Morning Campers. I.H. reporting from Fort Hunter on a relatively sane June day. It's been hot.

Michael Butterworth + Devorah Ostrov met the Key Club. Wedding April 29th.. Congratulations!

Eric Hemphill: Probably next spring (All the Hot Motts were ladies!)

Laureano Fuentes writes in Spanish, which I'm not good at.

Ren Richards: 'What happened to Mike Smith after his accident?' Don't know.

Steve O.: Any plans to release the DVD of the Astoria in the States? We are hearing it is going be released, but don't hold your breath with these people. It'll probably leak and bleed. I keep thinking somebody's going to get it right but it never happens.

Nils-Ake Andersson: 'Play AAAB in Stockholm.' I think we did.

Jane (in Austin) found 'Strings' and loves it.

Lash Larue (I remember him, he was cool) says remix of 'Overnight Angels' off somehow. Don't know; haven't heard it recently.

Herve: A CD single called 'Good Girls'? Nope.

Vic Francis: Jesse's doing fine. Playing a bit of bass himself, actually. Says he'll be ready by the end of the summer. Regards to Annie - she's good.

George Lehrfeld: 'Do more with strings.'

David: Any chance Joe Elliott will show up in Columbus? Don't know the schedules. He usually drops in if he's in the neighborhood.

Vyt Iskeliunas: Who decided on the early Escher covers? Guy Stevens, our manager. (I chose the one for the first solo album.)

Debz: No solution really, unless perhaps a sound check or all age venue. Hi Darcy!

Sue Wilson still loves Ellen Foley. 'Any treasures from the past still blow you away.' When you're involved in the creation of something you don't look at it that way. At least I don't.

Adam Ball: What did I think of Ronno's work on 'Cardiff Rose'? Beautiful.

Mary Read says I have the most beautiful voice she's ever heard. Ahem! It's not often I get this compliment so let me digest and enjoy! Did I ever sing with Ian Astbury? Nope.

Phil says, 'Come to Australia? Says he waited 34 years for The Who. It's a bit hot down there, Phil. What with the spiders and sharks.

Steve Pugh: Missed 'em, but wish them luck.

Joe Jo/NY: Is there a new CD coming out soon? Not real soon - soonish?

Eric Hemphill: What did I think to Brian Jones? I think he was a talented guy who turned weird as he lost control of the Stones.

Alan Bristow very keen on the Astoria DVD and also wishes to thank Angel Air for keeping the flag flying.

Hope Campbell: Well, I did then, but I don't now.

Threebirds: Will I ever play, 'Sons and Lovers' again? Why not?

Kat: Was I ever into Bach? I love classical music, especially the slower stuff, but I don't know who writes what and I can't stand the fast stuff - too mathematical.

Steve Fisher: Who mixed the Astoria DVD? They did a great job. They took it straight from Andy Keating's board mix. He's credited at the end.

Tom McGary moans about the lack of info on 'Welcome to the Club' reissue. 'Am I an anorak?' No - they're wrong. If people play on a record they should be credited. Respect left in the 80's.

Xan wanted us to play 'Bastard' at the Astoria. I think we did 'Truth' instead. Tried 'Bastard' a few times but MC preferred 'Truth'. 'Bastard' is a mood - it takes a while to put your stamp on it.

Mark wants his book signed at the Brook. Did I?

Keikka wants us in Finland. You never know.

Wes Thistle/Boston loves the Astoria DVD but can only play it on his computer. You can get systems that play all formats on the internet for a couple of hundred bucks. Hey don't tell you that in the shops because they're trying to get rid of the U.S. ones that play region one DVDs only.

Stiloman: 'Basel was great'. Think this is one of the best bands Ian's had. Great 'Bastard? Arrangement. Think it's about time for another live album.'

J.T.L.I.: You just don't get it, do you? You're just a pawn in a game. A very large, financial game. You'll find out eventually and when you do you'll be old and you'll feel like you were conned all along.

Dave (Columbus) asks if I ever met Bob Seger and do I care for his music? I think I met Pete once in Detroit. He came to a gig Mick Ronson and I did. I love what I've heard of his stuff. Must have made a fortune from Chevrolet. Great singer.

