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Issue #42 - April 18, 2004

Morning All. A brilliant blue Saturday at the Towers. Let us begin.

Andy Blackhurst: 'Both the CD and DVD Strings got stellar reviews in Classic Rock...harass MOJO!' Somebody told me it's rather difficult getting CD's to reviewer of some periodicals as apparently the mail rooms get 'infiltrated' and the CDs do go missing.

Hope Campbell: 'Saw Olso DVD - amazing'. First IH interview she's ever seen. Disappointed we didn't do 'Cleveland Rocks'. Well, we've got to leave something for later.

Tom: West Coast? Paradise is working on it.

Ed: Did I see the potential when Queen opened for MTH? Sure, it was extremely annoying!!

Tom Skevin: 'Any plans for N.E. this summer/fall? We're working on it (we really are!). Any thoughts on having the 'Strings Attached' CD available on this site? Well, we're in negotiations with several different labels for a U.S. release as we speak, so it wouldn't be a good idea at the moment. The first song of the encore was, 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square' - an old Sinatra, Tony Bennett song.

Teg wants 'Resurrection Mary' for his kids at Leeds.

Pete Lewis: What everybody wants to hear. Ah, but Pete, it's not what everybody wants to hear - it's what we want to play! Not long now.

Andrew Field: Saw 'Standin' in the Light' at a local record store. Why is it that these stores stock records which are illegal and don't stock records which are recent and rather good?

John Paver: Count the keys on a piano.

John Huntingdon: Sorry, John - logistics, logistics, logistics. Good luck with the albie.

Peejay: 'Rip Off - ticket fees and postage. I'm going to the Astoria personally to buy the tickets!' That one's selling well.

David Fowler: Thanks, David.

Gerard York from Tallahassee, Florida. Rented a flat in Chelsea for the week of the London gig. You'll have fun.

Stuart Owens sees us in Leeds with converted girlfriend. Enjoy.

Peejay asks what Tracie's band is like. Buy a CD and find out!

Rick Graves saw Farmingdale and Asbury Park. Really impressed with the band and the amount of energy and fun on stage. Says he talked to the band and they like the songs. Well, they do and it is really a band. I consider myself part of it, not apart from it. It's a pain putting it together, but it's great once we're on stage.

Randy Carter: Read it. Appreciated.

Kevin (Belfast) Loves Andy York's interaction with me on 'Twisted Steel' The great thing with Andy is he's always improving the songs - a bit here a bit there. A true musician. How high do I rate him? He knows. 'Any new songs in the pipeline?' Other things are occupying my time at the present. You know, you have to take time off and live a bit in order to find something to write about. Lyrics are the hardest thing. Once I get an idea - I'll be off.

Nealbroadly: Ideally, you should ring the gig in question. A lot of people want to bring kids and it's down to the venue (licensing etc). Mention it to Trevor - he might have a bit of clout.

John Channing is the guy Alan Graham was talking about in the last H.M. and in this email John tells his side of the story and I wind up telling you both to kiss and make up. You're both good chaps and let's forget all about it, OK?

Dave Bennett talkin' about Worthen. Actually, they're trying to get permission for a second gig the following night at the same place. They have to apply to the local council. If it comes off, we'll get Justin to put it up on the site immediately.

Louis? Will I play France. I think we're in Paris on the fourth of June.

John wants 'Sea Diver' at Preston. Wants his kids to play it at his funeral - he's only 44! A bloody baby!

Rick A.: Did I know about the New Clearwater (isn't it Clear Channel?) live CD burning program where discs are burned and sold right after the concert? Yes, I do know about this and I think it's a great idea.

Ian Harvey was at last years show in Glasgow (no you weren't - it was the year before) and is looking forward to seeing Mick and me and the chaps.

Steve Inkersole 'Standing in the Light' advertised in last months MOJO (gee thanks) Steve didn't buy it. Good one. Assholes!

Keith re: Guns (we disagree). I was in K Mart once and I saw one of these 'gun cases'. It was wood on the front, but had a hardboard back - really difficult for kids to get into!!!!

Gino: Little Richard was illustrating the different drum patters used in rock and roll and he cited 'Once Bitten' as one approach. Loves the DVD.

Jeffrey Stanke: Off on a marathon. Winds up by saying Mastro is Italian for Lord, Master or Sir. Well, we haven't got that far yet.

Geoff Pearson tells me Guilford Civic Hall was closed. Well, that's sad. That was the first night Bowie, Angie and Defries came to see us. Angie told me it took David four hours to get ready! I'm really sorry to hear that. Geoff remembers Max Wall on the circus tour there. Yes, he was great. He had a problem up north, but Guildford loved him.

