A dreary day at Hunter Towers, so it's witty repartee time. Actually, Celtic are playing Porto at 2:45pm (Connecticut time). May not be live, but good enough for the likes of me. I dunno - Celtic supporters on the sand? Other news includes the latest on Oslo CD - now set for the first week in September and the DVD for the last week in September. It may change a bit, but September it is (unless Universal get bought/buy or whatever). All this maneuvering in the music biz is beyond me. Burning seems to be the issue of the moment. It doesn't exactly inspire me to leap on the keyboards, fretboards - whatever. Stan always said we'd be back working at Wiggins before we're through. But like I always said, - 'There's always a pub to play somewhere!'

Chris Jeroma: Is there another book in me? I've got a lot of books in me mate, but they're not for public consumption.

Rick Graves: How do I find musicians? I've hardly ever auditioned - actually, I have auditioned and missed a few great ones so I usually rely on the chaps I already know as they are out there more than I am. Steve Holly, especially, seems to know what suits me, as does Andy. I'm not keen on guys I wouldn't share a room with - that's always been a stipulation - although I haven't shared since the Ronson days. Mick always moaned I waterlogged the bathrooms. I didn't find out for the longest time, that you had to put the shower curtain INSIDE the bath!

Nachtflug says he wants to buy direct from me. I can see this working, but I've got to get it past he wife. When he wins the lotto - I'm playing for a blank cheque. You trusting fool! Nachtflug rides a G.S. and says my CD's have been moved from next to Oasis to a new nestling place next to the Dixie Chicks. Gee Thanks.

Barry says Jacqui has discovered 'Rant'. Welcome to the fold Jacqui! And he says he loves you.

Janey Todd adds 'Wash Us Away' to her repertoire, which already includes 'I Wish I Was Your Mother' - nice one.

Dave Griffiths says people are always asking where to get my CDs. He says www.101cd.com have loads. Asks if Angel Air is legit - Yes.

Jeffrey Stanke says 'Welcome to the Club' is available on CD from Chrysalis, UK. Says to remember Norfolk, Virginia was home to the great Gene Vincent and great he was, Jeff. If only he could have kept off the sauce. Where do I live? Connecticut. You were near; New York State is just next door.

Al Trombetta asks if I get a cut of Ringo's DVD proceeds? Yup. His favourite song of all is 'Wash Us Away.' He's also keen on 'Standing in My Light.' Al says he tried to get a guy to sign me at Warners just before 'Schizo' - the guy preferred Leo Sayer and disco. After aforesaid 'Schizo' came out, the exec (named, but not repeated here!) rang him and told him he blew it. Hey - at least he owned up. Most of them don't.

Andrew Field - How you doin' Andrew? Says Johnny Cash should do some of my songs - tell him!

Andy Dav says it's time for an Ian Hunter remix album. Well, we've done that to a certain extent with the Oslo CD/DVD. A lot of the songs were looped. It's fine with me as long as the bloke knows what he's doing. I know I do. 'No Wheels to Ride' with a groove! Oor Wullie widnae like that at aw. Speaking of which....

Willie says he's listened to 'No Wheels to Ride' every day for 30 years (come ON). Apparently now it's to become the Scottish and World Peace anthem, it's one song for Europe (jeez oh) and ended the Iraqi war (a bit premature here William). He's now put it forward for a Nobel peace Prize for the greatest song ever!

Colin Mounsey joins Joe Elliott in his appreciation of what the 'Blades' are doing. Am I a supporter? Yes, (for my sins). When I was 10 I was standing on the terraces at the Gay Meadow and, in common with many supporters, feel my fate is intangibly entwined with that of my team. As you know, Shrewsbury Town just got knocked into eternity, but I'm hoping for the best. (Pause here to put Fox Sports World on.) Says my stuff (along with Brel /Nina Simone) means a lot. He's been playing round the Leeds/Sheffield area waiting for a break. Is there a list of places he can send his stuff to? Not really, Colin; not to my knowledge. It's the same old routine. Send your stuff to companies and hope for the best. Even if there was a list, I wouldn't know about it. You could try W.H. Smith's. They sometime have music biz books that include names and addresses of record companies and publishers.

