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Issue #39 - January 18, 2004

Bloody hell it's nippy! 25 degrees F in the garage and 9 degrees F outside Hunter Towers, and that's with the sun shining! Hope you all had a spiffy Christmas. We did! And we wish you and yours a Happy New Year.

A word before we start about the T-shirts. I looked at lots of designs before coming to a decision and what I was looking for was a visual identity for the Horse's Mouth. I didn't see the point in an I.H. T-shirt per se. I felt we should have a shirt purely for H.M. participants to give followers of this column a club feel. When I saw this design it kinda matched the image I had of the Horse's Mouth. It's not supposed to look like I.H. - it is supposed to have I.H. elements within it, but the Horse's Mouth is a separate identity and should have its own logo. Our logo.

Brett is looking for the bass tablature for 'Wings'. Well, Brett - I don't even know what a tablature is … and I certainly don't know the bass line (I'm assuming that's what it is). Pat Kilbride was the guy who invented it so it's probably rather smart.

Mark Hughes wants a Christmas CD next year and a solo naked acoustic set. You obviously still believe.

Dave Lilley: What happened to Irene Wilde? Dunno - I left, but she did marry a guy with a purple corduroy jacket and she did have twins. I'm told (third hand) she likes the song.

Jeffrey is giving me a weather update. You're not far off. Wants to be my meteorologist manager - fine!

Jay Lynn: Will we be playing New York in 2004? Don't know, but probably yes. ATI have merged with Paradise in the U.S. so everything's got a little behind.

Mike Dwyer: Touring U.S.? Same answer as Jay. 'Strings Attached' for U.S. DVD's is available in Canada on Universal. Numerous web sites have it available.

Mike Scott: Wizard recording Studios. 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken'. How am I? Not bad, Mike. What are you up to?

Renee just watched 'Strings Attached' Says 'Keep doing it your way'. I will.

Tom Lupo: Did I get a chance to see Jonesy? No, I didn't, Tom, but it seems like he's enjoying himself and getting great reviews (thanks for the one enclosed). That's what it's all about. I notice his band is getting raves as well.

Keith Nickless: Have I heard of a band called 'Young Heart Attack' from Texas? Nope. Says the singer's cloning moi. 'Has he ripped off your image or have you been a naughty boy in the Lone Star State?' Nope. Says the hottest band in the U.K. at the moment is 'Darkness'. Apparently they're being compared to MTH as 'bricklayers trying to look camp, but failing cos they're too hard.' Actually, none of us were bricklayers (although I did try my hand at steel erecting in Northampton for a month). By the way - Northampton at Home to Manchester United January 25th. I hope it's on Fox Sports World. Keith also mentions the MOJO album gets a great review in Classic rock. No reviews of 'Strings' anywhere. What a useless company, U.K. Universal. Should have a motto - if you ain't rappin' - it ain't gonna happen.

Tom Skevin says I'm needed in the wilderness. Well, thanks Tom. Says Mastro needs a new hat. Actually, he was just up for the weekend. Andy was over and we had a good time. I apologize for the 'polite brush off'. It happens.

Peejay says lots of interest in old MTH reissues - young and old. Why do I think that is? If we could only see us as others do. CDs/DVD labels 'hard work to find'. Why not sell from web site? Well, it's going that way. 'Are you bored not touring?' No, not really. Never been a road hog.

Randall says when selling T-shirts we should do some in XXL or XXXL as XL tend to run small. Actually, most of our advice on sizes came from England who on the whole like 'em smaller, but we take your point and will address this in the future. In the mean time - buy one for the wife.

Charlotte Fox (9) asked me to wish her Dad a Happy Birthday, but forgot to tell me his name - Ian - so happy Birthday, Ian. Charlotte's got the DVD and loves it - especially 'Saturday Gigs' and 'Michael Picasso'. See you at the Astoria in May.