Paully D: Loved the Stone Pony. 'Andy's solo in Truth - awesome' Can't wait to put Ralpher on the back end in England.

Gary M: 'Standin' In My Light' about Fred Heller - isn't it?' I'm not telling who it's about. If I had 'Memphis' to do again, who would I use on sax? - Howie Casey. Says there's a brief clip of me singing 'Dudes' as part of Time Life 'Legends' CD infomercial. We're nowhere near Italy.

Graham Stark: Rock 'n' Roll bands are only as good as their drummers. We have a particularly fine one who I wouldn't be without - Steve Holley. Rock and Roll can be wild, but the bass and drums have to anchor the wildness. There are obvious exceptions to this rule; Moonie was wild in the Who, but I prefer the Holley approach. Drummers all go through the show off stage - that's why I like 'em over 40! But it don't swing if it don't have that intelligent thing.

Hels: Yeah, I remember, Mick. He gave me the photo before the Astoria gig. C'mon Mick - keep the old pecker up!

Pete Toone says remember Northampton http://lordtoone.co.uk I don't know why, but I put this in.

Paul Abbot asks how did I hook up with Rick Derringer? His wife Liz called us up and said he'd had his gear stolen so we all went down and did a gig so he could get some more.

Joe Waldron: Play 'Sucker'. Actually, we did have a look at this, but I didn't think the lyric measured up to the more recent stuff. It seemed out of place.

Zac O'Yeah says the albums (I don't know which ones) are available in India. Come to India (This is a new one on me). Good to know.

Bart says that on the Oslo DVD I mention another artist I'd cover before I mentioned Dylan who was It? P. J. Proby ('Somewhere').

Willie: I wondered where you were. Technical problems. What - the lead came out? I never said I was doing 'Nae Wheel' and Ralphs is pretty adamant about vocalizing. Could be a lousy night!!

Francis Parker: Thanks for the invite. Love to Dennis and Iona.

Jeffrey: No try it at 2 down.

Dean Kurtz says 'Hymn for the Dudes' had quite a bit of Godly references in it at a time in rock that was not into it too much. What was the thought behind it? Keeping things on an even keel.

Janey Todd says I might not be in H.O.F. but I was on Jeopardy. Sounds about right. Says to tell Jeff Stanke anytime he wants to duke it out with her she'll meet him outside!!!

Dave Griffiths: Will I sign the book? Yes, if you can manage to get it to me. 'Is the Shropshire gig a sign you are retiring?' I've been retiring for the last 20 years.

John Von Reine: 'Roger Daltry hosting late night infomercial clip of me singing 'Dudes'. He's a nice bloke, Roger. Doesn't half get about.

Valentin Lendi from Bern, Switzerland - looking for 'Welcome to the Club'. Try eBay.

Hope Campbell: Just tell me on HM nearer the time. Hope's pissed off because she saw Jerry Lee Lewis on a video and he didn't go mad. Decorum, girl. He's got to be getting up there ... decorum.

Dirk Faude: Why haven't Mott the Hoople been inducted into the Hall of Fame? They probably never heard of us.

Francis L: Flying to Astoria from Aspen, CO. Hope it's worth it!

Terje Doeviken has a friend who's 40 next month; guitar player who loves my music. Can I send a greeting card? No, because I'm really busy at the moment, but tell him to have a great one if you mention his name in a future email, I will respond.

Dean Roecker: Per black outfit with 'H' on it. The H stood for Hunter and I felt like a right prat! Any chance of touring the U.S. with Ralpher? If it was done right.

Dave S.: Is 'Strings Attached' DVD 5.1? Yep.

Renee: Oh - I like this. Creem Magazine has bee resurrected. The online version is live and a hard copy version is in the works. ( Here's the Mott page) Renee wrote to the editor, Brian J. Bowe suggesting a review of 'Rant'. She got a reply. 'Would absolutely love it if you'd do a review of 'Rant' for Cream online. Hunter is still one of the most intelligent and passionate voices in Rock and Roll and his songwriting is still in top form, if not the best it's ever been. The album was released on a small label with no marketing behind it, but it is a gem!! Well, I put it in - so I'm flash - big deal!! Thanks, Renee.

Phil Holbrook: Any chance of 'Great Expectations' or 'Drivin Sister' in the setlist? Hi Phil. See you soon!

Georg Frech: There's talk of 4 German dates in the north in September, but they are not confirmed as of yet.

Matt Nojonen's writing better lyrics than I am at the moment. Thanks!

Jeffrey S. says writing to me is like eating Pringles - 'You can't do it once.'