Ed is another one. Not a performer, but a songwriter. It's hard Ed, very hard. Actually, in the case of songwriting, you're better off trying to find a catalog of producers who sometimes have considerable sway inside the studio. At any rate, you have to put them down somehow (on a CD preferably) and just keep sending them out. Best of luck.

Matt Nojonen: Not bad Matt - not bad!

Tommy Frenzy: No, I haven't seen the Tuff Darts play, but I did notice they were back together. They were a good band, but Jeff was always changing his mind. I hope they stick to it; good luck to them.

Ant Joel thought of me yesterday, noticing a sprayed Anglia was up for sale. Did we play Keynsham? Don't know - too far back. Will we do Bristol's Fleece and Firkin next time around? Sure, if they'll have us. It's a good gig.

Punky asks what do I make of Gene Simmons from Kiss. Don't know. Overdoes the sex god thing a bit. Why?

Hope Campbell: Thought I was English now she hears I'm English. English Mum, Scottish Dad. I think in Scotland the way of it is you follow your Dad, so I'm Scottish. Even got our own Tartan (McLaren). If I don't like drinking beer from a bottle why has she got a photo of me doing that? Well, I don't obsess about it. I prefer draft. They put something in the bottles. I'm convinced of it.

Renee's from L.A. and she's moaning at me. OK, so the States is roomier, but her hearts still sitting on a hilltop in Kent and her soul's strolling the south bank of the Thames. Right now she'd gladly give up all her LA space for standing room on the London Underground. That's the thing about holidays, Renee. That's how you're supposed to feel! I'm going back myself in a couple of weeks and I'm well looking forward to it.

(No score yet.)

Michelle Lynn says while she's at work (in NYC) she listens to 'the arrow station' on the internet as they play a lot of Mott and my stuff (www.the arrow.co.uk). Am I getting the royalties? I'll check it out! Do I watch East Enders (she says they're 18 months behind over here). No.

David Shasha says he doesn't normally write, but is part of the silent majority who reads the Horse's Mouth. Who's holding me back from doing an English tour? Nobody. We didn't do it this year because Steve Holley was otherwise engaged (the swine!). Read Ronno's book - what was Mick's finest hour? Do you know, I don't really know. He had a lot of them, didn't he. I'll leave that one to history.

Brynn Arens says his favourite rock band has me on vocals and piano, Keith Richard and Ronno on guitars, Ian Paice on drums and Andy Frazer on bass. What's mine? Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Charlie Watts, Keith on bass/guitar, Jesse Ed Davis on guitar - but I've missed a cast of thousands. Lennon's got to be in there - Jimi Hendrix. Ringo told me he had a lot of these people in one room at one time and he had to get out it was so bad! A great group is an X factor.

Dan says he's my oldest fan and he shook my hand immediately after I destroyed a piano at the Fillmore East. We were all young and crazy then boy.

The score's still 0-0 after 35 minutes and the cat's just brought a dead chipmunk to the door. BASTARD.

Mike says he knows me and the Leps are close friends. Do I see their career going the same way as mine owing to record companies? No, actually, I don't. They've had a tremendous run - over twenty ears and they've had great management, which is key. They still do major venues now and there's no end in sight. More power to them.

Glenn Williams: Glenn's going on about the mixes on this album and the different mix on that album and the Celtic just escaped and Glenn - I'm not the man to ask about mixes. I realize some people are into that, but I can't be bothered. Sorry!

Bart says they replayed the Howard Stern show. Says he showed a lot of respect. He doesn't normally. What did I think of doing the show? I thought it was early. He was really nice and we thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

Porto 1 - Celtic 0 (in stoppage time - first half). Bloody hell.

Gerry Draper loves 'Rant'. Loves the harmonica on 'Death of A Nation' No, you're OK. You can put it in the book.

Mark Warrington just found the web site. Fan since the Spectrum days in Philly. I don't remember the Stone Balloon in Newark, Delaware thought.

