Spring 'as Sprung!!! Well now and again - but it won't be long. All's well at Hunter Towers. We recently had a good time locally at B.B. King's etc. in the New York area. all the gigs were great and well attended. So...here we go......

David Newton says GEMM.COM has a large selection of my CD's and the DVD in both formats. Wants us in Canada. We'll see. It's down to Canadian promoters too. Thank you for the info.

Monique + Rock: Canada again. It is a possibility, but some Canadian promoters have to get on the blower to Paradise, our U.S. agency.

Jessie Bartenbach is a struggling writer and thanks me for inspiration and sends me a poem, which is rather spiffy, too. Thanks Jess and best of luck.

Eric Hemphill: What do I think of the VH1 series 'Bands Reunited'? Don't know; haven't seen it. Apparently they track down all the members of past bands and get them to play a show at the Roxy in L.A. I can't understand why the Roxy never asked me back. We did five days in a row a while back and I had a great time. Eric loves the DVD. Says I've replace Pete Townsend on his player. Another Canadian! That's three so far!

Lance Spellerberg: Going to BB's (as of when he wrote). Any reason String's DVD is in B + W? Yup - you were gypped - it's in full and very beautifully done color all the way.

Crystal - going to the shows we've since done. Tommy Mo is an excellent chap.

Bob Kleb - Sorry Bob, but it's too late now. Hope everything went well and you got the stuff you needed.

Jeffrey: glad the Guitar Hangar's working well.

David - another Canadian (Montreal): (1) Why is none of my music or lyrics available on the market? Well, there's no room is there ... oh ... I don't know, probably because I'm not 'big' enough. (2) David notes the ring on Jesse's lip (not to mention tattoos) do I approve? NO!!! But my kids are like me, stubborn as mules. You've got to respect them.

Zac O Yeah bought the 'Once bitten Twice Shy' compilation - in India!!!

Marty Petrosa - going to the Stone Pony. Hope you got what you wanted!

Mike Reid doesn't want 'Soap and Water' to be about Buff - OK it isn't!

Phil Huband: Was Irene Wilde overdubbed on the DVD? Marginally. You've got to understand something - Bjorn had us working from 12 AM to 6 PM both days of the shows. My voice was beginning to crack up. There were a couple of hoarse crackups on I.W. that didn't sound good so I fixed them. Phil has a bunch of Ringo questions: 1) Was I given a list of songs I was expected to know before I went? Yes. 2) Was I provided with lyrics and chord changes? Well, we all got CD's. 3) Did it take longer to rehearse for his tour than my tours? We did 10 solid days with Ringo. My band averages out at about five days. Finance is a big consideration. We just rehearsed four days for the tour we just did around New York. 4) Who was in charge? Whoever's song we were doing took over. Mark Rivera would take over if it got awkward. Lovely man. 5) Was I nervous? No. 6) Who impressed me the most? Sheila E. 7) How was it decided to do Irene Wilde? I didn't think 'Still Love Rock 'n' Roll' was working, and Ringo really liked Irene Wilde. He would say, 'Do 'Somebody Someday'.' So I did.

John McGilley: Wants south coast of England. Hey, it's down to the promoters - not me.

Janet Mitchell: Do a birthday gig in Newcastle on the 3rd of June! Can't Janet, I'm in Zurich on the 3rd of June. Actually, we're doing quite a few gigs in Europe after the U.K. These will be up on the site within the next week. I think we finish up in Moscow in Red Square!

Ted Dotson - We're not playing mid March.

Janey Todd: How was it for you?

Andrew Parkes: Has Meatloaf any plans to hold a future concert in England? Well, there's lots of answers to this but I will stifle myself.

Jan Hollinghurst: Is Sue with us this coming tour. Wouldn't have it any other way! Stan and I can still go to the Football Museum in Preston. It's the time factor, but we'll try.

Bruce Hendrickson: What is my opinion of Bill Price? Simply the best.

Manual Prats says come to Florida. Thinks 'Still Love Rock 'n' Roll' is weakest track on 'Rant'. True - but that's all the idiots on radio would play. For me it was a deliberate mark of respect to my elders - Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry ... and that was all.