Joe Reinhard is a singer in Europe and they've done a couple of covers. Yeah, bring them to the gig. I may bump into you, or ask for and give them to Stan.

Hein Van Schaik: We should do Amsterdam.

Ignacio Imaz says the place we're playing in Bilbao is great. He's in Rio but flying back for the Madrid and Bilbao shows. Is this the first time in Spain? Yup. They tell me Spain still rocks. (No shows in Rio, sorry.)

Jeffrey (again) bought some swag. Actually, that whole thing is ticking over very nicely. All the bloody weather as per usual. Yes, shove the lyric to 'Henry 'n' the H bomb' onto the Horse's Mouth. It's always handy to have - preferably in English.

Mark Morris: You're asking me stuff you're better off asking Sony. Says come to Memphis.

Jimmy Andrews meant the Mick Jones from the Clash. Mick was very wide to work with. If a radiator sounded good - on it went. I found it really interesting working with him and Bill Price. His personality needed readjusting from time to time and he eventually relaxed and stopped posing and became himself. A really nice chap.

Kevin: Yes, I did get it - thank you. See you in Paree.

David: Would I use either Jeff Lynne or Tom Petty as a producer? Well Jeff Lynne's a part of me and Tom Petty's another part of me so they'd both be great, but I kind of like doing it with my own band these days.

Misja: Will I buy the new Morrissey album? I don't think I possess a Morrissey album. Will he hand deliver? He doesn't know where I live!

Jan Bjork: It's kind of difficult meeting people in London because there's so many of them and I usually wind up with family and old friends. We're also playing in Shropshire the following day, so I have to get a reasonably early night - hey I might bump into you - you never know.

Ken Grant has a book coming out and wants to use a few lines from 'Marionette' Oh, alright then!

Andrew Jones: Well, it's changed a bit since you wrote. Looks like Hereford and Shrewsbury for the playoffs. Stan says the standards of both teams is high - rare praise indeed.

Janey Todd says she didn't mean to dis - sorry tho. I believe you.

Paul Wolfe: Re: Defective copies of DVD in Canada. Apparently, replacement copies are now available. Any Canadians with defective copies can contact April at Universal Music in Toronto at 1-800-265-1955 to obtain replacements. Well, that's good news, isn't it? 'Come to Toronto!' We'll see.

Kevin: 'Being a big fan - what shall I call my band?' 'Kevin's Band' if you've got any sense.

S.B.: Never got an autograph at B.B.'s It's pretty impossible at some of these places. He says gig made up for it.

Matt Gorham: No, never did meet Neil Young. Not particularly familiar with his music, but know he's intense and passionate and he's a rocker.

Hope is sitting with Serena (who's not as big a fan). Serena asks how do I keep so young? (Hair, glasses, low lights.) Crap question by the way! Was there something in Cleveland? I think there was a festival, but I'm in Europe. Ah, well.

Shaun Stuart: What was it like working with Hanoi? Quick. Was AAAB inspired by Dee Browns book 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee'? We're going back a bit, but no, I don't think so.

Howard: Noted.

Chuck: 'Come to Detroit'. We might, actually. It's a festival - too early to say though.

Don: 'Do Thunderbuck Ram'. I have suggested it, but he sidesteps.

Willie: No, no, no! A little liver pate, a couple of flagons of Crystal and a few dozen Havanas. I'm a simple lad. What happened to 'Salvation'? It got lost along the way. That happens now and again. It is good isn't it?

Robyn Watkins: There are so many reference points in Drummoyne, Sydney. How about coming down? Who's sending the cheque and the tickets?

Michael Baseman: Of all the songs out there 'Roll Away the Stone' would seem not the most immediate one when wooing a 'really hot girl'. Hey, you were young - we were crazy!

Janey says the new site is great, beautiful colors - 'Am I OK now, Jeffrey?'

David Hatsfield heard Maria McKee's 'beautiful' version of 'I Wish I Was Your Mother'. Have I heard it? Yes. What do I think? I think it's lovely. Just got 'Rant' and loves it.

Glenn Ecker: didn't get to our recent mini tour. Was it filmed or recorded - No, but you never know these days who's a ripoff.

Dave P.: Play Connecticut. I will when they offer me some decent money.

Steve Heard is in the Navy. Says if we see a bloody, big, ugly gray ship in the harbour in New York next February/March to come aboard for a few beers in the Chief Petty Officers Mess H.M.S. Albion. How nice of you! We'll keep a look out.

David Phillips: 'Rant is fabulous!' (good start) Very happy with Andy's work - with John Mellencamp and with me. Wants to put a web site together for Andy (excellent). I'll tell him or Trudi will. Keep foot out of mouth.

