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Issue #40 - February 15, 2004

Hello!

A bit early this month, owing to impending things to do elsewhere.

Matt Clark: I don't have a problem with a photo, but the security is a bit tight at the Astoria. Not the best venue for a photo op. I don't run the place - I just play there now and again. DVD - awesome!

Kenny Mac tells me a Jerry Lee Lewis story, which is all to familiar. The old back stage eff-off syndrome. Well, I'm not like that. There have been times when I wish I was, but I'm not! By the way - I got invited too, but didn't take them up on it. It's the message - not the messenger.

Pat's not a fanatic. Just has free time at work. Is it a pain in the ass answering all these emails? Depends on the email. Says great choice on the DVD - 'Nightingale' gets a special mention as does 'Twisted Steel'.

Greg Wilson: 'Play the South - these people need educating.'

Eric says, 'Is 45 too late to start getting good on guitar?' It's never too late for hope - that's what life is all about. Getting there is like winning the pools though, so don't start dreaming too much. How long did it take me to get good? Well, y'know, I'm slow, but that's the great thing with music - you never know. Self taught on acoustic.

Kevin Carlini: Will we do the U.S.? Well, we're doing a few locally to see how it works out with our new agent (Paradise). Who knows?

Bruce Hendrickson: Overend no longer likes the industry.

Pete (Oldham): Put 'God Take One' into the live act. My problem is too many long, slow songs. I don't want to put you chaps to sleep.

Thommkat (ex bass Studmuffyn): Yes, I have crossed paths with all the people you mention. We played with the Faces, but not with the Stones, Cream or Yardbirds (although we checked them out).

Rich Webster: DVD absolutely ace!!!!! Blown away!!! Whole package great achievement - special mentions to Andy and Torstein and the chaps on the 'instruments'. Thinks 'Rant' is the best thing I've ever done.

Ed: Have I considered playing 'Austin City Limits' or 'Storytellers'? No one's approached me, although come to think of it, I heard something about the former recently, but it's early days.

Andrew Field: 're: 'Journey and funeral songs' - says even my 'down' songs are filled with optimism and integrity' - much missing in most writers and performers who frequent the charts and magazines.' Thank you, Andrew. A bit of chart would be nice though. Andrew brings up another salient point, 'It wasn't the content of AAAB that killed sales - it was the clash of punk with OA'. Not necessarily true, Andrew. Sales slumped in the U.S. as well as other countries, who weren't immediately swamped with anti- early 70's press in the late 70's. They just weren't ready for it - simple as that. Bit of a blow at the time. Do I record or tour because I need to financially? No, if anything, in truth, - it's the opposite.

Graham: 'Only you and Bowie are still 'doing it' - from the 70's'. How nice. Thank you, Graham. See you in Cardiff (if we can get a hotel room).

R ick A loves the DVD. Wife likes it too now, so he can play it more. Says a bunch of message fanatics coming over the pond for the London gig. He's very happy this site is bringing people from all parts of the world together. So am I.

Jon Jepson: Is there any real chance Ralpher will play the U.S.? Well, it has to be right financially. Mick wants to, but costs are so prohibitive. We'll see. He's already said he's a pro - if he has to fly - he will. It's just that we don't like paying to play.

Dave Bennett wants tickets to Worthen. He says Midge Ure and other great people play there. How dies he contact Worthen? I don't know. It's all done through 'Helter Skelter' and Emma Banks my agent. I think that ones just about sold out. Good luck.

Willie fi Glasgee: My Scottish management's list of songs for the UK tour. Pretty good, actually, but most of 'em are slow. See what I mean? It's hard to put a set list together with more than 3 or 4 slow songs in it. People get antsy. You could do it w ith an orchestra or acoustically, but people want to rock more with a band - and the Garage ain't the Albert Hall! I hasten to add it's a great gig - but it's a rock gig!

Matt Nojonen: 'does touring get you back in touch with why you keep rocking?' Yup.

Luca I think - wants us to go to Italy - Rome rocks!!

Jason loves the CD and DVD. 'Class act'. Ta. How did 'Rollerball' come about? I always remembered that line from the James Caan original, 'after the corporate wars.'

Benny Ottosson says come to Sweden - or I'll come to Glasgow - or London. It's your turn.