Matt Nojonen: Says he's fed up with some idiot in a library who refuses to lend 'All the Young Dudes' to a minor because it's 'harmful to minors'. I've always thought that that area - public services/social services etc. attracted certain individuals who have a marked lack of common sense. They are filled with so many policy directives that they lose God-given perspective. I have a major problem with political correctness. If you can't distinguish between some of the heavier elements of gangsta rap and ATYD, then God help you. Big subject - small answer- but I have to move on.

Jordan: Did I ever cross paths with George Harrison? Actually (and fortunately!) we hadn't, but I did look up while having a slash at the Speakeasy, in London and George was to my immediate right. Ralpher, however, knew George pretty well. When George would go to Mick's house he would make his own cup of tea. Mick said he was a great guy, but didn't like the fuss.

Jeff Stanke ordered 'The Hoople' and 'Short Back 'n' Sides' from eBay on December 19th and they arrived on December 22nd. Says he's translating 'The Outsider' into Greek for Mastro. Oh, here it is already! I'll bet James won't understand a word of it.

Willie fi Glasgow: Getting married on the 5th of May! Congratulations!!! Who is the poor unfortunate? Don't subject her to repeated listenings of NWTR. Here is a limit to that love honor and obey stuff. No prizes for guessing what the wedding march is.

Finn Bjelke: Happy (belated) Christmas to you too. 'Give Tracie a peck and tell her to release that bloody album.' Actually, I've heard 4 tracks and it's bloody good. Andy's a fan of it as well.

Rob Mend wants my impressions of Paul Kossoff. Paul was a lovely man - a master of sustain. I still know every note of the solo on 'Catch A Train' (one of my favourite Free tracks). That band was so good. Great understater. Apparently his father, David, who was a brilliant actor, disapproved of what Paul did- there was some kind of friction. They were both great. It's all very sad.

Janey Todd wanted to comment on the proximity of the song 'Wash Us Away' to 9/11. I see what you're saying, but it's a stretch.

Linda Acton's been listening to 'Heaven and Hull' recently. 'It's a great CD' 'How were the musicians picked?' I think Susie had a lot to do with it. Joe Elliott was instrumental too. Most volunteered. Ronno would have picked the actual musicians on it himself.

Jim McConnell: Scotland in May! Why didn't we use the title 'I did it Norway'? I actually suggested that at the time, but Bjorn said it had been done before.

Jon White: 'The 'Singing in the Rain' intro on 'Rape' reminds me of the scene in 'Clockwork Orange' when the 'Alex' character sings the song while kicking the daylights out of a guy in a wheelchair.' Did I have that in mind? Yes. Do I consider AAAB to be my greatest work? Not really. Do I regret releasing it after 'Once Bitten'? Perhaps 'Once Bitten' Mark II would have sold better. Actually, Joe Elliott rang me a couple of nights ago and somehow he got onto this very subject. He said at the time he was totally pissed off when he heard AAAB. Ten years later, he understood why I did it. To me it was a no-brainer. I bumped into a bunch of new people in the U.S. - Jaco, Bobby Colomby, David Sanborn etc. and I guess I was influence by them. It was new and different. In terms of sales - I took a dive - but sometimes sales really don't matter (try telling that to Columbia records!). Sure, I regret losing the sales; in my stupidity I thought the fans would go with me on it, but they didn't and it's history. It was Ronno's favourite IH album and he wasn't even on it. Typical.

Brian Calingaert writes that the DVD is available at www.cdplus.com a Canadian website. Says he bought lots from them and they ship to the U.S. and have great service. Thanks, Brian.

Richard Usher: Shore 'em on eBay Ritchie! How's it going? Hope to see you in May.

Glenn: What were my Mum and Dad like as his have always been supportive? My parents were not supportive at all. My Dad wouldn't have a guitar in the house and did his damndest to stop me all the way. The old reverse psychology. He just didn't get it; and why should he. He also thought I was an idiot and, upon reflection, I probably was at the time. My Mum was perplexed. She liked everything nice and normal. However, once in my life, when I was an all time low in every department, I went to them as a last resort and they came through for me. I've never forgotten that and I never will.

