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Issue #49, Part 2 - January 7, 2005

Howard Chapman: Great show at B.B.'s. Well - great effin show actually.

Marty G: B.B.'s. Loved two lead players. Any chance of that continuing? Not at the moment!!!!

Steve had to leave Farmingdale early but what he did see was incredible!

Kellianne Connell: B.B.'s excellent.

Mo: Who came up with 'Death May Be Your Santa Claus' as a title? Guy Stevens.

Ingela loved B.B.'s. Joe's Pub looks good pretty soon (March 1st I think).

John Treubig enjoyed the Stone Pony.

Andy Blackhurst: Songwriting is only half the story the other half is publishing - both paying equally. Then there are royalties - performance (from airplay) and mechanicals (from sales). MTH never owned their own publishing - unfortunately.

Tricia Devine: What do I think of Paul Rogers joining Queen. Well, he's a great natural singer - we'll have to wait and see.

Tom McGarry: Does the fan contact through the Horse's Mouth put me under more pressure to write and record? Nope. I'll record again when I've got something to say - and not before!

Tim: B.B.'s astounding (first timer). Welcome aboard! P.S. Jack the Mechanic - amazing.

Nick: Will I cheer for Yeading. Damn right.

Brett: 'Any thoughts of putting out 1980 Rock Palast on DVD? We, as they say, having started talking.

Bob Kleb: Glad it all worked out, Bob. Thanks for the wine and cigar!

SB: Re: B.B.'s 'Thanks for one of the best nights of my life.'

Peejay asks if I am older than Ozzy? Isn't everybody?

Tom: Midwest 2005? Don't know yet.

Joe Hendy: Tell him I'm rooting for him and to get his ass out of there and get ready for the Fleece. Never give up. It's not allowed!

Neil Salzman: B.B.'s phenomenal. Band magical. How much of a foil is Andy York in the making of it? To me, Andy and James and Steve and Graham - Tony Shanahan - Jack and Andy Burton all have a commitment to the music, which is quite extraordinary. Perhaps that's why it comes off well. They all genuinely believe and it's such a compliment to this 'gentleman of a certain age'. You're only as good as good as the band - and the crew.

Mike Bunyard: Going to Vegas. How long will the set be? About the same as usual.

Patrick McDonnell: First timer in Vegas. 'When was the last time you performed in Vegas?' I did it with Ringo and Ronno and I did one there too.

Jordan: More NY dates. Sorry, can't get enough!

Vern Michaels says he's the kind of chap who doesn't write in to the HM, but likes to read it. 'Please don't stop.' Oh,alright.

Robert Healey: 'What would I have done differently in my career?' It would have been nice to have met a complete manager, but I'm not really prolific enough to keep the ball rolling all the time. It would be nice to be more prolific. A mistake is often made that I wish I was bigger, commercially. I really don't. It's too much hassle. Eminen did an interview recently where he said he wished he could go back and walk the streets unrecognized - do a few gigs when he felt like it and record now and again. He's not kidding; and what he wants - I've already got! People think it's great 'being big'. It isn't. It's a total pain in the ass. How do I see myself? Lazy. Am I recognized in public? - now and again.

Ian: Come to Exeter! I keep telling you - I don't choose. Promoters choose. I just play 'em.

Noel Cunningham: Did I ever work with Phil Lynott? Yep. Did a festival with him once. Trudi wanted to watch my set - so Phil babysat Jess for us. Lovely man; quiet and unassuming.

Ian Hollinghurst: I was suitably impressed with last years gig in Preston that I asked Emma if it was on the cards - and I think we're doing it.

Joe Basile: Actually, Fripp is a bit of a fan. He's been known to turn up on occasion. Saw King Crimson way back at the Marquee; blew me away.

Bill C says they call Mastro 'the man with the hat'. Nah - Jimmy the Greek.

Mike Costanzo says 'All the Young Dudes' by Campbell Devine currently selling for between $100-$150!