Fred Machuga says our local tour of the New York area was posted on Springsteen's fanzine site -backstreets.com (thank you chaps). Will I play in Connecticut sometime in the future? Sure, but some clubs try to underpay you and that's disrespectful. When they get it right - we'll be there.

Yagunn remembers the Bill Boggs show. You didn't mention the little 15 year old girl who appeared on it with me - Whitney Houston.

Jeffrey Stanke says a bunch of U.S. fanatics are going to the U.K. Great! Doesn't agree with Janey Todd has the T-shirt and thinks it's tres neat. Thinks Overnight Angels is over compressed (yup). Thinks certain tracks were sped up. Well, not exactly - they were slowed down so I could reach them. It's one thing singing them at home - it's another thing altogether in the studio.

Phil Bloor says the reason my fans are so diehard is that I'm human and real. Well - that's true. Says Phally's contribution to MTH was underrated. Not by Mott it wasn't. He was the best musician in the band. Phil's amazed that over the years Phal hasn't become more in demand both live and in the studio - his sound is amazing. Well, Phally likes to do things his way and sometimes that can go against the grain. See you at the Astoria.

Michail Boyle says a lot of folk want 'Rant' live at the Astoria DVD. We'll see what comes up.

Brian Cottrill asks me to 'include the questions' on HM. Well, I try to but you can't really. Some are too personal - not meant to be seen - and it would just take too long.

Bobby Balloch offers us Hospitality seats at Hampden Park on the day of the Glasgow gig for the Scottish Cup final. Wow. This is extremely nice of you Bob, but I have to do stuff every day of the tour - it's the time factor. Also I have to appear neutral - if I know what's good for me!

Steve Anderson's brother 'is going nuts' about B.B. Kings and the Stone Pony. Hope it was justified.

Paul G talking about reviews of the DVD and CD in February's edition of Classic Rock. Paul has a review on Amazon's web site, which he says is equally complimentary. Thank you, Paul.

Jimmy Andrews: How did I get to work with Mick Jones? What was he like to work with? Which Mick Jones?

Bogomir Mljatovic: works for Radio Storka - am I ready to speak to my Serbian fans? I didn't know I had any. We'll see.

Mark Leigh says, 'Did you hear about 'The Alarm' thing in the U.K. lately?' Yes, I did, but I wouldn't do it. A song's a song. If the silly buggers won't play it because I'm old or some other idiotic reason, I'm not going to go out of my way for them. Somebody just told me the Daily Mail listed Mott the Hoople as one of the great Disco bands - I can't be bothered - I'm too busy.

Jim Madden asks: 1) Will we record the 2004 tour? No offers as of yet. 2) When we do an old song with the 'Rant' guys, how does that work? They get the CD and we rework it from there. 3) Any chance of doing Ireland again? Sure, but it's not me that decides these things, it is the Irish promoters and Emma Banks at Helter Skelter.

Dirk: What was it like working with Jaco Pastorious? It was like working with Andy York.

Steve Andrews: 'How does it work when famous artists accompany you in the studio? Are they paid? Do they do it for free? All depends. You mention Mick Jones - he did it for nothing. Queen did it for nothing. Sanborn was a single scale (at the time he was getting triple, but he liked the songs). Jaco got paid regular scale. The E-Streeters got paid. It varies, according to the budget and their desire to participate. Joe Elliott's done stuff for me for free and I've done stuff for Joe and the lads gratis because we're mates. Musicians, unlike great sections of the general public know the difference between crap and good music and will go out of their way to help out if they like the music. I mean, we talk about fans keeping me alive all these years, but musicians have played a massive part too, and I owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.

Rich Harrison moved from Hull to Sydney. He says there's a suburb in Drummoyne which has a Hunter Street, a Mott Street, and a Patterson street, and it's all built around a harbour called 'Half Moon Bay'. I'll have to have a word with the builder.