Jake + Paul Almond got 'Strings Attached' Xmas Day. Had a great sing-along with your numbers! I dunno - I tried that but everybody wanted Jerry Lee, Chuck and Fats Domino. I think mines meant for quieter nights.

Linda Thompson: 'If anyone in the U.S. is having trouble getting the DVD the Canadian version (region 0, playable in the U.S.) Is available from: http://www.rareandhardtofind.com/ She's done business with this vendor on several occasions and it's always been a positive experience. (No, she doesn't work for them - but is a satisfied customer.) Thinks the DVD is fabulous and the interview alone is worth the purchase price and the show is phenomenal. Want a job, Linda?

Peter: The song on Blue Oyster Cult's album was 'Going Thru The Motions'. Went over to Eric's place on Long Island and we put it together in an afternoon.

Jeffrey says some nice things and then says he got John Mellencamp's 'Trouble No More' for Xmas. Andy excels! Actually, I really like this album. John is singing his ass off and the band's great.

Michael loves the DVD. Seen us three times in Toronto. Any possibility of a tour? Short answer is I don't know.

Steve Baratta says he's been reading up on the Royal Theatrical Fund. Sounds first rate - not only for Mike Smith, but for others too. Amen.

John Dyball (Vancouver): 'There was a soldier - a Scottish soldier- who wandered far away' - What was that from? I vaguely remember it. Actually, most 'Scottish soldiers' buggered off because there wasn't too much money around.

Jeffrey says 'Identification with your fans' To a point.

Dean Roecker: Did I ever watch Adult Swim on the cartoon network? Nope - but I like the title. Still after my trousers - or - troosers as us Scots say. Troosers sounds better. Anybody heard that song 'Donald where's yer troosers?' Brilliant.

Gerard Thomas York: 'Greetings from Tallahassee, Florida. DVD truly magnificent. 'Waterlow' a favourite./

Clive Kent: What do the lyrics mean in 'Roll Away the Stone'? Sheer youthful optimism.

Louis just got the DVD - won't rave as everybody else has. What happened to the BBC 'Rant' project? Nothing. I met the guy and it was a good meeting. He had good ideas and I was up for it, but it came to nothing. This happens now and again. Louis hates 'Dead Man Walkin' because it hurts so deeply. 'All the rest ranges from alright to great, but this one makes me feel bad. It sinks me into all the problems of personal relationships. You shouldn't put this kind of song out. Thanks for writing it anyway.' Well, Louis, I know the song is rather 'heavy' but that's what came and so that's it. I love the song, but it's the overall song that I like - I don't really take the words too seriously as we both know what I'm saying, but that was the mood I was in and you're interpretation of it is not good for you. It's not often I get slagged off! Press something! Get it off!

Bryan: DVD made my 2003. Fine piece of work, etc. Phew! Needed that, Bryan!

Cornelius: 'Tell us about working with John Cale on 'Schizophrenic'. Where does he play on the album and what's he like?' I've always found John great to work with. We toured together once in Europe and we did a workshop album one time. We put a band together with Paul Butterfield and Todd Rundgren for a gig. John wanted to produce me back whenever, but the label didn't trust him. He's one of those guys who has music pouring out of every pore. You get the sense that John doesn't suffer fools lightly. He was a little nervous on 'Schizophrenic' because he loves to work live and in this case he was overdubbing on 'Bastard'. He needn't have worried as he immediately captured the mood and enhanced the track. I'd work with John anytime.

Willie says he's cleaning out the spare room for Edinburgh and Glasgow. 'None of those fancy dan hotels wi your Scottish management.' I'll mention it to the chaps.

Franjo wants to know what Ralpher was using in the 70's? With us it was Marshall/Acoustic amps and Les Paul Juniors (Mick loved Leslie West). As for fuzz boxes etc. I'd have to ring him up and I can't do that now because I'm doing this.