Benno asks if I can reveal anything re: Ronno's guitar tuning? Did he ever use a tuner? Nope. Mick was pitch perfect; not only tuned his guitar, but tuned mine as well. Tuned to the D chord. Not many have that perfect pitch.

Keith Storey writes a lovely letter, which I don't feel I should print. Thank you Keith.

Rick B has seen a few great gigs but ours at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff was the best! Good oh!

Mats asks if I ever played with Van Morrison or Elvis Costello? No.

Lillian A. Smith David loves 'Rant'. She says Philly entertainment lawyers are cheaper and much nicer than those in New York. I won't tell you what she calls them. Not a bad thing to know.

Pat asks how Mick Taylor rates. Classy.

Jeffrey Stanke (meteorologist extraordinaire) has taken it upon himself to give me the weather for our corner of Connecticut for the month of May. Hey Jeff, I can see out the door! Actually, Memorial Day weekend is supposed to be a little wet and we've got people coming over. Can you do something about it? Look at this - Jeffrey A. Stanke AGC (AW/SW) USN (RET) - you MUST be able to do something.

Second half starting now. Sea of Celtic supporters. I feel for them; believe me, I know.

Tom Pope: Sorry - no autographs, mate.

Some guy streaking all over the pitch - winkle - the lot!

Judy Blake: Sorry Judy - the monopoly games have faded. Played a gig in Oxford and a couple of lads turned up. Lovely to see Dicken - still looked the same. Says she has loads of MTH early albums and singles and asks if they are worth anything. I think they might be, Judy - try eBay.

CELTIC SCORED - place going mad - 1 - 1.

Pete Jordan: Leaps to the defense of 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' Says 'Seeing Double' one of the best. OK, I liked that one too. How was working with Clarence? Well, he came in - he did it - and he went. He's got the most beautiful tone. I love the way, on Bruce's live show, you won't particularly hear him for a while, and then all of a sudden, that awesome tone fills the arena. I didn't guide him by the way. Just let him do what he heard. Ronno was great on 'Death 'n' Glory Boys'(was that the same album - I think it was). Steve Popovich wasn't keen on 'Bluebirds' at the time, but I've always liked that song. Mark, the bass player did some great harmonies. Robbie Alter was the guitarist on that album. He came up from Florida last weekend and we wrote a good one.

Porto again! Now it's 2 - 1. Bloody hell squared.

Jan Crawford: Yes, me and Schenker did cross paths a few times. It was one of those things. Had we been at loose ends we might have done something, but we were tied up in other projects.

2 -2 Another great header!!!

Mr. Stanke! Sending me the June weather summary. Stoppit!!

Christopher J Borny loved the acoustic performance of 'Dudes' on Howard Stern's show. Asks if we could post it on the web site. We'll check it out.

Rob T asks what I think about Wilco and the Jayhawks? Both great. Nice people too - Jeff Tweedy and Gary Louris.

Dan M. in SF: 'In the last issue referring to 'The Floods Roll On' why did you find it necessary to point out that the English master who accused you of plagiarism was gay? I'll tell you why. I was only 11 then, but this guy had favourites and he put them around him at the front of the class. Anything they did was fawned on and anything the rest of us did was crap. I like reverse psychology, so I did my damnedest to get a compliment out of him, but none was ever forthcoming except the aforementioned poem - which really made him angry. Discrimination doesn't work - either way.

Kees Baars remembers a lot of good stuff. He was a rock journalist from Amsterdam. Knew Guy Stevens and was at the riot at Hammersmith Odeon. Bought 8 copies of the book over the years. Apparently, I drove his VW Golf GTI to a TV show in Hilvershum. No - it's gone Kees. The old memories crumbling! Thanks for reminding me.

Michael Boyle: Seen us many times, the best show being Croydon. The support band were Stray. Again the memory escapes me. I remember 'Stray', but that's about it.

Steve Verc writes (in capitol letters) 'OH DEAR - I SEE YOUR TEAM ARE NO LONGER A NATIONWIDE TEAM' Sad, but true......and up yours, Steve.

