left when you sent this.

VYT: I did a benefit for Vitas Geralitis on the pier in New York City. The band was John Cale, Paul Butterfield, Todd Rundgren and me. It was a great experience.

Carl Ewens wanted 'The Journey' at the Astoria. Sorry!

Jim Stotts loves 'Rant'. 'What do I do in New York?' Meet people, go to my three favourite stores (including Daffy's). Jesse and Ashley. Music. Lots of Irish Pubs to be investigated. The boys in the band. An occasional gig. I just do what anybody does. Do I have a baseball team I follow? Well, the Yanks for over twenty years now. I prefer soccer again. Incidentally, the Metrostars wonder why more people don't turn up. They don't know?

Greg Walsh: What would be the Mott line up if they reformed? Why think about something that's not going to happen!

Sam Sims saw us at the Leadmill. How was it?

Adam McIntyre said he had tears running down his face at a rock 'n' roll show and felt silly. Why Adam? You pay me a great compliment. What's so silly about that? It's just emotion and that's what's missing.

Mike Patterson: How nice to hear from you. Lisa's 24 now and until recently shared an apartment with Jesse.

Mike Grabeu wants Ralpher and me in Ohio.

Tom Drnach: We'll post it on the site when the DVD comes out. It's going to take a while technically and then we want simultaneous releases in as many places as possible. This also takes time. He says 'Rant' rules.

Lezley Picton: Talk to Emma Banks, my agent at Helter Skelter. The music hall eh. That would be a laugh after all these years!

Andy Dav: Any chance of a diary of the English tour with Ralpher and Tippins? 15 cities in 16 days. Not a chance in hell. What are my thoughts on chat room conversations? I guess as long as they're all arguing about something and it's all in fun. I don't know. Never done it. Will I? Who knows.

Stefan: Things look better in Europe than they did. There is always an odd festival here and there but in order to put something together you need something more. We'll see, but it's not out of the ball park.

Todd Seager: Can you copy someone else's song without infringing copyrights? Once something is published by the writer, anybody can cover that song as long as a mechanical license is obtained from the publisher.

Micky Feat: forwarded.

Mike Stokes: Emma Banks - Helter Skelter.

John LeConte: Haven't gotten that far. Been too busy. But I remember them as being very good. Give me time and thanks for taking your time.

Greg Carter: Happy to oblige!

Al asks do I ever get fed up talking about Bowie's involvement in 'Dudes'? Well, actually, yes, while also realizing that might have been it if he didn't come along. Al's daughter wants to know if Paul McCartney's as famous as me. Of course he isn't Donnelly.

Barry P. wanted 'Michael Picasso' in Leeds - he got it.

Dave Staniforth: Any chance of 'Sweet Jane'? No!

Pete/Graham: Does anybody ever smile at the Pleasure Beach?

Frank Smith says 'Rant' is the best album in the last ten years. Whew. Who am I listening to these days? The wife mostly.

Anthony Caminiti says his 7 year old took 'Rant' to school and the whole class and the teacher were dancing and grooving. He's taking it back tomorrow. Why do I think 50's. He only took it in because they'd been playing Brittany Spears. One up on you girl!

Robert Virtue: I never tell anybody I'm who I am unless somebody asks me. It wasn't me.

Bryan Paterson: How was Glasgow?

Jean Zammit: No, I haven't heard the Church's cover of ATYD? How are things in Malta?

Brian Easton: 'If you're half Scottish and half Finnish, who do you support?' You start off supporting Scotland and when its all over you're Finished!

Stu McKenzie: Re: DVD and CD recorded in Oslo. One of the reasons I was in Olso was to see if the feel of those nights was still intact. It is.

Scott Mallender: I never rewrite. Once they're done - they're done. I may, however, change the words live if I prefer something to the original.

Dave Hancox: Forwarded.

Mark: I don't think they were Gibson SG's. I think they were copies I got for nothing. Broke enough of them.

Gerry Campbell: Let's say I spent my 'early youth' in Hamilton, Scotland. From when I was a few weeks old until I was 6.

Joe Zang: A CD was done of one of this year's concerts. When it comes out depends on Ralpher and me.

Alan Tatum: Where I tour is in the hand of my agent and local promoters. I just do 'em.

Swanny was at Bristol. Our first gig review this year! Brought five people (all in their 20's) and now they're fans. (We'll see!) Says it was tremendous. Well, thank goodness for that one. First night!