Bill Hammond: 'One night in Oslo accomplished what I could not do in 15 years. My wife is now a fan!' Why isn't it on VH1 or MTV every night (because it's music?) Bill's also talking about XM live. Played an hour of an IH concert in 1980. Bill emailed them a thank you for programming and says he's like a kid with a new toy.

Ken Grady: 'got your DVD for Xmas having bought the CD a week or two earlier. Broke down during some of the tracks. Did not realize how heavily laden with emotion those songs were?' You have to have a reason to write if you're like me. Sometimes it doesn't make you feel happy, but it's emotional and music is supposed to move people. At least I got them off my chest! Then Ken writes a lovely poem that we appreciate very much. Thank you, Ken.

Owen Kelly: DVD sounds great - picture great - all the stuff a chap likes to hear. Apparently I call myself a 'hobby' in the interview. For some reason I haven't watched that bit. I'll have to have a look.

Neil Ivison: Yes, Mick is coming out with us again. Unfortunately, I don't use support in England, so I can't help. Tracie's band will be gracing us with their support at the Astoria, but that's about it as far as support bands go. Stan will be tour managing as well, so don't be a stranger.

Bloody hell it's cold. Must be at least minus 90F.

Aldo Fedder lives in Germany. Found a CD of Oslo that says it's made in Germany by Universal L+M. 'The DVD stood alongside the CD in new material.' Having heard the problems people have finding my stuff he was sorely surprised. He says Universal have built a headquarters in Germany, but should take more interest in getting their artists radio and TV. I don't honestly think the majority of Universal even know the DVD and the CD exist and I'm not kidding. They've got so much stuff and they're continually cutting staff. You don't know who to scream at. I don't have a dog's chance as I don't really have a manager and you need one parked inside the marketing department 24 hours a day.

Douglas Taylor says I've been married to the same woman in a business where that is rare. Do I have any advice? Hang in!!

Clark: regards to Ritchie - as to your question - I don't know.

Michael Pazderka: 12-31-03 NY Post crossword: 'British band Mott the … That's weird because that's one of the puzzles I do every day. Must have been busy. 'Just picked up a '67 Anglia - did you ever own one?' Yup.

Dan Hartman: 46 Across in the L.A. Times. Same thing.

Kelly: 'Got the DVD for Xmas - fantastic!' See you soon, Kelly.

Ian Kell: 1) loves 'Strings' 2) Re: censorship: ' The only genuine and effective form of artistic censorship is to get up and walk out.' 3) Was 'Surfin' UK' a proto type for 'Rock 'n' Roll Queen'? Don't know, but sounds like a Ralpher track. 4) Hopes to see us at Newcastle this year. I was hoping to see me at Newcastle this year as well, but there is a problem which has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the promoter and Helter Skelter. I love the venue, but what can you do. 5) Do I enjoy touring? Love the gigs - the rest is a bit draggy. 6) Will we be throwing in some rarely played numbers? We'll see.

Ed Gaffney says he's from Detroit and would have described it exactly as I did in 'Diary'.

Keith: Glasgow's in - see the gigs on the website.

Bruce: Hello, Bruce - regards to the family.

Garth can't find the DVD in Canada. Well, it's there somewhere! Try www.cdplus.com

Ed: Never heard of this. Sony compilation called 'All the Way from Memphis' the cover had a pic of the members of MOTT.

John Mellencamp: 'The shirts are a rip off asshole!' No they're not. They're lovely and quality - made to last - just like moi. Next time use your own name, wimp.

Krister says 'You probably don't know this but ULF Lundell (by far the most successful author and singer in Sweden during the last 30 years) dedicates a whole page to you and to 'Rant' in his last novel which was this year's Xmas gift in many Swedish homes. Hopefully, this will make a few more people discover the forgotten masterpiece - 'Rant'. How nice of him. He then translates it to me (sort of). I get the picture. Lester Bangs comes to mind. Tell ULF I said hello! Oh, the novel is a best seller (but it's in Swedish). I think the book's called 'Frukost pa en frammande Planet'.