Willie: It did not go down a storm!! 'Dead Man' followed it!!

John Paul: Never believe what you read in the Sunday Mirror.

Hal London: Congrats on a great vocation. I don't know what came out of the props. I think it was feathers. They were vacuum cleaners in reverse.

Pete: Good luck on Jools - thanx Pete, Happy Xmas to you and yours.

Bryan Paterson: 'Fans inundating the Hootenanny web site singing your praises.' That's probably you lot!

S.B.: Cut 'Wings' on your next album with Andy. Actually, I had thought of that.

Jessica Drew - converted girlfriend at B.B. King's.

Pete Astley: How about a Bad Company track on the UK 2005 tour. Do you think I haven't asked him? The bugger won't do it.

Mark and Alexandra Hughes: Hi Zani - Merry Xmas. Happy New Year!!! (Zani is 6). I'm getting tons of best wishes but I'm leaving most of the out. That doesn't mean I don't read them because I do. Thanks to all of you.

December came to B.B.'s with her girlfriend. Girlfriend now converted and playing all his records. 'Come to Sweden.' I think we are going.

Linda Lewis: How much of my music do I own the copyrights to? Like most bands the early years you give them up just to have money to live on. You do what you can to keep them.

Mo: 'You mentioned WFUV considered 'Rant' unsuitable for their station - what does that mean? I mean that they're probably told what to play by a consultant and have no say in their own play list. Radio is big business. They don't ever admit it, but it's common knowledge. This business of 'requests' - I've lost count of the people who've rung a station who've asked for requests and been told- we don't do that. It's laughable, and you - the fans - lose out. Back to Clear Channel and Co. Yes, there are exceptions - some public radio, satellite radio and some independent stations just aren't going to like a particular artist's stuff, but they are infinitesimal compared with all the big reporting stations. 'Unsuitable' usually means you are not with a major label with huge amounts of money to invest in radio. You're not 'in the game'.

Andrew Stonstreet: Pogo's - I remember that. Us against the world! Great gig.

Steve Miller: 'Most of your music is available on Rhapsody, but not 'Ships' - why is that? Did you write 'Ships'? Ships is on 'You're Never Alone With A Schitzophrenic' - and I wrote it.

Jeffrey: Bloody hell!! Christmas Day! 8th Grandchild - weighed in at 9 1/2 pounds. Congratulations!

Jerry Friede: When layering acoustic guitars on a record, you should never use the same tuning twice. Either kapo it and play in a different key or use different tunings. Open G is nice. This way you spread the sound wider. No point in playing the same thing over and over - you're just doubling the sound and not entering into other frequencies. 12 string's great too.

Don: Sorry about that. Keep posting.

Kevin Quinn: Talking about leaves - we were up here rehearsing for the New York gigs in Hunter Towers when Jack said, 'What the hell is that?' I kid you not - a black bear - weighing between 300-400 pounds ambled across the lawn and hung around for about twenty minutes. It was magical. He had a beautiful shiny coat and so agile for the size of it. I didn't walk the following day! Kevin says our Al had another encounter with a cow. Thankfully, not as serious. What is it with Al and cows?

Dave Griffiths: I think you can take it as read.

Arnie: 'Do I remember working at Roberts + Roberts?' Yes, I do! I used to go and unlock a little hut and fetch suspicious chemicals out that smelt quite horrible. I think a bloke called Jock was my boss.

Gary Gibson: Sounds right to me. I think the DVD's still on schedule.

Bob: How nice of you, but it's not my decision. Good luck with the band.

John L: 'Just want to let you know the Cleveland Indians have released Jacobs Field 10th Anniversary DVD/CD Box set. The year 1995 is simply titled, 'Cleveland Rocks' and features high lights of the team with your version of 'Cleveland Rocks' in the background. For me, being a big Indians fan and an Ian Hunter fan this is a very special Xmas present.' Nice one.