DMJ: 'You and Ralphs must tour the U.S.!! 'If Ralphs balks slip him a mickey' pun noted. P.J. Proby was Elvis's demo singer who moved to England in the mid '60's and became as big as the Beatles.

Frank Ehnle writes, 'Why was Mott never filmed?' Well, there's bits and pieces, but really there was no justification for it. Not filming the Uris was a massive error on our then-manager's part as well as on Columbia records. Mott were royally screwed not by design but by stupidity. Being a successful band is only part of it. There has to be guidance and vision on a managerial level. Mott sadly lacked this therefore nothing is capitalized on - nothing saved for posterity. When you see Roxy now - we should be on that level, but nobody cared. They only looked at things from the short term. We picked the wrong people at the right time. I see some of these idiotic bands on VH1 who should never have seen the light of day in the first place sitting like elder statesmen looking at their extensive 'historical' footage. Give - me - a - break.

Gary McDonnell: Australia? Don't bank on it.

David Shasha: Just got back from the Astoria. 'Bloody hell, Ian - how do you do it? Absolute corker.' Well, there is the band (the best I've ever had by a hair). Ralpher graced us and we had fun.

Judy says I take too long to update the Horse's Mouth. Well, I have been doing things!!! That's why. And I still haven't forgotten you nicking my chips. I'll give Tru your email address. Love, Ian.

Rosalind: Astoria - totally bloody fantastic. Loved 'Rant'. Loved hearing old MTH songs again with Mick. See Ros - I told you.

Charlie says the Astoria was better than ever. Thank you.

Mel: I don't know. I just happened to see it on PBS.

Kevin Carey liked the way I used to beat the tambourine on my chest - it rocked. Forgot about that. It hurt.

Jack Scherer: Thanks for the info Jack. Like I said, Emma Banks at Helter Skelter is my agent for British gigs.

Mick Pelc says Birkenhead was fantastic. What a bill idea having Ralpher along. Well it wasn't really an idea - more of a fluke - but we're both glad we did it.

Michelle Pearce: Great (but then it always is!). She says there was a mother and daughter in front of her. The daughter's T-shirt said 'I live in purgatory' and her Mum's said, 'I know what purgatory is'. Never saw them, but I wish I had. Cuddles is not shy at all when you know him, but I guess he's a bit shy with people he doesn't know well. Another of life's gems. Some bloke was shouting, 'You get better looking every year.' Well, that's it then. Let's stop right here.

Pat says she bought 'Love and Theft' after I recommended it on Vin Scelsa's show. See, Bob, I like to help out.

Denise Schmitz: Says Northampton was 'absolutely brilliant.' But her brother forgot to put the film in the camera (twerp). She wants to know if anybody's got pictures to spare.

Angry Viking: Explain yourself further. I, for one, haven't got the faintest idea what you're talking about. You say your photographs are on my web site and on a couple of CD covers. If your photos are on a CD cover, then contact the label the CDs are on and sort it out with them. As far as the web sites go, I guess I've been burned a lot more than you have. Get specific.

Dennis Lee: Bristol was great.

Michael Eastwood says the Northampton gig was great. It has his first concert and his birthday, plus his Dad's got a tortoise called Ronson!

Stuart Green says Crewe was great. I mentioned British Timken. Yes, I was an apprentice at BT for one whole year and then they found out I hadn't been going to tech on the day off they gave you to go to tech and they fired me. Even had my photo (with guitar) in B.T. Magazine.

William White: Noted. p.s. No, it wasn't me.

Mark Rushton thought Leeds was great. Said it was good to see Ralpher playing so well. His ears are still ringing from the 'stomping great gig' at the Coal Exchange, in Cardiff. He says it was one of the finest rock and roll gigs he's ever seen. 'Ralphs was excellent - every time he took a solo the floor shook.' Lovely to see Verden Allen joining in.' Did I enjoy impromptu 'Saturday Gigs' when guitar string snapped? I'll take anything when I'm in trouble! The tour manager that helped you out was Stan Tippins (Motts original singer). He was brilliant throughout even when he was stirring it and lying through his teeth. Yeah, I did enjoy Cardiff. The promoter's a nice guy too.

Kevin Green: London/Leeds excellent. No, 'Angeline' was not planned at the Astoria. I don't know where I get the energy from - adrenalin, I guess. Kevin's son (24) said it was the best gig he'd ever been to and bands like Oasis etc. could not touch us for energy and pure musicianship. He says we should never give up. How the hell could I with letter like this!