Alan Care asks if I ever visit Hamilton when I play in Scotland? Course I do. The whole band love Peter Eques restaurant. We always breakfast there and I go back to where I was brought up (Up above the pub on the Wellhall Road.)

Todd Denison loves Larry David (this is our comedians chat corner) on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. Doesn't do it for me, but it is good.

Paul + Jake Almond: Do I have a brother who lives in Frodsham near Chester? Not unless he's moved, and not told me. Nope. They've got a photo of me and Andy York in their hallway and the gas man recognized me!! He was made up! Old Mott fan. Tell him to adjust the meter.

Mark Wheeller asks who came up with the intro for 'All the Young Dudes'? Ralpher. Mark also says re. those sales on Amazon of your book - the guy is referring to its sales rank order!! I thought it might be something like that.

Hope Campbell is putting together a Pointless Trivia site for MTH. What really happened with the 'Mick Ralphs hit by bottle at gig story?' As I remember it, we were opening for The Kinks and a bottle hit Mick's hand (not head). I leapt off stage onto an organ in the pit and from there into the audience. They pointed to the chap who'd thrown it, and I hit him. I then leapt back to the organ and then the stage. The place was going nuts - and so were my trousers, which had taken it upon themselves to split at the seams right down to the backs of my knees. I camouflaged by crouching down and pointing at the guy - thereby concealing the problem. Ten minutes later, the song ended and when I tried to assume a normal standing position, I found I couldn't, so I sidled off - crab like - into the wings. That's my version, but I've head a few different ones.

Jeff Dempsey asks if I remember the Irish Center in Liverpool when the power failed? He said it was fantastic. It annoyed me. Had to fish Bath out of the bar. He thought the gig was over! Favourite Mott album? Mott. What happened to Ariel Bender? He's still smoking fire. Saw 'Rant' tour at Birkenhead.

Game: Normal time over 2 -2 . Overtime starting.

Alan Bristow says I am the Jonah of football supporters. Hereford - Shrewsbury - Northampton. 'PLEASE do not even think of supporting Grimsby town - we're bad enough without any 'help' from you thanks!' I dunno - I kinda like the sound of Grimsby - especially the grim bit! 'If you are the main singer/songwriter of a hard working band who finally gets a deal, why would you decide to open your career with an instrumental version of somebody else's song - why?' Search me. Alan is gradually 'converting the family'. This is an arduous task, but persistence usually wins out in the end.

Anthony Caminiti: 'What happened with regards to the house fire when you recorded 'Mad Shadows'? That was a studio fire. I had to ring Chris Blackwell and tell him. He said, 'Was it really necessary?' I said it was and that was it. The house fire happened during the recording of 'Overnight Angels'. Insurance built the guy another, bigger house. We survived.

James Wesley Young: Lost his job, but seems to be doing rather well anyway. Lots of stuff in his studio and CD ready to go. Good luck!!

Jon P. says his daughter is almost 2. All she likes is the Dickies. He says sorry - he's tried his best but she doesn't like MTH or IH as of yet. Don't give up, Jon. We'll get her yet. Happy Birthday on June 6th (You didn't mention her name). Hey, she can't read anyway.

Peter Lewis: yes, we're coming next year. Peter likes 'The Journey' (says China should have sung it to Chairman Mao.)

Welshy just transferred his MOTT live vinyl onto CD for the car and added a bit of bass. Hopes I don't mind. I don't.

Jackie Farrell: Battling the big C for a year and just might have beaten it!! Alright Jackie!! Jackie has a son named after me - the third one this Horse's Mouth. Thanks to you all. This one's three now and has lots of hair (just as well). As for the other bit of this email the timing isn't right.

Joyce Sampson: Not only a DVD player, but a nice little 5.1 speaker to go with it if you want the total effect. It's not as good in stereo. That's why we had to remix the CD. Do 'Once Bitten' by all means. Yeah, send the link stuff to Justin and tell him I said OK. Joyce is in a band (she used to play bass with Tracie) and things are starting to happen. www.firdamusic.com.

Peejay thinks 'Bastard' is about his wife's sister!