Bill Smith: B.B.'s great. No, I don't push the Chiquita Banana button in Stew's but I love the freebies - especially the orange juice.

Cokee Malone says the place we're playing in San Francisco is a hole. I heard it was too, but the guy was very persistent. What can you do - he really wants it.

Mary Shefferman enjoying the latest gigs with her husband. This is quite a letter! So I've got to look out for the pink hair - OK.

Peter Moreland: 'Rant' awesome. I wish people would stop saying that. It's putting me off following it!

Devorah Ostrov asks if she can bring a camera to the Key Club in LA? Yes.

Jeanette is trying to locate Howard Blundell. Born in Harden N.S.W. and was a railway worker all his life. This is a long shot Jeanette. I'll put it in. You never know.

Richard Mills: Re: Mojos 'Roots of the Sex Pistols' CD (Mott's 'Crash Street Kids' is on it.) Says the magazine's editor claims that Steve Jones and Paul Cook emerged as a couple of likely lads who identified with Motts hooligan anthem. Fair cop - fanciful notion? Don't really know. I've toured with Steve Jones and he was complimentary as was John Lyndon with whom I shared a transatlantic flight once. Who knows. 'Was 'Crash Street Kids' not meant to be ironic?' I'd like to say yes, but I can't remember. Shrewsbury up for 2 gigs this year, I think - one at Worthen and one somewhere else.

Dirk: Sounds good - talk to Paradise.

Mary Sheffeman: Yes, some people do have problems and although I'm not equipped to deal with them properly it doesn't hurt to try and help them through it. I've been extremely lucky in life. Some don't have it so good. It's amazing the affect you can have sometimes.

Daniel Gibourey: Says MTH Live is astounding!! Best record of 2004. Feeling better!

Brian J. Lagan saw Jools and was very impressed. Looked me up and here he is. Welcome aboard.

Roger: Just watched Jools - fantastic!

Alison: Just watched Jools - fantastic!

Fiona: Just watched Jools - fantastic! Getting texted every ten seconds.

Marian: I am playing Milton Keynes, I think that's the place.

Rob Rawlinson: There's one out of the woodwork!!! (bassist on Overnight Angels). How are you and Fay? Happy Xmas!! Now has studios at Tower Bridge ( Atomic Studios ) and has played with Freddie Mercury, Ian Gillan, Climax Blues band and even Sir Cliff! Nice one Rob. Got your number and glad things are going so well. Says I looked 'dead cool' on Jools.

Victor Martinez: Me and Hanoi - a strange pairing yes, but Michael and I have been mates for years.

Trev Mills asks where he can get the words to 'Roll Away the Stone' as done on Hootenanny? 'Baby if you just say you care…' make up the rest - it's too long to print here and my wrist is killing me! (Trudi says go to Adrian Perkins fan website: http://www.hunter-mott.com/ -he has many lyrics posted.)

Steve Wood just ordered the book from the web store and wants to know how long it takes to get. Trudi says in the U.S. Rick sends it out priority mail (2 to 3 days). For the UK,it can take 7-10 days, but then, again, she posted Christmas cards to England - Express Mail (overnight this end) and they took 2 weeks!

Steve Baratta: The Astoria show is complete - there is nothing else.

Keith Nickless: 'Dogs bollocks on Hootenanny. Said they had a poll on the 'Later' website about who was best and I got 34%! Everybody was so different (on purpose) so I don't see how you can figure that one out.

David Newton: The Astoria DVD will be out in all the regular places in England. We don't know about the U.S. but are checking on it as I write.

Phil: Saw Jools - great stuff. CD covers sometimes signed at gigs.

Ian Mant: 'Great on Jools - you still produce the goods. How did you get the show?' The producer rang me up and asked me.

Dave Griffiths: Magnificent on Jools! (blush)

Bob Kleb: Actually, Steve Holley told me about this guy. We'll see what happens. Thanks for the hustle!