Joe Eglash wants his wife (who is a cantor) to play 'God Take 1' at his Synagogue. Maybe there's a Mosque round there while she's at it. Know what I mean. People should get out more. Be exposed to more. This - 'I'm right and your wrong' business drives me nuts and the world to the brink.

Ranter says UK tour was brilliant. Thank you.

Geoff Kingston: Roadmenders, says Geoff, was absolutely brilliant.

Ray Fensome: Amazing as usual (Leeds) Lisa (like I said) was sharing an apartment with Jess (my youngest). She was working for an accountancy firm, but she's still doing the music and she's very good at it too.

Mark Woodgate took a 25 year break from my music (4 years less than Ralpher!) but came to the Astoria in London on a friend's advice. The gig was brilliant and his 16 year old was even impressed.

Greg Johnson: Still hears the foot pedal squeak in 'I Can Feel.'

Jayne E. Blake: Compelled to tell us Crewe was the best gig she's seen in a long time - and she goes to quite a few. 'The band kicked ass.' They do.

Paul says 'Leeds 14/05 with Mick Ralphs - top dollar. Now that's what I call a Les Paul sound. Live album?' Pretty soon.

Mike Blackburn: 1) wants Wildlife, Brain Capers and Mott live on CD. Tell Island/Universal records. 2) We did talk to Dave Stopps about a gig in Aylesbury, but nothing happened. The rest - I don't know about you, Mike.

Don Panter: 'Astoria gig London absolutely brilliant. Mick rocked the years back. 'More, more, more, more.' (verbatim)

Dave DeStefano: Have I talked about guitars/amps over the years much? No, not really. Mick and Andy talked for hours about them. Give me a Gibson Gold Top and a '50's Les Paul Junior and I'm happy.

Bert Mackenzie: 'Rant superb.' How was Glasgow? Your mate's story is just that.

Kevin: 'Well it happened - after 26 years of listening - the Astoria - Christ what a great gig. Special mention Andy York - truly superb. The band was awesome.' verbatim. Kevin thought he made a special effort coming from Belfast until the guy next to him told him he was from Chicago. You're positively local, Kevers.

Peter (Brighton) loves 'Letter to Brittania' off of 'Alien Boy'. Get 'Rant'.

Mike Brideweser: Why don't I do a Santana (duets). Well, I don't really know anybody famous, but it's a good idea.

Greg was 'blown away' at Glasgow. Any plans for me and Mick. We're playing it by ear s they say. But we would like to do something together. It's just that playing ancient songs doesn't really satisfy either of us. Leave us to our own devices. We'll see what happens.

Mark Stevenson: Burnley. Thought the tone different than over the last few years. I agree. Ralpher brings a bluesy organic purism to the party.

Stuart McKenzie: Great performance. Ralphs brilliant - played exceptionally well with Andy.

John Pottage: Rave review of Glasgow. Too long to go into, but John obviously had a ball.

David Pike from Bristol: Tight - great atmosphere. Mick tasteful as ever. Says the reviews were good locally. Ordered 'Rant' through Amazon.com. On the doorstep the next day!

Actually I was in Bristol once before but not at that place and we didn't draw well. Bristol really surprised us. (With a little help from our friends like Andy Fox!) On the other end of the scale I thought Nottingham would be fine, but it was the worst attendance wise. You never can tell.

Keith Davis and son were blown away in Manchester.

Kevin from Manchester is still buzzin'. I'm the greatest and 'what a treat to see Ralpher.

Steve Green: If you could see the mess we're in at our house at the moment. Trudi thinks we have it. There's a lot of stuff to go through and I'm not good at looking at things of myself. Anyway, thanks very much for taking the trouble and time.

Phil Wood: Astoria great gig. Balcony packed. Tracie was there with all the band. She didn't want to support this year. She went out with Dan Baird as we finished our tour. I saw Tracie and Dan in London. Both bands were great and the place was mobbed. Tracie came to a few gigs. I just thought if she's not doing it why not give Andy Keating and Nick a break. It's hard enough doing 15 gigs in 16 days without the logistical problems of a support act as well.

Paul Billington: Manchester - great concert. It would be. I signed your mate's nippers guitar!

Paul Milligan: Still has tinnitus from the cavern last year. Welcome to the club! Got no photos at the moment.