Geff Ratcheson is an internet CD retailer. He says 'All the Way From Memphis' is actually called 'From London to Memphis'. He's sold them in the past and hopes I'm picking up royalties. If it's Sony I am. Geff also says, Missing in Action' was released on a small indie label a few years back. He said he liked the artistic side of the label, but had problems with the business end. Same here. The one guy's all nice and the other is a snake. They're still doing it. How do these people sleep nights. Thanks and noted.

Rick Goward says I did something called 'Rockline' with Bob Coburn and he missed it and B.C. seems to be having a problem replaying it. Beats me. I don't remember it. Oh, come on! I can't remember everything!

Kirk Pingree: Why aren't I coming to Sheffield? It's just routing and nothing personal at all. The tour that included Sheffield had us working 14 days straight and we just couldn't do it this time. Hopefully, Sheffield and Newcastle will be back in next time. Sorry about that.

Mad Mick: So it was you! The rest is noted for Trudi.

Janey Todd: Fan for life - doesn't like the T-shirt. Ouch.

Steve McGough wants Washington DC in the U.S. itinerary. Like I keep saying, - it's up to the promoters and the agency. It has nothing to do with me.

Sarah Murphy's boyfriend is Andrew Molloy and he's a huge fan and plays in bands in Canada. He's also just about to have a birthday. Happy Birthday, Andrew, and many more of them.

Kevin: I told you already about the Newcastle 'situation'. Got 'Strings Attached' - gob smacked.

Ian McCooey: Do I remember concerts or are they one big blur? Well, I don't have enough room in my head to remember most of them, but I remember some. Ian says at Liverpool Cavern we were fantastic and I jockeyed with the audience and had a good time - apparently I was more subdued at the Limelight Club. Is it how one feels on the day that affects your performance? A million things go into your mood on a gig. The venue- the crowd - the band - how many in a row you've done - back stage corporation - the wife - the kids. I do remember enjoying the Cavern and I can't remember being down at the Limelight. That's life!

Robyn: come to Sydney!! (Green with envy on seeing the UK dates.)

Hoppoh: As far as I know the Mott live (remastered) album is underway. The Manchester show that Ralpher and me and the Rant band did has had to be shelved because of a fault in the recording that omitted both Mick and Andy. Something to do with digital. The only way to have saved it would have been for Andy and Mick to overdub their parts again which neither of them wanted to do and I don't blame them.

Edward Jett: Overnight Angels? Nah, it wasn't the producer - it might have been that time in my career. There's some good thing on there but it's not one I'd listen to.

Dave Crisfield: got the DVD and CD. 'Top Quality - I can die happy.' Says he's coming to Bristol with a party of 12 (including I.H. virgins). Yes, the picture's still up. Or it as the last time I looked. I.H. is on a diet!

Michael Boyleia: the idea was the DVD came first and then the CD would have extra tracks as an incentive to buy. It's done all the time. See you at the Astoria.

John Huffman got the 'Welcome to the Club' CD and was there at the the Roxy when we recorded it. (Why can't we do it again?) Says he's been to around 100 since, but nothing capped the Roxy. His 9 year old has two heroes - BB King and moi. Knows all the words to 'Rant' Bravo!! Hey, I'm playing BB's in the city in a coup of weeks - maybe he'll turn up!

Syd: Yes, there was an 'incident' in Indianapolis and I was a guest of the local constabulary over night. It's all there in 'Just Another Night'.

Jan Reeves writes a lovely letter which has a happier ending. We'll be there. I hope you enjoy yourselves. Regards to Charles in case I forget.

Brian Lee: 1) Have I ever been to Australia? No. 2) On 'Rant' I'm ticked off at England, but still patriotic. Has this rage been maintained since the recording? Yes. 3) Any advance on 'Dead Man Walkin' ? Not really. It's one of those - what I call 'very pure' songs in that it told me what to do and where to go with it. It wrote itself - I was just the conduit.

Steve: Play 'The Outsider' at Leeds.

Jerry Ross Bradenton: 'Record an album of flat out Rock 'n' Roll!!' I have, actually, thought of that, but I can only play what comes. The minute I start thinking 'rock songs' a bunch of ballads immediately show up. Murphy's law.