Tom is the sales manager at Borders in Danbury (I know it well). Got the DVD and loves it. Actually, as we speak, negotiations are underway for an American release. More of that to come.

Mitchell Koulouris: Duly noted. Mitchell is a founding member and CEO of Digital Music Works (DMI). DMI is the world's first all digital record label. Stay tuned. You'll be hearing from us in the near future.

Daniel Halferty: Come to Kansas! Tell your local promoter to contact The Paradise Agency. Dan read I wasn't mad keen on 'The Hoople'. I wouldn't say that. It's a good record. I just like others more.

Michael says he's constantly running into diehard fans in Japan. Any plans for Tokyo or Osaka? Not at the moment. It would be nice to go.

Graham says we were on the front page of the U.K. Daily Express. (His Mum's paper - it was my Mum's too actually). It was an ad for free 70's CD and track one was 'All the Way From Memphis'. Do I get paid for this? There's a reduced royalty rate for things like this so you do get paid. 'Next year is the 30th anniversary of your first solo album (Christ!). Any plans for a reissue with bonus tracks? Short answer - don't know.

Michael's son drives a hearse. It was broken into and 30 CDs were taken. His girlfriend replaced one of them - 'Rant'. Atta girl!

Stewart Parsons: Noted.

Jim McLernon says our website was in error in listing the Farmingdale show at $20 and $50. Actually, I think we were right. What Farmingdale did was put seats at the front and charged extra. It was full anyway.

Dean Roecker enthuses greatly about a black outfit I once wore (for my sins) with an H emblazoned on the front. It's Dean's favourite picture and my hugest embarrassment. Hey - I was young and daft. 'Was it custom made?' Probably. 'Have I still got it?' NO. I don't remember the session but that picture haunts me. Ugh.

Thomas will be (was) at Farmingdale, L.I. Hope you enjoyed it.

Happy Lappy concerned about my shoulder - am I a leftie? No, I'm a rightie. Play 'Moon Upstairs' at Bristol - we shall see. I don't have two chins! Oops - there goes 'Moon Upstairs'.

S.B. (going to B.B. Kings). Says him Mum cried when she heard my CD. It wasn't that bad was it?

Mike Brideweser, re: American Idol: American Idol is a talent contest that's got out of hand and panders to the masses. The media loves it and the industry loves it because it's controllable and that's what corporations like - to control. It's all a bit daft really, but there you have it.

Bart: Did my parents live long enough to see what happened? Dad died in 1981; Mum died in 1989.

Janey Buttin: Only just got this. Try earlier in future. If there's time we'll do it.

Loannes etc. etc.: Good luck with it, Jeff.

John Clark: Will Mick sing any old Mott songs in Glasgow? He won't sing - I've asked him to, but he won't. Who knows - maybe he'll change his mind and give me a break. How's the Glasgow tickets doing? Haven't a clue. There are ads in Mojo, Uncut and Classic Rock this month. Should be good - it was last time.

Brynn Arens: Blown away by strings DVD. Says it's the most sincere thing he's seen in music since Johnny Cash's 'Hurt'. Thank you. [The webmaster says: you'll find Brynn's amazing band Flipp at www.flippcentral.com]

Julie wants something signed - well, there's signed books and CD's on sale elsewhere on this web site.

John D.: If I had to pick best album ... Aaaah ... First MTH ... Brain Capers … Mott ... First solo ... AAAB ... Schitzo ... Artful Dodger ... Rant ...Why? Because they're good!

Ann and Dave Hunter: Because there are so many songs people want to hear - how about rotating them? Well, this is a great idea if you are playing stadiums and you've got pots of money to spend on six week rehearsals. We do the British tour usually on five or six rehearsals and Ralpher and me usually get fed up rehearsing after five hours. So how are you going to rehearse 30 or 40 songs in that amount of time? I promise you, if we somehow had a hit and start getting back into bigger places we will rotate! Play 'Honaloochie' at the Astoria? Dunno yet.

Mike Scott: We'll be in touch.

Bryan: What was the inspiration for 'Sons 'n' Lovers' ? Too difficult to describe. I do like the song.