Porto just scored 3 - 2 in overtime - bloody hell - now I'm Jonaring Celtic!

Yeah a Fender's a good guitar. Don't know about Daisy Rock a rather unfortunate name. Tracie writes on an old six string I gave her and she also uses a couple of Rainsong acoustics and a Korg piano I leave with her for my English tours. Says why can't we support the Stones at the Astoria as Streets are crap.

Trevor Street asks if I listen to my early work to pick out unusual songs to play live, or do I pick from memory? Songs very often 'appear' as I start zoning in on a tour. Sometimes a member of the band suggests something. Why do I seem to dislike 'Mad Shadows'? Trevor says he loves the depth of feeling and obvious emotional turmoil behind it. Well, that allright for you, Trev, but I was in the middle of that. I just think I could have sung it better. It kind of upset the band too. Too much emphasis on Guy and me.

William White says 'The guy who used 'Knees of My Heart' as his wedding march song had better trust whoever is running the CD player. Wouldn't want to hear 'Dead Man Walkin' now, would we?' We laughed!!!

Jill Lemieux: Have I done music videos? I did a four-track video for Sony which included 'Once Bitten,' 'Irene Wilde,' and 'We Gotta Get Outta Here' and I did 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' again for Sony. No plans for 'Rant' videos.

J.P. Can I put the record straight on Mott live? During 'Angeline' am I berating a member of the band? Can't remember. After 'Whole Lotta Shakin'' I seem to have a dig at Bowie then appear to mock Ronno's brilliant riff then I say, 'That was Billy Fury from ten years ago - and what have we now etc.' No, I can't remember what this was about either. I'll have to get the record. Did I really say this stuff? Who knows. I didn't think I was that nasty, but then again - I wouldn't.

Bill Steffen: Do I listen to electronic music? I'll hear something that I kind of like sometimes in spite of myself. It's a different neck of the woods.

Chief Stanke again: Checked on the Mott and the Hoople towns in North Dakota and yes! Mott has a population of 1019 and Hoople 310. There is also a Hunter (pop. 341). He says don't move, the winters are Siberian and the summers arid. There you go.

Brian Connelly: A big fan and also an acquaintance of Cleveland native Michael Stanley. Give him my regards.

Rick Schober: Thanks for asking, but no thanks.

Gino doesn't like 'Artful Dodger' but likes 'Dead Man Walking'.

Jim Angelo: How about Detroit? Maybe next year. There is movement a foot.

John Council: Well this is a bit late, but I wasn't playing anywhere, anyway. Hope you had a good time in NYC.

Ed: Am I comfortable sharing my faith with my fans? Well, I'm not really up in that department and I don't think anybody else is either. I just try not to cause too much trouble just in case! Philosophy, the same. I just write what comes into my head or into my hand.

Joe Eglash asks if I am aware of anything on DVD with Ronno and me. No. Wants a book with details of the albums. I don't know if I can remember that much.

Julie found double Mott retro at Tower in Sacramento. Says it's difficult to get my stuff 'on the rack' but she manages.

Alec Englebert: Another little chap named after moi. Ian Englebert. Poor little bugger.

Tor 'The Viking' Talking about Torstein Flakne - the guitar player who is on the Oslo DVD and CD. Torstein had his own band 'Stage Dolls' who topped the Norwegian charts recently with a greatest hits album. He's a great guitar player and a great singer and it's always good to work with him. We should do it more often.

Tim Kearns: Tim's a New Zealander who's living in Tomioka, Japan at the moment. He says there's some bloke called Heseey who's 'copping' me over there. Turns out he's the bass player from Yellow Monkey - now out on his own. Tim says his stuff is better than Yellow Monkey's. Yes, I did hear Moth Poet Hotel (Kudos to Morgan Fisher) - but a long time ago. There was something on it I really liked, but I've forgotten what it was. Wants me to work with Rick Neilson. Had a good night out with Rick in Stockholm a few years back.

Rooster: Have I been rewarded for my efforts monetarily? By and large; here and there. Why didn't I collaborate more with Phally? No reason. Phally never really had oodles of songs - he'd have a piece or a part that we'd add to. When he started writing complete songs he wanted to sing them as well, so that was it really.