Andrew Field: I think George thought Ralpher would but Mick said - there's the tea bags - there's the sugar - and George got on with it!

Vern Michaels asks, 'Was 'Silver Needles' about Marc Bolan?' No. 'Back off Boogaloo' was.

Bob Clayton: Nice one.

Andy Allison: Another 'Outsider' fan. Do I keep in touch with Ronno's family? Yes. Video recordings? According to Trudi, we don't allow video recordings at gigs because the temptation is too great. It doesn't really bother me what people do until they start making money out of it. Then it bothers me because they're making money out of me - not themselves.

Loretta Lynn a.k.a. Patsy: Course you can!

Mary - Nick: I think I answered this before. Steve Popovich asked Gary, Max and Roy if they'd be interested and they were. We rehearsed first and then did it. Great time as had by all.

Sven Anderson: Germany? Actually, we are working on it. Watch this site for more details.

A. Alexander Stella found my website while doing a search on Google for'anti NRA'! Me and Cindy Crawford - well, that's two!

Randy Carter: Did we ever try to sell Rod Stewart 'To Love a Woman'. No, we never did, but I've often thought that. You know why? The key is far too high for me so it sounds more like his territory. I didn't realize how high the key was until the track was done and I had to sing it. That's where I was at the time!!!

Randy Carter: Astute observations.

Dave Hoon: Does 'One of the Boys' ever get an airing? We did it last time out on the 'Taking the Mick' tour of the U.K.

Xavier Luna got the DVD and CD from Amazon (not Tower). Loves them both.

Jim Benson would love to know what was going on around me when I wrote 'My Revolution'. Well, I didn't write this song - I think I wrote the words. Casino Steele was part of that whole 'Dirty Laundry' trip and I think Casino had most of it done. Darrell Bath and Honest John were around, so I imagine we were having a jolly good time!

Murph asks if I heard 'Just Another Night' by Jim Jones and the Cool Aid Kids? Nope.

Peter says I co-wrote 'Let's Go' with Blue Oyster Cult on their 'Revolution by Night' album. Can't remember. He's a quality guitar player.

Kristian: I've known John Cale and David Johansen for longer than we'd care to admit. When did we do the workshop album? I don't know ; late 70's, early 80's. David I knew from the Dolls. Lovely man; great character. Did a gig in Chicago with him last year.

Mike Costanza: Guy Stevens introduced us to M.C. Escher. Yes, I'm a fan. How did MTH agree on artwork? Well, most of that was Buff's department and apart from the Dudes U.S. album (which was done behind our backs) we pretty much agreed on everything.

Jeff Stanke giving me the weather report and raving about Andy's playing on John Mellencamp's 'Trouble No More'.

Carly Brewer: Why not Swindon? Swindon never asked. The song with Queen was 'You Nearly did Me In' off AAAB. What was Freddie really like? What you saw was what you got. Outrageous, charming and thoughtful. All the Queenies were great people. I'm still in touch with Brian and Roger now and then.

Ray Waters: Unfortunately, I don't have time to do this at the moment. I must ring Graham and ask him how he does it.

Dirk Faude asks if I were offered a knighthood would I accept it? What for? What is my thinking on this subject? I just don't think about it. Would I accept one? Why not? If people take the time and trouble to make something for you - why not? Would I take it seriously? Probably not, but wouldn't it be fun to be a SIR? I don't know, I don't know any.

Hope Campbell: I didn't get any email from you regarding an interview.

Ed: Zappa said he was an anthropologist and his inspiration came from observing others? Do I do the same? I guess I do, but not as much as I should or used to do. Things tend to get noted by me and then they stay inside until they can be processed into something that makes sense. It takes a while. Dylan's your number one observationist.

Steve McGrath: Loves the DVD. Lives on L.I. coming to all the New York area shows.

Steph Guldner: Allentown early March? True.

Arfar: 'Do 'Letter to Brittania' on the English tour.

Charlotte: This is one thing I can't help you with young lady. I wish I could. The trouble is the clubs get into trouble - because they have liquor licenses that can be taken away. Every place is different - some more easy going than others. I really don't know what to tell you other than I hope you make one of them. Love, I.H.

Bart: Anymore duets? If it ever comes up - why not? Hi to brother Steve!

Bob Kleb: Reworking 'Irene Wilde'? Actually Andy's got a plan.