Scott McArthur recently started a web site dedicated to the legendary 'Apollo' in Scotland. He's had incredible response and would like a Mott memory from me. Well, there was the night when the manager came into the dressing room after the show with one of those statuettes they gave you if you sold out. I still have mine. He had a bandage around his head through which copious amounts of blood were dripping. I asked him what happened, and he said quite matter-of-factly that they hadn't opened the doors on time (glass paneled as I recall) so they'd used him as a battering ram! Another fond memory was sitting in the stalls at the sound check and being introduced to the entire Harvey family by Alex. Great gig. Stage a little high, but not a bad idea actually! One bloke punched me on the way out and shouted, 'Brillia!!' God knows what would have happened if they didn't like us.

Dave Donner: I believe it's being taken care of as I write…

Richard Denham: 'Honaloochie Boogie' is a funny one. We have played it live from time to time. It was just a song I wrote at the time. The band liked it and did a great job on it. Any chance of squeezing it in? The trouble is that there's such a lot to squeeze in.

Paul Kuettal: Have I ever hung out with a Davies brother? Yes, but a long, long time ago. Got the second email, but have already said it.

Steve Baratta got the DVD and CD from CDQuest of California. DVD is Canadian - no glitches. CD is from Norway despite a sticker saying made in Germany. Enjoying them both very much.

Mark Leigh; DVD wonderful. Appropriate follow-up to 'Rant'.

Gareth Rowell: DVD great.

Richard in Caddington: 'Sweet Dreamer'

Richard Mills can't believe there's been no query through the Horse's Mouth re: 'The Darkness'. Have I heard/seen them? Saw them on TV last summer. They're good. A little bit of retro and look what happens!

Richard: Re: 'unlocked cars' in ATYD. CBS told me it had to be done on the original single and I did it but it was always Marks 'n' Sparks from then on out. I would imagine David sings Marks 'n' Sparks - it sounds better. Much better. What about the Ralpher/me CD? It's being mixed as we speak. Got to see what it's like first. If it mixes well it will come out soon. Will H.M. T-shirts be available on the English tour? That I don't know at the moment - don't fancy lugging boxes of T-shirts over there!

Dave Hall: There's elegance in everything. It's just a question of finding it. Even when the people concerned are definitely not elegant there's always that little pocket somewhere.

John Rathwell: 'DVD brilliant! BUT, I own 2 defective copies. Right in the middle of 'Rollerball' the screen freezes. Has Universal been informed? (Yes) Do they give a shit? (No) I've sent a note and got no reply. (How inelegant - actually, Dave, I'll have to make an exception in this instance!)

Andy Sibson's Dad pronounced 'Ships' brilliant. When 'Nightingale' finished he had distinctly moist eyes and declared it was the best he'd ever heard it sung. He's 79 and has heard it a few times! His mate Bob declared me a poet (admittedly after a bottle of red). Can you imagine who sang that song over the years! I'm really flattered he said that. That means a lot.

Dirk: 'If the 'Queer Eye for a Straight Guy' team arrived at Hunter towers what would they change in the décor? Actually, the Towers doesn't look to bad - I was out with the spackle just before Tracie came. And would they want to cut my hair? Well, yes, they probably would but they haven't seen me with it short. Not a sight for the faint hearted and once it's done - it's done.

Joyce says 'you've all got to start emailing or calling your local DJs to spin either mine or MTH tunes. Might work wonders since you're in rotation anyway!' Yes, Mrs. Lubner!!

Tom (Edinburgh) got the DVD from Santa - loves it. Very happy we're doing Edinburgh as last time it cost him a fortune going to Glasgow with spouse - forced into shopping the following day (part of the deal?).