Renee: Loves the Astoria DVD.

John Clark: Astoria DVD - awesome. Thought Glasgow the better gig. You could be right, John. I remember that gig. Exhausting.

Jim Stotts: Keep doing what you're doing. Texans admire Aussies.

Geordie-g: Why no Tyneside? There seems to be a problem with promoters up there at the moment. I hope it gets fixed.

Jamie White from the band Skint Heroes (all 18 year olds) asks if they can include some of my stuff on their CD (yes). 'My Dad says just get the gigs and keep off the drugs - any advice?' You don't need any; you've got a good Dad!

Brent wants 'Overnight Angels' at the Ohio State Fair. Give me a break! It's a short set, anyway.

George Braithwaite: What do I think of tribute bands? Nothing. But having said that, I just saw a TV show about a Kiss tribute band and I couldn't believe how dedicated these guys were. In their own minds they were just as tense and nervous as the original band would be. I was kind of impressed by their fervor; they meant it. It's just a shame they couldn't do their own stuff. It was kind of funny and a little sad, but I felt for them. It must be horrible to want something so bad, but not have the wherewithal to achieve it on your own back. I guess I don't know what I think about tribute bands. Sorry.

Susan K loved Joe's Pub. She wants the Astoria DVD released here. Actually, the guy who did it told me he had just done a distribution deal for the U.S. How far along it is I don't know.

Todd Graham: 'After Jools Holland, did your record sales pick up in England?' Too early to say.

Sgt Rock: 'Are you a fan of Peckinpahs 'Wild Bunch'? It rings a bell.

Andrew Gardner loves the Astoria DVD.

Der: Been busy, will get to you soon. How goes it?

Charlie Wayne: Where do I buy my sunglasses? Next door to the Penninsular Hotel in New York City. Cazel.

Roger J. Walker: 'Put live clips in your photo gallery.' That's Todd and Justin's territory. I wouldn't know how to do it.

David Fowler: 'Quit smoking!'

Robert Small doesn't like invective at the end of 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'. Neither do I. It was done as a joke originally to freak Dan Loggins (our CBS A + R guy) out. Just wanted to see his reaction. He eventually got round to suggesting it was appropriate and obviously it was dropped. How times change! They left it on the reissue and I didn't know until it was too late. It's not meant to be on there. It fulfills absolutely no purpose. Sorry!

Simone Rothwell: 'How many teeth does a horse have?' Enough.

John Borstein: 'Is it easier just to sing - or play a guitar and sing?' It's easier just to sing, but I look like a dork without a guitar.

Dan Baker loves Tracie's CD. 'I think it's great.'

Jerry Ross: Happy Birthday (from here on out HB). 'What songs did Ariel Bender play on at the Astoria? He didn't. He was there, but he didn't play.

Mary Shefferman: Any 12 step programs for addition to your music? How nice. Mary also says her therapist told her she doesn't like 'curing' creative people. She's absolutely right!

Andy George: Why 'The secret's in the bicycle shed'? I guess it has something to do with the world opening up to you at a certain age. It's vast and limitless, and you're at the starting post. Quite thrilling, really.

Pappy: Did Mick Jones and Andy York's paths cross? Not yet.

Uncle Harry: Come to Australia! Well, we did go to Texas.

Ake (Stockholm). 'Welcome to the Club' (Chrysalis)

David's ticket says Ralpher's playing at Milton Keynes. I think this was a throw back to before plans were changed. Mick actually did play a few songs at Milton Keynes, but he wasn't in this year's ensemble.

Nils-Axe Andersson: 'Great gig in Stockholm - why Mats Ronander?' Mats is an old friend of mine. It was fun.

Janey: Who is, 'That Girl Is Rock 'n' Roll' about? Forgot!

Tony Jay use to work for a bloke who claimed he bought a house from your brother in Wales. Is he winding me up? May be true. That's where Bob lived.

Ruben: How good to hear from you! I was disappointed as well. Hope it can be worked out soon.