Dean Smith has 'Artful Dodger' been re-released. Yes it has - and legally it shouldn't have been.

Chris Kelly: Birkenhead - what a show! What is the secret of me looking so young? Stay skinny and camouflage.

Linda Powell: That was a long one - thanks for taking the time.

Tommy Powell: The emotions can be there if there's no distractions. With 'Picasso' in particular, it doesn't do to dwell too much on the lyrical content. If I did, I'd choke. But you sing them, mess with them, try different little things and sometimes it's great when you're actually inside them. Drums (Steve Holly) can sometimes take you somewhere you haven't been.

Jo Jo Anthony: Will the classic Mott albums be re-mastered? I don't know.

Anth arrived in Cambridge full of anticipation. We lived up to it and more besides. 'Rant' stuff sounds more 'lived in' (true - we talked about that). 'Twisted Steel' was a good one. Liked a lot of 'Dodger' but 'Rant' is best in a long time. Thanks for a fantastic night. You're all right Anth. P.S. 'Ralpher really does make you cry - what a player.'

Ian (not me) writes: Newcastle - fantastic. Wants a live album. As I told you earlier, we did record in Manchester - haven't heard the results yet.

JZ and Big Denny: OK

Bjorn Kristensen writes that he is building a new web site. A history of Rock. http://www.rockelite.com. Well - that's a few words of welcome, Bjorn. It had better be good!

Derek Warren's from Bolton and went to a lot of gigs. Lots of stuff here, Derek, so it's a precise job but I'm so glad you mentioned Sue who does our merchandise. She really is a special lady and it's great having her (and her boots) on the tours. You mentioned Gus, too. Hey Gus, you got a mention (must have been Cambridge - he was dancing up a storm there).

Wes: Wait for the Olso DVD and CD. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Alan Godard: The DVD's coming out when it's ready and not before. Great to see Mick again.

Todd LaBrie loved the Village Underground in New York. Maybe later this year Todd. Wow, your girl's parents own the E.D.? Mandel's been playing there for 20 years! Does this mean free Sam Adams?

Lee Straker: Have I ever considered going back to the heavy drum sounds of Schizophrenic and Ellen Foley's 'Night Out'? Well, you change all the time. That was then and I loved that but this is now and I love the drums on 'Rant'. They're so near you in the room. But who knows. You do what the music tells you to do (in consultation with Andy!)

Ian Guiles thought Wolverhampton was awesome. The addition of Mick Ralphs was a stroke of genius. Bloody hell Ralphs - if you could see these comments! As I said, Manchester was recorded.

John Council wants a Hunter/Ralphs U.S. tour. 'You veteran rockers are the best ever!' (He'd just seen Dave Edmunds.) Less of the 'veteran'.

To the Rock 'n' Roll Painter: Timing was off as I was out of the country. I'll have Trudi email you.

Keith T. took a mate to Crewe who'd never heard of me. Anyway he's bought 'Rant'. Nuff said.

Janet Mitchell loved Newcastle so forced her husband to Wolverhampton. 'Dead Man Walkin' favourite track - me too.

Robert Clayton: No info on the DVD release date yet. It won't even be synched till late August. When I write its on keyboard, guitar and bass. Music first, usually. The 'Taking the Mick' tour is not scheduled for the U.S. at this time. Jesse's band is called 'American Degenerate'. He has his own web site. Yes, Tracie's music's excellent, and as you've gotten an email from her, you know about her web site. Robert thinks 'Rant' is a masterpiece (ahem!) Blown away and angered by the little attention my work gets. Radio stations in particular have to sort themselves out as do the record companies. They've lived off us for years. Every company can fold tomorrow. I still working!

Roger Wiltshire: Actually the Leys Club in Letchworth was very important. Guy Stevens wanted me out of the band at that time, but Letchworth was the night it started coming together and Mick and Pete refused to let Guy sack me. Hats off to Letchworth.

Ingrid Pastorious: The feeling's more than mutual.

Alan Bristow: 'Rant', 'Artful Dodger' and 'Schizophrenic' Blah, blah, blah. Pour a bottle of beer over his new suit. Pathetic really when you think about it.

Andy Marks: 'Rant' by far the best to date. Much more ranting and all of it good. Best of luck with the CD.

Alan Bristow was talking to Roger Glover and Roger was telling Alan about when I was Ian Patterson working with him for a fiver a week. Well, Roger may have been getting a fiver a week, but I was getting 15!