Lisa Suicide: Mick and I were mates with David Johansen from the old days. Mick was producing him and asked me to play piano on 'Flamingo Road' (great title).

Jim McLernon had a great time at B.B. Kings. He was one of the guys that forced me into 'Michael Picasso'. I really didn't want to do it because Susie and Lisa Ronson were in the audience - but I did and I hope I didn't upset them too much. Well, I've talked to Susie since and all seems OK. Sorry Susie, Sorry Lisa.

Stuart McKenzie was blown away by the sound on the DVD. You should be ... the guy who did it used to do Miles Davis. I actually used him for motivation. I thought if I can impress this guy, I'm OK. He just smiled and said 'it was good'. Tracie is doing the Astoria. Her band's album is great and is already selling well on her web site. The Not the Hoople idea has already been done.

Michael A. Cimino - Had a great time at B.B. Kings. We'll talk next time round.

Joe B.: Loved BB Kings ... singles out 'Saturday Gigs'. Really thinks this venue is the place for me.

Pat: B.B. Kings .... her friend says best concert since Paul McCartney in 1989 (I bet he rehearsed for months!!!) Wonderful show, amazing band - still buzzing. Blush, blush.

Eric Allen: Any plans for the West Coast? Paradise is working on it, but it takes two to tango.

Mike Madajewski: Front and center in Allentown. Wants to go again, 'but she won't let me.'

Charlotte Fox: I can't guarantee anything, but if you're at the back door of the Astoria around 5 PM that day I should be wandering in for the sound check. Ask for Stan Tippins or Andy Keating. Tell them you're ten and you have to see me. It's dodgy but it's the best thing I can think of at the moment.

Hope Campbell: I don't have a problem with it, but I'm working in May and June and again (I think) in September. Pretty busy this year.

Paul Magera says he's very critical in general, but he feels the 'Strings' DVD is the best thing released on DVD - EVER. Thank you, Paul.

David Clymer loved Allentown, but says we should play Sellersville Theatre 1894 (20 miles south of Allentown). He says it's a much better venue. Requests 'Death of a Nation'. Can't do 'em all.

Dan Hartman: Weak sales for 'AAAB'. Strong sales for 'Schitzophrenic'. How did the others do? In between. Morgan Fisher was not considered an original member and was paid a salary. MTH at that time was a four piece with two side men. We loved Morgan, and on the Live album he got his due. Why didn't Pete do some guitar work when Ariel was having an 'off day'? We'd never have done that. Luther was the guitar player and that was it. I just heard some Mott stuff with Luther on it and he sounds fantastic - great stuff. I think it's coming out soon. He's playing his ass off.

Masae: Come to Japan. Ask Mr. Udo to invite me.

Ruben Iglesias: Duly noted. Thanks for telling us.

Alan Bristow says he was chatting to 'The Alarm' and apparently they are massive I.H./MTH fans. Says they're trying to come to Cardiff if they're not gigging that night. Yeah, I remember talking to them briefly in New York. Tell them to say hello after the gig. Alan then goes on about the 'Poppy Fields' scam. Love it, but can't be bothered (as I said earlier).

Sheila (27) says show at Allentown was awesome. Didn't know some of the songs, but liked them all. Welcome aboard and say hi to your Mom.

Peter Neff: Please, more dates in the North East. We're working on it. 'Rant'... best music I've heard in years.'

Mike Gebhardt at the Downtown. Great show - wonderful set - obviously having a great time (who wouldn't with the Rant Band). Other points noted.

Sean Fleetwood just saw Disco ad in Daily Mail. Apparently we're in there with Sly Stone and the Nolans. What a funny world the big world is. Was 'Road to Birmingham' left off the first LP due to political views on racism? Nope. It shouldn't have been on there in the first place. Somebody messed up on the first 5,000 copies. Yes, I think the MTH live album is happening (Sony). Regards to Stan.

Keith likes guns and is a fan. Why don't I like guns. Because they kill things. Kids nick them every year and shoot each other. You may be cool with it, but there's thousands out there that aren't - and the jails are full of them. Sorry.