Keith Nickless: Interesting and noted.

Klaus Ploth: Great DVD. Glad he got the player for Xmas.

Mark Wheeler: Ralpher wrote the intro. Initially David played the song to us at a publisher's in Regent Street on an acoustic guitar. The intro came about during the actual sessions which were two evenings at Olympic Barnes in the small room. My reaction is well documented. We all knew 1) it was a hit and 2) we could do it. It was almost tailor made for MTH magic!

Rick Goward: I've said I want to do the West Coast and the band want to do it as well.

David Clack talks about 'Missing in Action'. Released on a small indie label a few years back. We like the artistic side of the label, but had problems with the business end of the equation. It is not a bootleg. 'Burning Airlines' records doesn't ring a bell - it was probably licensed to them by the UK company.

Peter Lewis: Well there's a little interest. That's the problem. A few people want this - a few people want that - a few want the hits. It's pretty hard to keep everybody happy, so we just do what comes to mind as the tour gets nearer. Life is no cigar! (as offered)

Jan Stanley: No, I don't keep in touch with Pat Kilbride. You tend not to talk much unless you're playing together. He knows where I am and we haven't fallen out or anything. The New York video belongs to somebody else so DVD is up to them. Ian goes on to say that he lives in Canada and bought the 'Strings' DVD from them as an import. You should have gone to www.cdnow.com a Canadian website.

Tom (also from Canada) writes he checked out some of the Western store in Canada - A and B Sound had copies retailing at $21 Canadian. Nationwide chain HMV don't have it in stock, but will order it for around $27, so Ian (above) check around. Nope - never seen a 'World Idol' show or any other 'Idol' show for that matter. I'm keeping myself pure!

Randell: After his last email he noticed t-shirts were available in larger sizes. Says he looks forward to other T-shirts with my likeness on them. Well, I'm sure that'll happen. It's just the H.M. t-shirt should be different - and indeed it is.

Matt Nojonen: Who to harass to get a U.S. DVD release? You know, I don't know - and it's pretty pointless anyway. There are artists far bigger and more powerful than I who can't motivate them. I sometimes think you guys don't realize just how venal the industry is. The nice guys get out. The 'spoof' is up to your usual high standards I might add, short, deadly, sweet and realistic. Food for thought actually, but I'm not in the mood at the moment.

Janet Kaplan: 'Too bad about the record crash of '83.' That's about chronologically right, actually. Detroit still rocks!

Marty G is impressed with XM Radio. He subscribed about six months ago and has found them to be IH/MTH friendly. His requests usually get played and they've broadcast interviews and an old BBC concert or two. He says they have a live studio in Washington and apparently play an awful lot of stuff from bands who've played live for them. Interesting. Thanks, Marty.

Phil Holmes: 'The Nothings' A band that works with Steve Jones (Pistols) a lot. I remember Steve opened for me and Ronno on a U.S. tour - great fun. Give him my regards. Best of luck chaps!

Bob Kleb: You'll have to go on line for the DVD. Canadian release only. Wants his 'Diary' signing one day. Was 'Central Park 'n' West' about Lennon? No, but I was staying at the Mayflower of CPW when I wrote it. Only a few blocks from the Dakota. Will 'Salvation' get another airing? Maybe at some point. I get a few queries on that song. Now we're onto 'Irene Wilde'. It's weird - I wasn't going to record that song at all until my manager at that time, Fred Heller, convinced me to do it. That's how much I know.

Janet Mitchell: as I've said before, when I got the dates, the first thing I noticed was that Newcastle was missing. The audience is great there and the venue beautiful. As I've said before, there's a problem on the administrative end, which has nothing whatsoever to do with me. I'm as sorry as you are.

Louis wants Ralpher and me to acoustically jam a few of the old tunes according to requests on the English tour. We'll see how it pans out. We only get so much rehearsal time.

Jeannine asks if I'll ever play the U.S.? We're trying.