Fasteddy: Noted.

Graham Pemble: 'CD and DVD fab. Both got great reviews in Classic Rock in the U.K. One said you're one of the most gifted songwriters England ever produced.' Time for the old knighthood then!

Rick Graves: How do I feel about the non-release of CD/DVD in the U.S.? Well, it does bother me quite a lot. It's saying, regardless of the content, it's not a viable proposition. They are supposed to be labels after all. They are supposed to be selling music. The verdict is still out on this one. A few other labels are interested, so we'll see. I think everybody loses from these short sighted policies. The labels become useless, the audience stupider and the musician hate their own business. That's where we're at and it doesn't exactly inspire. Radio's got a lot to answer for too, but that's another story albeit an almost identical one.

Johnny Stieferman: 'Why did you move back to England'? I didn't.

Anthony Bayliss: Do 'Thunderbuck Ram'. I'll ask him. Any memories of MTH Free Trade Hall gig in 1972? Nope. Will Pete join us on this tour? Doubt it. He might pop backstage somewhere if Stan can make him.

Steve Parsons: Congratulations on the DVD. Miller has moved to Scotland. I'll tell him you miss him. Don't know Shrewsbury like I used to. You're talking 40 years.

Peter Ziering: Congrats 'Strings' destined to be one of the best DVD's of all time! (knighthood - knighthood!) See you at BB Kings.

Steve: Will I do old tunes at Allentown? Maybe, but why don't you buy some new ones?

Judy: Sadly you still don't qualify, although if I saw you, you could be my wardrobe mistress! Remember the days when you all piled in no problem? Well, that's all ended. Most guest lists are now limited to a few family members. If you go over the limit they take the money out of your check! Cost me a few hundred dollars the last time we played New York.

Alison Ellis: Yes, that's where we lived. Myself and brother Bob shared the upstairs front bedroom. I might actually pop by, but the time factor is a bit of a problem. We'll see. Alison says Worthen's sold out.

Benge Wallgren: Loves the DVD - was there for the two shows. got CD last week. No, I never knew Joe apart from the obligatory hellos. I knew Mick the best. Topper helped me out on an album one time. Great drummer.

Jim Scully saw MTH on Broadway when he was 13. Loved Irving Plaza show in 2001. Moi great, the band fantastic! (knighthood, knighthood). Loves 'Rant'. Yes, there was a song called 'Stop Messing With the King of Rock 'n' Roll'. Out take on 'All of the Good Ones'. I forgot about that song. Some twerp had waited until Elvis died and then made a fortune out of exposing all the crap. That was what the song was about. Flat out rocker. Mmmmmmm, I need one of them. It never saw the light of day because it didn't record well enough.

Janey Todd: How nice of you, but that's the clubs thing - not mine.

Willie: Bit too far, Willie.

J.T.L.I. 'My wife won't stop talking - any suggestions?' Try the DVD.

S.B. Any chance of an autograph after the show at BB King's? It's down to their security. We'll see on the night. I'm up for it.

Ed: Was the success of Bad Company ever an issue? Good lord, no. We all wanted Ralpher to succeed and Paul Rogers is a great singer. I'd always loved Free. Mick wanted to take it simpler and bluesier and I just didn't think that way. No, I'm chuffed he went and did it. And it's great when we get together again. We always got on well. Music sometimes just takes you on a different path and you have to follow your instincts. It was the same with Ronno.

Phillip Huband spotted the DVD at the Virgin Megastore at Walt Disney, Florida selling on import for $39.95. Struck him as he watched 'Boy' that there's a lot of words to remember in a set. Have I ever had a problem? Well, as the front line at many a gig can attest - I frequently commit faux-pas. Fortunately, they usually know the words and indeed enjoy my discomfort! I worked really hard at home on the words before going to Oslo. I notice some of my contemporaries use a prat box for lyrics. So far - so good - I don't. It's not only remembering them - it's meaning them. Getting 'inside' each song during a lengthy set can be difficult. Anything can spoil the concentration.

Richard loved the essay in the 'Bowie-palooza' issue of Mojo. 'When does Mott get an issue?' Hey, I'd settle for a review of 'Rant' or 'Strings Attached' DVD or CD. I thought Mojo would review these albums because they're good, but they haven't so far. Andrew Jones: DVD wonderful. Agrees 'Nightingale' is the best song. Shrewsbury 3/Hereford 1 no problem.