Jim Scully said he wrote last month and said Irving Plaza 2001 was the greatest since Broadway. 'Forget what I said - Farmingdale was better. You were truly amazing (gulp). the band more incredible than 2001. Please tell them their great - especially Andy. What a guitar player. 'The Truth ...' made the hair stand up on my neck. He's perfect for you.' His wife is now a convert. Alright!

Jim D. 'Saw you at Downtown. Your vocals, talent, command of stage were beyond those of mortal men.' (I'm not making this up - honest!) Says he'll drive to Canada to get 'Strings' if he has to. Wishes he could see Ralpher and me in the UK. Says his son's named after me. 'One of the best concerts I've ever seen.'

Peter Neff: How about BB Kings at Foxwoods? If it's anything like New York, I'm fine with it.

Jim Scully: His wife finally got it; apparently 'Rant' did it. I've never understood why guys liked me more than girls. I mean I know I'm not as lovely as some, but I've written lots of songs about girls. 'You guys were incredible Thursday night - thanks again.'

Rooster loved Allentown -he and wife - tremendous time. Says my taste in guitarists is still quite refined - he was great! Just picked up 'Rant' -It's fabulous. Enough!

Hal Freiman was at B.B. Kings and Poughkeepsie. Shows amazing. Hals a gastroenterologist in NYC and always tries to make sure my music graces the endoscopy unit! Right now his patients are getting 'Strings Attached' while they undergo the usual procedures. Just when you think you've heard it all!

Steve Gerlach found the DVD in Chicago. 'Why does it contain none of the songs from your latest and possibly greatest album?' The thinking behind that was the album was and is current. We tried 'Dead Man' but Bjorn said the original couldn't be beaten. 'Wash Us Away' is on the CD.

Jeff: Thanks for sending me the words to 'No Wheels To Ride' I was looking for them.

Art Gerckens says he watched Madonna awhile back from a luxury box at MSG. As he watched the show he realized how much he hated what music had become. It was more about choreography, costume changes and lighting - than music. The last three shows he's seen of us were Poughkeepsie (the previous night) Providence and the Bowery. He says moi is what music is all about (blush). 'Fans jammed together at the front of an intimate stage listening to class rock n' roll. Everything isn't always perfect (it's not supposed to be!); there's no dancing- sometimes there's feedback - an occasional sound system goes down (well look who's playing through them most of the time). Through it all IH continues to perform like a Rock 'n' Roller Hall of Famer that he is (well isn't actually). And his fans know he is. IH is my secret/ I listened to him through high school and college and now I'm married - wife and kids, but I still escape once or twice a year to see him live. My wife says IH is one day going to look down at me from the stage and say 'Geez, that guy - he needs to get a life.' IH was great last night - if you get a chance - go and see him.' Aint that great - makes it all worthwhile.

Bob Peters: What happened to Overend and Buffin? Overend's still in Herefordshire and I think Buff's in Wales. They still hang out together. Stan says they both look good.

Janey - back from the Stone Pony, 'You rocked, rocked and rocked again'. Janey says I'm an ever-present angel so I can't be that off putting to ladies!

Tom Joyce: 'Another great show at the Stone Pony. Thanks for Picasso.' Tom has a couple of deep reasons for 'Picasso' which I won't go into, but he says it helps in the healing. I'm only too glad that it has that affect for you and continues to help others.

Keith Smith bought 'Standing in The Light' before my warning that it was a pile of junk was posted on the web site. Sorry Keith, but we tried to stop it.

Yugen - Germany calling. Come to Germany! Actually, I think we are coming in September for four dates - I don't know where they are yet and also a few in Scandinavia. I think the German shows are in the North. More of this during the summer. Watch this site.

Laurette was at the Stone Pony - 'Great show'. Thanks, Laurette.

Steven Anderson at the Stone Pony, 'Thanks for making the life of a kid from Jersey a bit more bearable.

Dennis Romano: 'Great show in Allentown. The band enjoyed it as much as I did'. I've got to tell you. It's a great band to be in.