Richard asks if I've had a face lift for Jools Hootenanny! No, I bloody didn't! What I did have was the BBC's makeup though - and the lights were a little different to your mid-week club dates. It was recorded live. I did B.B.'s (with a cold) and Trudi and I flew over the day after. Rehearsed an hour and a quarter the first day and a half hour the second afternoon - then did it the second night. We then gathered up Tracie and got the plane back. It's been pretty crazy. There were a lot of great players - great rhythm sections. I was struck by how good the young bands were. I really don't know much about the Pearly Kings and Queens or the Guards - it was part of the show.

David Crisfield: 'Congratulations.' David says Michael Eavis was in the audience. I didn't meet him, but I'm sure he'll know how to find me if he wants to.

Frank: 'Come back to Croydon and rescue me from all this tribute bull_ _ _ t.' Come to the Astoria - the parking is wonderful!

Laurens Schellen: 'Come to Holland!' I might, you never know!

Kevin O'Connor: 'When you hit LA go on Steve Jones' Radio Show (103.1). He's the only one in town playing yer stuff - in fact, he's playing 'One of the Boys' as I type.' Well, that's one more station than I usually get out there!

Amanda: 'I really need Ian Millers email address for a project. I'm 13. Who's Ian Miller? Wanna be 14?

Johnny Chicago: Come to Seattle!!

Buck: 'We got on stage at the Roxy and sang to you - and you sat in the audience and watched us!' Sounds like an easy night for me, guys!

Geoff Bryant: 'The set on Jools Holland was fantastic - nice to see Tracie.'

Tommy McGarry: 'Jools - fantastic!'

Phil Taylor: 'One of the best sets on TV in years. Marvelous.' Boy I'm loving this!

Rich Webster: 'Great - absolutely fantastic!'

Andrew Field: 'Excellent show on Jools.'

Dave Donner: I honestly don't have a clue, Dave. To be honest, your figures are ambitious to me.

Jeff Heller: You're welcome.

Terry Coles: (booked Ronno and me at Exeter University a couple of times way back). Were you a rather energetic type, or am I getting mixed up? 1) I'm a club man. It's nice to do a big venue once in a while but it's not the same as one on one. 2) Is there anyone I haven't played with that I'd like to play with? Sure, but I haven't quite finished yet.

And that's where it ends? I'm told there's been a little argument going on over Jools as to which songs were chosen. Why not, 'Dead Man' some would say? Why not 'Once Bitten' and why 'Nightingale' which is even older? The thing is they plan their show as a whole and build a context. They knew what they wanted from me before we even spoke and that was to be the way it was. You may say I broke no new ground musically, but you have to remember - millions watched that show and most of them didn't even know who I was. I think it was fine doing what we did. 'Dead Man Walkin' is great but it isn't exactly a New Year's Eve party song, now is it? I had a great time and Tracie did too. She's there with Sam Brown singing backups. I met that guy Blake who did the Sergeant Pepper album cover. He was most complimentary. I met Harry Enfield in the bog and we had a great chat. Adrian Edmondson appeared out of nowhere and asked where he could see me live. Mavis Staples (with whom I'd worked in Chicago) was as great and gracious as ever. Got on great with Paul Carrack (I love his stuff). Eric came over and said hello. I met Franz Ferdinand - charming chaps - everywhere you went you met somebody. Made me quite homesick. The band were terrific, as was Jools, who was suffering (as I was) from a bit of the flu. He was a mess the day before but you would never know it on the show. Some of the band had cold and flu as well. Hey - the show must go on as they say - and it will!

Now I know I missed a lot, but don't get angry and try again. Happy New Year and thanks from Jess, Tracie, Steve, Jones, Trudi, myself, and the band for all the best wishes you sent (and thanks to all of you who told me how lovely I am!)

IH
The Horse's Mouth