Bob Barnes: So Sony thinks 'Dudes' is Disco? Someone dropped the ball. I'm really glad 'Standing in the Light' is not selling. Bravo! Thanks for the info!!

Bill Smith raving on about Miller Anderson's singing on Jon Lord's 'Pictures Within' CD. Wants other stuff by Miller. Miller is a seriously great guitar player too. I can't say enough about Mil.

John Knight is going to Barcelona. Last saw me 30 years ago. You moved out there? People tell me a lot of folk go to Spain and stay there. Must be spiffy. 'Hasta pronto' I'll have to remember that.

Kim Bruun raving about Luther Grosvenor. Says I remind him a bit of Graham Parker - do I know Graham? We met briefly in Chicago last year and he was extremely nice. I've got his number - I should give him a bell sometime. Billy Cross? Yes, I know Billy and Lisa from way back. We used to hang out at his flat in Copenhagen in the 80's. Kim says Billy just made a great album. Nice one, Billy.

Jeffrey S.: Joseph earl Krieg - 8 lbs. 2 oz. - Jeff's 7th grandchild. Congrats!!

Ken Hess says the best show he ever saw was Ronno and me breaking in new material at some old club in New York. 'The wooden floor creaked and everybody got splinters.' Sounds like us.

Ellen: 'Originally signed up on your email from a different account and then switched accounts- signed up again - but received no updates.' Justin? Please tour the U.S. 'need my fix'.

Steve Williams says www.cdquest.com in the States here has a decent collection of my stuff (no, he doesn't work for them).

Gary Guida: Can't stop playing my stuff since the Stone Pony. Says 'Rant' is better than 'Ian Hunter'. Not really fair to compare - there's a bit of mileage between the two eras, but I know what you mean. Was Ronnie Montrose ever asked by MTH? No. It as discussed, but we felt the guy had to be English.

Paul Stepto: Has friends in Russia. That gig's off. I only found out today. They want it, but things happened - trying to reschedule. I was looking forward to that.

Phil Taylor: Do 'Twisted Steel' in Preston.

Delaye Marc: 'Why is it so difficult to get the DVD in France? Because Universal France will not release it.

Chris Vargo: Hey Fred! Happy 50th and many more!!!

Phil Smith: Why don't you bring them to the Bristol gig?

Andy Martin: 'As an ex metal machinist, did you ever wonder why you did that job?' It was all I could get in between playing the German clubs, etc. I did it for the money. Talk about boring!

Andy: I never had a home studio on Long Island. Mick had a home studio, maybe they were there (Mick was living on Long Island for a short time).

Philip Huband: Did we spend much time rehearsing for 'Rant'? Well, Andy did. Were the arrangements figured out before hand? Well, again it was just Andy and me. Andy figured out drum parts (he use to be a drummer) he knew exactly what he wanted. Did we go into the studio knowing the exact tracks? Yes. Some changed. Micky Curry changed 'Wash Us away' from a straight 8 to a shuffle. Did we record any that weren't used? No, we had a very small budget. 'Rant' was the smallest budget I've ever had. Did we agonize about the length of the album? No. I've never heard 'Genocidal tendencies' before or since.

Glen: saw Billy Bragg at Newcastle Opera House (we should be there) says he encored with 'Dudes'.

Steve Hunter: Any plans to record UK gigs? The offers are not good enough.

Brian B: Bobby Columby (from Blood Sweat and Tears) introduced me to Jaco. He'd been a drummer and was a Stones fan so we got on straight away. I suggested he take a bass lead because it's not often done and he just figured one out. Pretty fussy - kind of like Ronno. Working with him at that time was great. I never knew a guy who told so many filthy jokes.

Michael Gacek: When I do 'Picasso' do I actually think about the content of the lyrics? 'Picasso' and 'Waterlow' are two songs where I keep away from thinking about the content too much. If I fully think about it I can't do them. It's vagueness that works. Do I feel his presence? No. It's always a little more difficult if his Mom, Susie or Lisa are in the audience. When Minnie's there (Mick's Mum) I always tell her when to get out!

Bob Kleb wants a T-shirt from the recent shows - they all sold out. We may be getting some for the web shop. Hang tight. He says the lead guitarist of the Dead Milkman did a MTH tribute near the end of his time (I didn't know that).

Richard Usher: Ask for Andy Keating or Stan Tippins or look for Trudi.