Dave/Luton: 'Just received my freebie CD of 'Disco Greats' from the Daily Mail. 'Dudes' is sandwiched between the Nolans and Tina Charles. Somebody do something!!

Pat D/Ireland - grew up on Mott - unreal. Solo material great.

Don B.: Any video or CD's of the tour last week? Not that I know of - we'll see what turns up.

Donna Gleason: 'Thanks for signing my cork and CD. I knew my CD would be signed one day. Awesome at the Chance. What did you write on my CD? I don't know, usually 2004.

Bruce Speary: Allentown fantastic. Gladly would have paid$50! (Blast!!!)

Alan Graham had a bit of a shock recently. He browsed eBay and found a guy called Mad Shadows selling the Oslo DVD. He had a ridiculously high price on it. Alan wrote and asked politely why it was so much (thinking it might be signed or a special edition). He pointed out that Amazon was selling it for fourteen pounds and wondered how he hoped to get twenty five. He was somewhat chastened by his reply.

From John Canning (Mad shadows)
Sent 01/22/04 at 9:38:58 AM
To Guitarman
Subject Re: Question for seller item # 3363349920
'Well f------ well buy it on Amazon you twat!!! Did I ask for your opinion?'

Oh, they're out there - and what miserable lives they must lead.

Rockin Martin: Favourite gigs over the years. I can't Martin - I just can't. Memory's not that good and there's been so many. Sorry.

Johnny Long: Stone Pony - outstanding. Girlfriend converted. Good one John.

Phil Follety brought the kids to the Stone Pony. They were dancing in the street afterwards.

Killianne Conneth: Stone Pony - absolutely excellent. You looked good. (See) You sound great and I'm thrilled. Yeah, they all went.

Rege Kraus: 'Stone Pony - unbelievable - well worth the six hours from Pittsburgh' (that's another town I want to play). Rege and Marcia enjoyed every minute. Rege says one guy traveled there from Texas. Yeah, a lens fell out and I had my eyes shut - I didn't even know till Mastro pointed it out. That would have been a right mess - an entire gig with one lens out. Actually, somebody sat on them the night before in the 'palatial' Poughkeepsie dressing room. I knew they were dodgy, so Chris had a spare pair handy at the side of the stage.

Big E had high expectations which were duly exceeded. 'What a great gig - you guys looked like you were having a great time (that's because we broke the percentage!) - the band was fabulous. 'Rant' is a great album and radio stations are doing their audiences a great disservice by not playing it.'

Theresa: 'Pony was a real treat - how did the audience compare to the other audiences this time around?' Actually, they were all different but they were all great in different ways. The Pony is a blood and love gig. always liked it.

Rob Young writes a lovely email about B.B. Kings that I don't feel I can repeat. Thanks, Rob.

Thomas +Judy didn't appreciate the two and a half our wait at the Downtown in Farmingdale, but it was worth waiting for. 'What a fabulous show - you could have picked it up and put it in MSG and not missed a beat. Makes us play 'Strings' more'.

Dave Bennett couldn't get Worthen tickets. Sold out the day it went on sale even though he applied three days before. Well, that should be a good one. I've got a guest list for that one. I hope they can fit us all in.

Carolyn Lignos: 'Saw Asbury Park and really enjoyed it. Not familiar with your music, but my friend, Andy Burton, (our esteemed U.S. keyboard player) encouraged me to come along. Great to see a show performed by talented people who really seem to enjoy being there.'

Rick Goward: Had 'Rant' since it came out, but only recently discovered 'Knees of My Heart'. Pretty song. Come to California!!!!

Tony Adams: 'Just a note for putting out 'Strings Attached'. It's a great show.' Wants 'Angel of Eighth Avenue' at some time. We'll see.

Steve Curtis: 'Allentown - voice never better. 'Standing in My Light' is always the barometer as you have to hit the high note'. Well, I get it about half the time. Watch Steve Holley - he's always ready to cover for me if I'm stretching it a bit. Still enjoys 'Rant' - after three years. 'Holley is really good, Andy such a clean player, Mastro underrated. The Rant band is good. Where'd you get your shoes?' I can't remember - maybe Daffy's in New York - I'm always on the look out.