Brian Bonhomme: No, Brian, just New Towns in general.

Trond Kvermo loved Oslo. Special atmosphere. Who do I support? Shrewsbury, Northampton and Hamilton Academicals. God knows why.

Leon Laudenback tells me in central Minnesota they call me the Pope of Rock 'n' Roll, but I'm holding up a lot better.

Paul Limbrick: Brilliant tour. Put out 'Twisted Steel' - soon! Says I looked healthy - any tips? Yeah, marry a good cook!

Lester Bartlett says we were amazing! Your CD is here, as are a lot of others. Give me some time.

Kelly: Hi Kelly! Doesn't care if her friends take the p out of her for liking my music. Kelly is 15 and she has a brain and mind of her own. Obviously, they're gonna take the p out of you, Kelly. That's the compliment. Say hello to your Mom and Dad. See you next year. XXXXX

Jerry Murphy: No plans for me and Ralpher at the moment. We'd both like to do something, but we don't know what it is. Do I speak to the others. Sure. Glad you're playing 'Rant'.

Andrew Field: I think Mick's doing a date with them. Another 'Rant' Give me a break - literally. Trudi was there so it could have been her.

Richard Cryers wants a 'YUI Orta' CD. Get on to Universal to re-release it!

Stephen's five year old son insists on a tape when he goes to bed. He's now alternating between Abba's greatest hits, the Beatles 'Revolver' and 'Rant'.

George Saadi: Hello George! How are you? Ah, it's just a couple of old guys sittin' round having a drink!

Miles Gore: When is Ian going to tour Europe? When somebody decent asks him!!!

Nancy Fisher: Haven't heard from Charlie in years.

Carl Ewens saw the Astoria - 'Wash Us Away' - 'Death May Be Your Santa Claus' fantastic. Great gig. Will 'All of the Good Ones' ever be re-released? - and 'Mad Shadows'? I heard a whisper about 'All of the Good' but I couldn't swear to it. Send your requests to Song and Universal respectively.

Leb loved the Limelight UK gig. The guitar you refer to is a Rainsong. It's graphite and is in fact - a pencil. Any of the Irish Pubs in Manhattan are fine on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night. They get very busy at the weekend. Food's good, too. I like the Pig 'n' Whistle on Third Avenue at 54th.

Steve Richardson says 'great stuff.' He said he saw a radio one DJ (his name is Lard and he works with Mark Radcliffe on the afternoon show). at Manchester.

Dave Clark: Newcastle sublime. Rant band outstanding and truly wonderful to see Mick with me again. Lovely.

Roy Dawson: Why delete anything from the Oslo shows? It was the best ever. All I can say is it's a double CD not a single CD. But the DVD's got to do the damage outside our little circle. Trust me.

Colin Green: Manchester - superb.

Dave Griffiths: Wolverhampton - best gig he's ever been to. Thinks 'Irene Wilde' should be a permanent feature and he wants 'Waterlow'.

David Jackson: No, it wasn't.

Greg loved Glasgow. Manchester was recorded. Where do I go from here. To bed, mate. Live studio thing - with Mick? Like I said before, if we can find something we both want to do we'll do it.

Jason says: Wow man, Leeds was fantastic. Gets better every time. How long does it take to write a song? 'Twisted Steel' was a couple of hours. 'Once Bitten' 10 hours. 'Ships' 6 1/2 years. There's no hard and fast rule. Don't finish something by force, let it finish itself.

Kathy Machado: Glad you're back. Nothing for Texas at the moment. Lost 90 pounds! That's because your computer broke for six months and you had to move. Be good.

William Huffman: You got it.

Andy Baker: Manchester - brilliant. Good to see Mick. That was it - I was tired.

Rikard: Happy Birthday - thank you.

Miceal enjoyed the Ameoba in-store with her brother. That was enjoyable for me too.

David Robey: Grant Yoder does not come to mind. And half of this email has disappeared. I smell a rat.

Terry Greenhalf: Happy Birthday to me.

Mick Mitchell: No problem. The photo's here among the chaos we'll get it framed one of these days. But we have it.

Steve Fitzgerald: Happy Birthday to moi.

Peter Lewis: Happy Birthday and loved the gigs.

David Poole: Happy Birthday, 'Rant' is a killer.

Tracy Samuelson: 'Listening to John Rose (Univ. Chicago) celebrating my birthday on his UIC Radio show today!' Says Joe Elliott and Co. about to blow the lid off the charts. Is this true, Joe? Can I have the B-side? She says strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. A superb birthday to me. Thanks, Tracy.