Brian Lee lives in Albany, Western Australia. Recently got 'Rant' in Brisbane (5,000 miles away). It's amazing how this stuff travels. Try eBay for some others.

Kevin McGoverin KCR FM 106.7 Liverpool wants interview over there. Look for Stan Tippins. Noted.

Tom Lambert: The son of 'Mad Mick' the legendary MTH supporter in the 70's (who decked Tony Blackburn at 'Top of the Pops' if memory serves me well). 50 on Saturday, January 10th. Hello Mick. A Happy, happy (belated) birthday. Weird. You actually do grow up!

Jason Rubin: Actually, it's much more random. I just spent a week with Andy York and we just sat and played to see what came up. We just sort of gravitate to what we currently like and slowly a picture emerges. Songs I haven't thought of before come up like they're surfacing on their own. Mine and Mick's problem is neither of us particularly dwell on the past. We find the more recent songs more interesting to play. I realize some people prefer the older songs as it strikes a memory chord and we have to take that into consideration too. It's a large body of work, so obviously, some get left behind. Some don't fit musically. Some we don't think age well and some we think are naff. You may not think they're naff, but we do so we don't play them. A lot of our favourites are the slower ones, but that doesn't work too well in a live rock setting and you're always having to leave some out. That's just the way it is. I don't usually listen to my own stuff myself unless there's a reason I need to do it. OK?

Jeff: Who's 'Alice' from Manhattan? I think she was fictional. I was still somewhat fictional in those days.

Trevor Watson: Re: Newcastle. All I can say is we wanted to do this gig.

Franjo: Very nice. Thanks.

Andrew Field: How about 'The Journey' for May? Well it takes up a lot of time, Andrew. What do I leave out? He says he and his friends often joke about funeral songs and that's in the top 3. Gee thanks. Mr. Happy, that's me! 'Likes the H.M. T-shirt - modesty prevents putting your face on the shirt' Well, no - it's just it's the Horse's Mouth - not me.

Phil Huband continues to enjoy the DVD and his only complaint - too many shots of the attractive violinist - was a little distracting. They did seem to have an eye for good looking ladies, didn't they? Must be Norwegian. 1) Were there any overdubs? Not on 'All of the Good' That's Torstein singing all the harmony. I cleaned up a few froggy bits (very minimal). Sang with myself on 'Memphis' and added a few backgrounds on 'Saturday Gigs'. Nothing much - just bits. I think Andy added a couple of bits but all in all its about 99%. 2) Did I take piano lessons? I remember vaguely going to a blind man in Shrewsbury a couple of times but it was all very theoretical and I just wanted to be Tommy Steel. 3) Did I at any point feel like getting further into music theory? I buy 'how to' books now and again and try to figure it out but I guess I'm a lousy learner. I just like creating things. If you know every inversion on a piano then everything becomes relative. Guitar's good - keeps it simple. Simple things are the hardest (and the best).

Jeffrey - I know - I know - I'm freezing my …..off.

David Fowler: Thank you, David.

Doug Sept: I really don't know what's in stores in the UK but it's great you got 'Rant' then went backwards. Best of luck in the search. Hey - it's fun.

Jodi Lynn: Recently ordered copies of the book. What does 'Conn' mean beneath the signature? Actually, Conn. is short for Connecticut.

M. Tedesco: Hey! We were out with Rick and Stef at the Indian the night before last. Glad you like it.

Wullie just heard that Ralpher was going back on tour with us. Great for three reasons: 1) he's a fantastic guitarist 2) he's a great guy and 3) You won't have to teach him NWTH - he already kens it. Jeez oh.

Kevin: am I a heavy smoker? Not as bad as I was. I do smoke more when I'm nervous - like when I'm doing interviews. Lousy habit.

John Campbell: I remember David shaving off his eyebrows. They practiced on Angie first. That was just David being David - nothing to do with us.