Bill McCue: 'Got DVD - wow's to small - excellent. Picture sharp, sound quality sharp. Great interview.' Enjoys 'Morons' and 'Purgatory'. Wants an I.H./ Ralpher DVD - we'll see.

Andrew Field: Just bought Tracie's album, 'Race' and its top! It is a great record. All the songs are good on it. Yes, I am proud - who wouldn't be. They hung in and got something special. She's looking quite lovely these days too. 'Astoria Morning' is my favourite. I wish it was track one, but I can't say anything or she'll shout at me.

Tom Caulfield wants me to go to Australia as he can't afford to come to me at the moment. It does appeal, Tom, and thank you for your long (and interesting) email. It is however, not down to me, but Australian promoters. They have to make the offer before we can accept; sorry, but that's the way it is.

Chris: Excellent at Allentown. Likes new version of 'Irene Wilde' (Andy's). Do I ever sign after a show? Yes, but sometimes you get hung up on other stuff and it takes a while to get out of the dressing room.

Gary Guida: 'What a show at the Stone Pony - wish you'd played all night. Andy's solo on 'Truth' was awesome.' Gary's wife kept commenting on how nice my skin was! Any tips. My Mum had good skin - I guess it's genetic. It's not so good close up though - to be honest. 'Rant'' best CD in a long time. Andy - great on 'Dead Man.' Can't stop playing DVD and CD's . The kids screaming for 'Lord of the Rings' to no avail. 'Hope 'String's' released in the U.S.' I have a very good feeling that it just might be.

Shaker loved 'The Chance'.

Keith Bryant: 'Hi Ian -remember me, the miserable git at Friar Bros in the Archway - last time I saw you was the Salisbury Pub in Barnet in '77.' Bloody Hell. 'Friars' is a factory Miller Anderson and I worked in around 1967. Were you the guy who had a son who was a good footballer? I remember Sid standing at his capstan in a cardboard box. Miller's in Scotland now. Nice one.

Marty G: 'BB Kings and Poughkeepsie - beyond description.' Actually, as happy as I am with all these emails my hands nearly falling off. Thanks, Marty.

Kevin Price never emailed an artist before. Well, you have now, Kevin. Thanks for the thoughts.

Janey Todd: 'Pisses me off they still bracket you with MTH' Hey, MTH gave me the shot. I'm not complaining.

Christ Berry: How is my hearing? Not good. My ear guy says it's 'dire'. Strangely enough Ralpher has perfect hearing. My Dad's ears were bad and his sister, Nettie's, were bad, so maybe it's genetic. I have tinnitus as well, which can be really annoying whenever there's a big temperature change. Chris said he lived down the road from John Entwistle and his hearing was bad as well. Was given 'Strings Attached' as a present. The arrangements so wonderful he cried. Actually, a few people say they get teary. No wonder I never get anywhere!

DINNERTIME!!!!!

AAAH ... that's better.

Mike Lloyd: Allentown fantastic (actually, my monitor on the piano was the worst I've ever heard - an atonal almighty mess I couldn't begin to unravel). 'Band fantastic - saw you in the 80's - you're better now?' That is actually true. Enjoyed revamped 'Irene Wilde'. Mike finishes up talking about songwriters and how they touch you. He says, Neko Case, is a brilliant songwriter and has the greatest voice since Patsy Cline. Wow. She must be good.

John Scialfa: Loved the Stone Pony show.

Owen Kelley: The picture of me sitting on newspapers was a Chrysalis photograph so I'm assuming they put it out. Yes, we know about Classic Rock. Great, wasn't it?

Neil Broadley: Is there any gigs that will allow a child of 9 on the premises. Probably not officially, and certainly not in London. Call the club and check it out.

Joe Eglash broke in an IH virgin at Farmingdale. He love d it. Well, he would wouldn't he? Best parts 'Wash Us Away and the new version of 'Irene Wilde'.