Skarphe Rastarson lives in Iceland: Welcome aboard! Do I like the Kinks? Yes. Skarphe says I should come to Iceland. Well, it's a little more involved than that isn't it? But thanks for the invite.

Gary Taylor: Why didn't David Bowie have any input in Ronno's Memorial concerts? No comment.

Tony Cox: Have I hear about Third Eye Blind using Mott's publicity photograph for their current tour? Yes, I did hear, although I don't know much about the band. It's a great shot. I remember wanting to use it the second I saw it. Will Ralpher and I do more collaborating? Yes.

Jim Belazanian: I do the Horse's Mouth usually once a month and it's now May 23rd and I've just read your email. By the time I finish, Trudi types this up then gets it to Justin to put it on the web site another few days will have past. Do you see where I'm going. Timewise, it's not possible and I am sorry as it is something that I would have considered. Best of luck to all.

Greg: Will I tell your sister to give you back your 'Rant' album. Give Greg back his 'Rant' album or I'll sort you out!

Pete Lewis: 'Do The Journey live'. Maybe, maybe. Pete- not satisfied with Oslo and impending Ralpher/Hunter collaborative release is convinced I'm writing yet another album we speak. Well, actually Pete - I stink at the moment - if you really want to know. The times are not exactly inspiring. I just got an email from my good friend James Mastro who says he's going out with John Cale. That's what I need. John's very inspirational; maybe I'll roadie.

Willie from Glasgow has the new set list: 'No Wheels to Ride,' (naturally) and also closes with 'No Wheels to Ride,' (naturally). We also do 3-4 encores of 'No Wheels to Ride,' (naturally) during which time you all have to stand. Scotland is the starting place for the tour, as apparently the song hasn't really caught fire as of yet. Willie tried it at the Scotland/Iceland match, but 'not too many' joined in. He feels a 'bit more practice' is needed before it becomes synonymous with Bagpipes and Iron Bru. The song is now called 'Nae Wheels Ti Ride.' It takes time Willie. Glasgow wasn't built in a day.

Clive Harvey is writing an article for Holly international magazine and heard I saw Buddy Holly on his 1958 British Tour. Yes, I did see him, at Leicester de Montford Hall. He was great. I later bumped into his bass player in Sweden who incidentally had a hand in the Mott live album.

Professor Clemens is going in for a spot of open-heart surgery. It's apparently quite amazing how they do this nowadays. Best of luck.

Jim Mclemon: is YUI Orta a three stooges reference? Yes, James, it is. Thank God somebody got it.

Paul C: Have I ever recorded 'Goin' Through the Motions'? Nope. Blue Oyster Cult and Bonny Tyler only.

Steven Defoe says 'Like many celebs - I recently read you live in Lichfield county' - so do I? See you down the pub, Steve. If I do live in Lichfield county.

Janne Olsson: (I love these one line questions.) 'Who's talkin' on the beginning of 'Golden Age'?' Dan Loggins - who is Kenny Loggin's brother, actually. Dan was our A+R guy at CBS in London at the time and we loved his silken tones. Plus, it always helps if you get your A+R guy on your side.

David: Did I ever meet Jeff Lynne and did I ever consider being produced by him? Actually, I did meet Jeff years ago - I think it was at 'Top of the Pops'. They had a song out which sounded suspiciously like one of ours. We never got into that. I thought that he and I were definitely doing the same sort of thing, but then he went and got huge so I never could have afforded him. Pity. I love some of the stuff he's done. Did we ever rehearse or record 'Suffragette City'? No.

Mick McKenzie misses the U.K. spring tour this year. We'll be back.

Alessandro Fagioli wants me to come to Milan - Mr. King of rock 'n' Roll!! Well, that's a buzz. How much? Try the Helter Skelter Agency in London (Emma Banks is my agent).

Ian Hollinghurst asks if Stan has been in touch about the local derby next season between Hereford and Shrewsbury? How sadistic can you get!

Mike Calhoun says Canadian fans missing me. Me too.