Jeffrey Stanke has honored ooer Wullie with the Greek translation of 'No Wheels to Ride' (Okhi Trokhon na Pygaino me) beats me.

Phil says why these small clubs where you don't go on 'til late and they're standing room only? It seems, Phil - I am tarred with the brush. This is who agencies and promoters think I am. Your average American punter thinks I.H. is an aging glam star and to be fair - I don't go out much. It's early days in Paradise. Let's see what happens. Says I should be in better venues where people of a certain age can be comfortable. I'm all for that Phil. Bring 'em on!

John McGilley: 'How come 'Rest In Peace' is credited to Hunter/Watts/Griffin on the live Mott album, but only credited to you on 'Strings'. When in Mott I was in the habit of giving certain songs (B sides) to the chaps. I did write the song and I forgot when it came to 'Strings'. We've made a note of it.

Ray Mackie loves the DVD. Still has a harp I threw at Porchester in the 80's (don't tell the Queen - it could mess up the knighthood).

Misja + Patrik: 'Are you covering 'When I'm 64'? Nah - just living it.

Matt Nojonen: Find yourself a publisher. This stuff is great. 'The American workplace is under a very quiet but serious assault by an alien species termed as 'total assholes'. See this is it. Here's the crunch - we're not the nice guys and they're not the nasty guys. Every country in the world has a lot of very nice people in it, but every country also has a lot of total assholes in it too. It's these total assholes that prevent the world from moving on intellectually (sorry Charlotte, but I thought it appropriate!). Spoof away kid. Get them in a book.

Brynn Arens just got 'Strings' - 'great effing job!' 'I have the hardest time finding music to listen to.' Spread the word.

Jeff Stanke: A lyrical remake of 'I Wish I Was Your Mum'. More optimistic and in places good - but a little wordy.

Hippie Dave: Release a Mott DVD. Not me - no time. Somebody will probably get round to it.

Dan wants 'Boy' at BB Kings.

Dean Morier wants West Coast gigs. Still working on it.

Truis Johansen: 1) Was 'Ballad of Mott' a group composition? That's what it says. 2) Could I have handled fame at 20? No. Nor did I want my kids to. It's a horrible business (although it was a lot cooler back then). Fame is not at all fun unless you can handle the down side. I was not very good at it.

Andy: When am I coming to Newcastle? When the promoter sorts out the business with Helter Skelter.

Jeffrey Shapiro: It is on the DVD. It's 'Irene Wilde'

Randy Carter sys remastered version of Mad Shadows is great. 'What a difference.'

Ruth + Bruce Speary: Hey, that's Allentown! See you there.

Mark Nicholson: Congrats on the DVD. Say Hi to Gibbo.

Andrew Freedman: 'Any chance of Boston on the little March haul?' No, not really. This is more so the agency can see us and we can see the agency, etc. It seemed daft just doing BB's so they filled in that week.

Dan Bammes: No, but the meaning is the same.

Peter Jorday: I was talking about 'Brain Capers' as the nearest you ever got to hearing the original Mott live. 'The Mott' album is later when we figured out what to do in the studio. They both stand up. Why was he Mott' album so pressured? Well, Bowie had helped out a lot on 'Dudes' producing and giving us a huge hit. then all the critics said we couldn't do it without him. We made bloody sure we could, but it was the hardest I've ever worked. I don't know what 'progressive rock' means. That always seemed to be more Deep Purple - Yes territory. We weren't like that. We were a rock 'n' roll band - ala Stones/Who. We weren't a glam band - we weren't a progressive band - although obviously there were elements in there. We were just a rock 'n' roll band.

How much did the orchestra 'get'? You'd be surprised. Half that orchestra were rockers. Some of them even had a couple of albums. That's the surprising thing. A lot of them are not at all serious or up market. They're regular people until they hit the stage. I loved them all! When Andy and I walked in the second day they all stood up and applauded! Now I know Norwegians are very courteous people, but we didn't expect that and you know what - it had a definite effect on the second night's performance. We were all in the same band.