Cal - who shouted 'whoa' at the end of 'Death May be Your Santa Claus' I think it was Guy Stevens. Says me and the band in fine form at B.B.'s but thinks the venue sucked. 'Please do NYC venue where we can rock with you'. Well, people seem to be split down the middle on this one.

Tim: Poughkeepsie 'Rant' material great. '23A Swan Hill' hit home. 'Andy York does a great job of incorporating his own style (Irene Wilde arrangement brilliant) and playing some of the classic Ronson licks.' 'Picasso', wife's favourite song. This song seems to touch a lot of people - not all Ronno - it seems to have something for other people who've lost somebody.

Big Licks: 'If only you could play rugby as well as you write songs we wouldn't be getting humped every week!' (Actually, I wasn't too bad a rugger - get the stripes on!) - and I stink at songwriting at the moment - so I'm not much help either way. Nope - never played Scottish Islands; sounds like a blast. Love Albert Lee; don't know Preston Reed. He isn't one of those 100 mph merchants is he? B.L. watched Robert Stack's 'Tales of the Unexplained' last week and finally understood.

Bart: 'Bruce's 'The Rising' was a great album, but 'Twisted Steel' - far superior.' I think you might have a problem with that one Bart!

B Batt: 'You never cease to amaze me. Great band - Andy a killer - love Steve Holley on drums. Unlike me to fawn over anyone.' Hey - we must be getting good.

Jay Sciascia: 'Saw Poughkeepsie and Asbury Park. Are you doing something different with your voice - it's better than ever.' Actually, I am but I'm not telling or they'll all be doing it.

G. Meyer: That's what you get for doing sessions. Hope all is well.

Dave Hall: 'Rain' grows with time. Yeah, Barry Parkes was my best mate in Northampton and we both bought identical Italian suits on tic and the women were taking the washing off the line ...

Ray Mackie loved B.B. Kings and Poughkeepsie. Atmosphere at BB's great - like a family. Policy on cameras? Doesn't bother me as long as it's not right in my face - destroys concentration.

John Doray: Poughkeepsie excellent. Was I happy with the gigs? I'm in the band and the band were loving it. We didn't want to stop. I went round Andy's for dinner the day after and asked his wife Liz where the dressing rooms were!

Bob Kleb: Hello, Linda - glad you enjoyed it.

Rick Goward: Yes, it is for real. We've been trying to get stuff around it but so far it hasn't worked out. It'll be Andy, James and me or James and me if Andy can't make it.

Jeff Dingfeld: Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (1940's). It's on the 'Strings' DVD and CD.

Jeff Stanke: 'Why did we invade Graceland?' Why does Ringo keep a full sized rhinoceros in his back garden? Because we're stupid - that's why.

Ray Waters: 'How do I select the set list?' It just sort of comes into focus. I did 'Truth' this time because I thought Andy was more than ready for it. 'Nightingale' is a beautiful song, so we did it. We weren't going to, but then Tony Shanahan and Steve Holley heard it and Tony said straight away -that's the first encore and he was right. England will probably be a bit different because of Ralpher. Actually, I sat down with Andy for the tour we just did. I penciled it. The only one that never got done was 'Ill Wind' which we both feel like doing again.

Truis Johanson/Norway: 'Was the tape slowed for 'Coldwater High'?' No. If I'm not on the road my voice goes higher.

Anal New Jersey: Is that near Trenton? Lists favourite DVD moments.

Susan K: BB's, Chance, Stone Pony - FANTASTIC!!! Going to Astoria and Bristol. All happening here then.

Dave Mitchess: A big fan of mine - and I'm a big fan of his since this is the final email in this long list. Wants to take pictures at Cardiff. Yes - but not too near.

Well, we are a happy little web site aren't we! Just one thing before I go. James Mastro nagged me into doing this tour and I'm so glad he did. James has been helping out on the American managerial side of things for now and this is on top of his shop and studio. I just don't know how he does it and he plays great too. So from Tony, A.B., Steve, Andy and me - thanks a lot James. But you're still GREEK!

IH
The Horse's Mouth