J. Jack Flasher: Who was the boogie piano player who's band I fronted briefly in the 80's? His name's Roy Young. I'm a big fan of Roy's. Roy was actually asked to join the Beatles in Hamburg in the early 60's. He used to book the Star Club in Hamburg and would sit in with all the bands. He turned the Beatles down because he had such a good gig at the Star Club and he didn't really know if they'd make it. I asked him how he felt about it. He said everyday when he gets out of bed he bangs his head against a wall - but other than that he's OK.

Tom Joyce: Did I think of including 'Marionette' or 'Strings'? There were 48 songs we thought about - obviously we couldn't do them all.

Willie's begging - a Scotsman begging? NEVER! Is NWR in the tour? I don't know.

Julian Richards: Noted.

PeeJay: Will we be putting more items in the store. Yep, but it might be a little while as everything slows down when you're touring. PeeJay likes the revamped site.

Big Chief Ike's brother is a NYC cop who helped with the clean up. Says 'Twisted Steel' hit home with him. I've passed along the remainder of your email. Thanks.

Erik Hovdahl: It's well documented my fondness for Norway - Norwegian Universal have been great to me and so have the musicians. Sooner or later I'll be there.

Jeff: Conn. 2004?

Bryan: Well, Moscow asked and San Francisco didn't. Although they may have. Mike Rand is at Paradise Artists and is taking offers, but one has to put them together in order to come out financially alive. I'm not a money hog, but I'm damned if I'm gonna pay to play.

John Clarke: 'No Wheels to Ride' keeps Willie happy, but I have to think of other people and you know how many slow songs we have that people want to hear. I can't do all slow songs - it would kill the gig. That's the problem and I'm trying to solve it.

Tery Elderton: Come to Sydney. Easier said than done!

The Vebacious Miss Todd: Sure

Rich Webster: How do I keep in great shape? Well, actually I've been doing a Des O'Conner for years. One meal a day and I do exercise. Also I'm a non-addictive personality so I guess that helps. I don't think I'm that fit, but so far so good. Who has Mott gold discs? I've got a few. I think we all got one each.

Gerry Campbell: Is Edinburgh still on? Yes, and I b elieve it's selling well as is Glasgow. I don't know what's happening there. Check it again. Do I still go to Peter Eques in Hamilton? Yes, and I drag 'em all with me. It's a brilliant restaurant.

Barry wants West coast. So do I. Working on it.

John Clark: I don't know! Nah, I don't read the message board. That's for you lot not me. What, are they slagging me off?

Keith Andreas: I'll pass it on.

Schmed: Haven't figured out the list yet. It's usually a bit last minute.

Dan Roecker: They're not your trousers - they're mine. Actually I attacked my voluminous Hunter Towers wardrobe the other week and out popped an identical pair complete with two back pockets! That makes life a lot easier. It gets a bit sticky with one pair - salt marks and all that.

Glenn 'The Rock' - Were my parents ever disappointed when I dropped the Patterson? No, I don't think so. Tracie uses it too. Jesse's sticking with Patterson, although I'd like him to change as well - just sounds better to me (his full name is John Jesse Hunter Patterson). .

Susan K: I don't remember being in any movie - still - you never know.

Dan Hartman: We usually use fade-outs on endings because we haven't figured out how to end them. Later on when you're more fanatical with said songs you work out endings - because you have to.

Willie: Wouldn't be seen dead in a parka!

Brian Easton: Ow! Shut it!!! (They're all meeting at the Solid Rock!)

John Clark: NO KAZOOS!

Ed: Did I ever consider writing a rock opera or Broadway-type show? I did when doing 'Marionette' and I did when doing 'Broadway' but I never got around to it. Not enough time at the time.

Stevie Vee: A few of you want 'The Outsider'. Maybe down the road but not yet.

Peter Jordan: '72 must have been amazing time. Ronno on Transformer, Bowie on Dudes. Ziggy taking off. Ronno and I hit it off immediately because we were both working class lads. It just fell together quite naturally, then Bowie retired Ziggy and Mick became available. It was never easy business wise, but we got on great and our wives did too. We'd say hello and then I asked him to arrange Sea Diver. Both bands were in Trident at the same time. I remember David rushing me in to listen to 'John I'm Only Dancing'. He loved it. I wasn't so sure, but I didn't say anything. Yes, very flash time. All systems go in the Goldfish Bowl.

Milo: What do you want to know?

OK that's it. And that will be it until July as I'm on the road. Thank you for all the support; a lot of people still going on about 'Strings' and 'Rant' which is much appreciated. Keep the flag flying while away and we'll be seeing a fair few of you along the way.

DA-DADA-DA!

IH
THE HORSE'S MOUTH

P.S. I missed a few but they were more statements that didn't seem to need answers. Sorry about that.