Roland: Praises Gibboand Ralpher. 'Rant' gets better and better. A pleasure doing business with me. Aah, yes.

Renee: 'Happy Birthday!! May the next year be as exciting as the last and forgive for hoping that it brings you somewhere in LA! Well, we'll give it a good try, Renee. Thank you.

Pat: Happy Birthday, and many more.

Tony Howard: The International in Manchester with Ronno. We did three hours? I remember it was mobbed and I have since thought that maybe that was my first E. gig. The energy was unbelievable.

Steve Daniels: 'Happy Birthday' - your welcome.

Colin Powell: Alright, Colin. Your favourite Newcastle. My favourite? I don't have one. They were all a bit different but I liked them all. (Right Pete).

Andrew Thomas Martin: Was I offered the gig - yes. How did I react? No. Different neck of the woods.

Jinx: Cuddles!! You're on next. You've grown in confidence 'the bloke is different gravy'. Well, as you know, Cuds is part of our equation too. But there's times when any one of my guys can't make it because they are all good and good people get lots of offers. We're all bug boys. And you try for a window and some can make it, but there's always one that can't. Fortunately, from not being able to find a guitarist a few years ago, I now know many great ones. Cuds came in with Darryl - then Darryl left and I met Andy. Through Andy, I met James Mastro and Jack the Mechanic (another great player) and the Ralpher saunters in so now I must try to keep everybody happy. The funny thing is in all this email about guitar players - and there's been tons of it - Steve Holley is overlooked - and he is the root of the whole thing. He's played his ass off. The dynamics this year are better than ever. Simply brilliant drummer. So there.

Keith Nickless: If I had been invited would I have done the Queen's Golden Jubilee gig at Buckingham Palace? How much was she paying? No - Yes, I think I would have - it's part of me. It would have been fun meeting all the other artistes. Hey - I'm B list. Mick said he was so impressed with Brian May on the Palace roof he got an amp and a guitar and went outside and stood on his greenhouse roof and grayed 'God Save the Queen'. And he had Susie come out and video it too!! Buckingham Palace - Mick's Greenhouse (we haven't got a greenhouse). Well, it would have been nice - not that I agree with the whole Royal thing because they are hopelessly and probably deliberately out of touch with reality. Except when it come to money that is.

Andrew Field: My show - I pick the songs!

Leslie Marsh: Sheffield and Nottingham terrific. any chance of Lincolnshire gig? (Don't know yet). 'Rant' is great and 'Rip Off' is a UK single. Try telling that to Pappillon/The Hit Label/Echo/Chrysalis.

Jim Angelo: Detroit? Well, if I'm doing the U.S, I love the city.

Andy writes and says Lee Michael quit music and now owns three restaurants in the LA area. No, Lee didn't like me and I never knew why. He was actually having problems of his own at the time so maybe we just didn't hit it off. He's not on the secret sessions to my knowledge, but I wasn't there a lot of the time. If you see him say hello. I still don't get it.

Joe Eglash: The background vocals on 'Saturday Gigs' were not David Bowie and the 'Oh dear...Oh Gawds' bit was old chum, Morgan Fisher.

Mick McConnell: You're the last one Mick. Twelve hours in one go. 'Is there ever anything I would like to ask you commoners? Well, I've always been a bit common myself, Mick. I just wish the warmth that was felt by the band on those gigs we just did in England and Oslo could spread all over. Everything's getting colder, except the globe.

Well, that it for now. A marathon this time because I've been away awhile. Sorry to keep you chaps waiting. I've had a truly great time. I know Ralpher, Stan and the band did as well. And thanks to all those that helped - Andy K, the Bitch and Sue Mum. I've just been back to Oslo and seen and hear the roughs. The main thing is the feeling is still there. I was worried in case we were just excited at the time, but it's still there. I'd like to thank all at Universal especially Petter for making this happen. I never though I'd get an opportunity to play with an Orchestra and they were not only great- they were young and they were into it. I must also give thanks to Bjorn Nessjo who put the whole thing together - and still is working away at it. Andy and I had a ball. So I went out with Rick and Steff and James Mastro and Trudi when we got home and that was the birthday. What did we do today? I wrote this, and Trudi's attacking the garden. Catching up.

Take it easy.

IH
The Horse's Mouth