JZ + B Denny: 'We did a screening of the DVD (excellent) and figure it is the choreography/and not contributing to the degradation of the collective human condition that is holding back the U.S. release.' Less of the choreography!

Michael W. Smith: Keep at it lad. Keep at it!

Carl Ewens: 'Strings Attached' fantastic, but it's not really you Ian - you're a rocker. Not true. I like a bit of both. Video the Astoria. Nobody's asked. And you sent this email three times!

Jeffrey Walsh: Will 'The Journey' be in the Northeast set? I don't know. Hasn't been done since MTH.

Daniel Hafferty: 'Come to Kansas and bring Tracie's band with you'

Jamie Crompton: We're alright for amps now. I borrow Ralpher's! Thanks for the email. Lovely.

Steve Andrews: Fooking loves the DVD. 'How did you decide what songs to do?' Petter (the head of Universal in Norway who funded the DVD and CD) sent me 48 songs. Bjorn Nessjo (who organized the whole thing) and I got it down to about 20 and then there were three new songs and a cover. Not all of them made it. 'Death of a Nation' didn't seem to work as well as the 'Rant' version, so we left it, and one of the new songs didn't make it as I wasn't happy with it lyrically.

Kevin Belfast: Tracie's band is opening for us at the Astoria. Get there early. It's usually very early at this gig. Are sales of the DVD going through the roof? Well, we know it's selling, but a little bit of help from Universal, UK could turn it into something else. A chance would be a fine thing.

Matt Nojonen: 'Your schedule seems pretty grueling - how do you keep up energy levels?' Adrenaline kicks in and then you go home and sleep for a fortnight afterwards.

Hope Campbell: Inspiration for 'Rape' and 'Ain't No Way to Treat A Lady'? C'mon Hope - they're self explanatory.

Bullet Bob Francis says come to BB's in Nashville. We'll see.

David Fowler: Thank you, David.

Phil Judge: Ah, take 'em when no one's looking! If he gets grief refer them to Stan Tippins. 'Rose' maybe.

Bob Jones likes my background ambiance on Ellen Foley's 'Young Lust'. Thank you Bob - I can't remember what I did, but thanks!

Steve Andrews: On the odd occasion we have spoken he's always been extremely nice.

Ole: Play Norway! When I get the chance.

Steven Anderson: Don't know what the security situation is like there until we arrive. You never know.

Hi Mick: As much as I'd like to - it's not my song. I'm watching them - two games in hand.

G. Meyer: How are you doing? Come and see a gig. Andy Burtons with me now. You know him? Did you ever get your car stereo back?

Ed Gaffney: I didn't know Marc Bolan well. Bowie knew him better. They'd been in a band together. Bolan had some extremely good singles, but I never listened to his albums. He was a great self-promoter. Always telling the British press how huge he was in the U.S. (when he wasn't). He was cheeky - engaging and rather pompous viz-a-vee his standing in British Rock. Still has vociferous supporters. My mate, Miller Anderson, played with him for a couple of years. Great guitar player (Miller).

Mike Brideweser suggests I have a 'wardrobe malfunction' to get all the idiot press interested. That's it!!!! The Queen says, 'bow' and I drop 'em just as she's about to sword me on the shoulder. Made for life!!!

Franksinertia: Pick your musicians wisely. Some will pick up on what you're saying - some won't. I think it's cool - why not?

Paul W. has a defective copy of the DVD 'and contrary to other's experiences I got a call back from Universal's customer service department here in Toronto. The lady said that all copies of the DVD freeze at 58:06 and have been recalled. Replacement copies will be available around March 10th. She said she would call me then!' Excellent!!! Paul says 'If you like, I can give you the contacts name and phone number.' Please do, Paul, and thanks for telling us.

Billy: Do I like the Garage in Glasgow? To be fair, I don't see much of it. The audience is great, the lights are on and off we go.

That's -it chaps. got to stop. Right shoulder playing me up. I've been leaning on it for six hours. Thank you for your continued support and your appreciation of the 'Strings' DVD and CD - it's most gratifying. Hunter Towers is swathed in darkness and I'm just popping up to watch 60 Minutes with the lady of the house. Hope you enjoy the New York area gigs. Looking forward to them.

I.H.
The Horse's Mouth

P.S. I missed some, but some are hard to answer and some are not meant to be answered. Apologies to misses.