Michael Doyle: Pissed we are not doing Ireland. I have no say in the matter. If an Irish promoter wants a gig he only has to ring Helter Skelter. Nobody did to my knowledge.

JZ and Big Denny: Got the DVD - what's 'Swan Hill' about? Teenage angst.

Pat: Says the first time she played the DVD she thought it was a waster of money. Didn't get it. Watched it again last night and loved it. 'Waterlow' beautiful; 'Twisted Steel' powerful; 'Rollerball' as strong as 'Once Bitten'. Watching it again tonight. Blush, blush.

Bruce also enjoyed 'Twisted Steel'. Bruce got the DVD here in Chicagoland (thru Canada). On about my smoking. Also caught me smoking in Milwaukee (spies everywhere)!!!

Mike Brideweser: 1) At the time it was worked out that Bowie would record when Mott toured and Mott recorded when David toured. We had virtually the same crew -including Leee Childers, Tony Zanetta etc. 2) Queen's management wanted them to open for us. That's how we met.

Shawn - San Diego: Got the DVD at Lou's Records in Encinitas, CA. Great. 'Twisted Steel' singled out. Appreciate the second paragraph of your email.

Kim Bruun: DVD fantastic. 'Picasso' singled out and 'Don't Let Go'. No plans for Denmark at this time.

Dean Roecker: DVD made him cry for joy and poop his trousers!! Oh oh, even more of a reason to want mine.

Jan Burgess: What's my policy on cameras at shows? All depends on the lighting, Jan. No flashes and it doesn't bother me.

Mark Williams: Found DVD in Melbourne. Had no idea it existed.

Tom McGarry: 'North of Scotland fan club here. Ignore those southern softies in Glasgow' Stirling stuff! 1) Does it piss you off when they pigeonhole Mott in the Glam Rock thing? Yes, but them that know - know different. 2) MTH bloody great intros- kudos to Ralpher and the band. 3) 'Sweet Jane' as sanitized. The whole record was sanitized. I remember Buff in particular being pissed off. Also the tapes are 'missing' so no chance of a remix.

Colin Powell: Gave this to Trudi who says she has to check with Stan - he's not online so it will have to be the next time they speak.

Don Windham: Loves the DVD. Oldest son named after me got to see the complete concert. Loved it too. Ian's 8. How are you doing, Ian?

Gerry Campbell: CD and DVD both great. Film Glasgow! Ain't got a camera.

Jason Warburg: Suddenly finds himself editor of a Music review site - the Daily Vault. January 15 will be running a review of the first IH album. It's a rave and gets an A!!! Says I have 'it'. www.dailyvault.com

Neil Gerdes: It was a place just outside Manchester, Vermont. Bjorn didn't like it much so we moved to Trondheim. Great looking place though. Very posh!

Mark: Sorry, no glam stuff.

Roger Fletcher has seen an ad for a gig in Worthen, Shropshire. As far as I know we are doing this gig the day after the Astoria (May 29).

Bart: The old 'Overnight Angels' debate. It's not the record it's just me and I don't dislike it 'so' much. I'm just not so keen on it.

Truls Johansen: 'DVD is among your best work.' A) Is 'Standing in My Light' about Tony Defries? No, but you're warm. B) Is 'Walk on Water' about Guy Stevens? You're getting colder. C) How did my wife react when she heard 'Bastard'? She's a very truthful person, so she understood it.

Ah well, must canter - carpel tunnel and all that. I keep thinking these things will get shorter - but they seem to be getting longer. They are longer - I just counted the pages. I excluded most of the Happy Xmas's but Trudi and I thank you and wish you all the best in this New Year. I'm really happy with the DVD response. How many sold? God knows. Nobody tells me anything, but it is selling and you can help by cluing in a lot of other people. I know a lot of you do that anyway. We need a groundswell to convert this company. I know I didn't answer them all, but there were a lot of them. Apologies to those I missed. You're welcome to try again next time.

Sincerely,
IH
The Horse's Mouth