Terry green half remembers vaguely a song I wrote called 'Coldwater Harbour'. Maybe that was 'Coldwater High'. That came out on a Sony compilation a couple of years ago. I had to write a lyric for it. That's why it never came out originally. No lyric. Terry met Bruce Evans who built the H guitar and also Pete's Swallow bass. (Well Pete's still got the Swallow; one out of two ain't bad.) When did I decide to shorten my name? Was it in Northampton? Probably.

Jim Fowers: Jim's from Calgary and went to Norway for the Oslo shows. He met a guy from Scotland, Brian Ovens. They have since become mates and now Brian's popping over to Calgary. 'Do me a favor and mention Brian Ovens - the man who put 'C' in rap!!' Done.

Mick Mitchell: Yes, I still have the photo. It's in the front room. Says it had to be Carlisle United that put the final nail in the Shrews league coffin (swines) to be a pilgrim indeed!! You know my eldest son, Steve, used to sing 'To be a penguin' for years at school until it was pointed out to him that it was in fact, 'To be a pilgrim'.

Roland Maguire: do I like Maria McKee's version of 'I Wish I Was Your Mother'? Yes, I do. Very much.

Milo: A lot of artists lost out in the 80's. For me it was the dead decade. Corporations took over. Others, however, will tell you different.

Alan Stickley says: Your Tracie rocks! Saw her in Newcastle. Good strong vocals, tight guitar sound, hell of a drummer. A chip off the old block! You don't have to tell me mate, tell a label.

Mark Gibson: When touring try Exeter. It's a bit of a schlepp, Mark. We'll see.

Rick Goward: Do I ever log on the message board and or contribute to discussions? No, this is really about it for me Rick. Did I ever meet Michael Caine? No. I saw him once at Heathrow in the bar - he was out of his face.

Tom wants me to play Piermont, New York. You never know.

James: Happy Birthday Iain and Georgia!!

Mike Phillips was at the Barry show in South Wales a while back. Converted girlfriend. (Excellent!) It's funny, we get a lot of feed back from that little show. I do remember it - small and stinky.

Mike Phillips writes a good lyric. You never know. I'm not good at someone else's lyrics to music. Elton John is a past master at it.

Andrew Jones: 'Welcome to the Conference' (sod off). Wants me to do a charity tour of Shrewsbury, Hereford and Northampton. He says if any teams need charity it's these three. Well, actually, you're right - there's no money. I know there's no money in Hereford cause Stan told me. Have I read Henry Miller - a bit; the usual. I'll have another look. I have done 'stream of consciousness'. 'Seeing Double' 'When My Mind's Gone'. Nothing recently. You really have to be in good company for this to happen and in a studio live.

Chris Clark: Can't get by without 'American Spy'. Has to hear it three times a day. 'American Spy' and a nice cup of tea.

Rich W. is off to see Tracie at Mr. Kyps in Poole. Says she deserves a big break. Well, she actually got a big break a couple of years ago. They went to see the band, sat her down offered her a small fortune. It was all on - then silence. That's the most horrible thing about the business. It's all happening and then suddenly it's not and you don't even know the reason why. They come onto you, they make you an offer, then in a puff of smoke it's gone. Beats me.

Peter Squires says Cardiff City are looking for a suitable song. He suggests 'Bluebirds'. Don't tell me, Pete - tell them.

Keith Davies loves 'Soap 'n' Water'. Andy York likes that song because he says 'it's kinda backwards.' Comes in at an odd place.

The cat's just dragged in another chipmunk! BASTARD. Well, that's that, done and dusted as the ladies of Northampton use to say. I apologize unreservedly to Celtic F.C. for having watched the game. The whole weight of blame is upon me. Not only was I crap at football, but I can't even watch it without something dire happening to the team I want to win. I promise I will never watch a Celtic match again! Actually the thought of Stan and I going to a Shrewsbury/Hereford match is quite appealing, but I must stifle the urge. The next H.M. will be a little late I fear as Trudi and I are off on our wanderings. Talk to you when we get back. Bye for now ...

IH
The Horse's Mouth