Andre Pisani: 'Thank you for the show in Bergen. I had high expectations but never believed it would be this good. You and the band blew me away. BTW, Mark Bosch is one hell of a guitar player, but I guess you know about that.' Thanks, Andre.

Steve Barretta: Another nice one. There are books in the music section of Borders which have publishers/labels/addresses etc. for chaps who are trying to get moving.

Mederick Bellaire: Happy Birthday Ian Hunter - from Ian Hunter. (Little chap just been born with my name on him.)

Mikael Soderblom: 'Absolutely fantastic evening at Tragam, Gothenburg on May 3 - the best is not a strong enough word (actually two words!). Still in the clouds.'

Charlie Bermant: 'Do you think you could go on a whole year and not redo 'Dudes'? Actually, yes. I'm thinking I need to give it a rest for a while.

Terry: The sales rep you met was Rick Tedesco at GuitarHangar.com. Appreciate your support.

Billy Cross: 'Why are you so devilishly suave?' Up yours, William.

Dominique: How do I choose the guitarists for the Rant band? Well, the Rant band is a loose composure of around a dozen people. Any replacements come in by way of 'Rant' consensus. I guess, Andy, James and Steve are the main advisors - if it's OK with them it's usually OK with me. I'd still like to tour with Torstein Flackne at some point. It hasn't worked out as of yet.

Jeffrey: Happy Mom's Day Trudi!

Mike Costanzo: When I produced the Tuff Darts was Robert Gordon still in the group? Nope.

Stephan Snoddy: Have I ever played Belfast? Played there in the 60's with Freddie Fingers Lee. 'Trash' (Rory Gallagher) opened for us. Haven't been offered anything lately.

Darren: 'Where did you sing 'Dudes' with Def Leppard in 1996?' I think it was in Orange County upstate New York. Jones Beach was around 2000 (ish).

Martin Gerrard: 'Why no South Wales gig? Cardiff 2004 was fantastic.' I think it was a question of routing.

Evin Carlini: Has Bob Geldoff asked MTH? Nope.

John Hewer: Loves Diary - come to Vancouver!

Brian Farris: The opening acts in LA were totally of the promoters choosing. He was on one planet, we were on another. Brian says the first band were great and the second band (sorry chaps) terrible.

Doug Smith: I think you only lose your accent early in life. When you hit 0 you're pretty much stuck with what you've got.

Rob Rawlinson: Sorry, Rob. Didn't fancy it.

Ian Hunter: Wants to tour the world for free as my alter ego. I teach him guitar he teaches me how to spin a basketball on my finger. But I don't want to spin a ball on my finger (said feebly).

Ray: Actually, Gibbo was coming to London, but the train did a wobbler.

Hal London: Yes, I was wearing makeup on the 'Strings' DVD. Yup, I am a smoker (although a lot less these days). Hal's an emergency physician. Says it's stress city. Says the pay is good, but medicine in the U.S. is like swimming with the alligators. Well, - you keep doing what you're doing and I'll keep doing what I'm doing, but I envy you your vocation.

Chris McVilly says local radio played three IH songs this week. Is my popularity bigger than I think? No, not really. There's pockets all over the place, but your average rock fan only has the vaguest of ideas of what I do.

Stale Tonning says the Skulls are doing great. Planning to do one of my songs - which one? The one you can play!

Zach Kleinheksel: Do 'Pearl and Roy' in Ohio!

Jim Kleinheksel: 'Have you ever considered touring with Dave Gilmour?' I love Dave Gilmour, but he may well think me a trifle 'uncouth' - who knows.

Andrew Field: 'Just got back from Manchester. Top band. Top set list. Got drunk. Smoked because the lead guitarist made it look cool (it isn't). Just to hear 'Alien Boy' and 'Morons' again. Just a congrat.'

Janet Mitchell: We converted her husband. It's usually the other way round. Bergen and Liverpool - both excellent. Couldn't stop smiling for a week. Top form.

Erik Vildgren:

When I was just 16 - I stood waiting for a Queen
At Barker Street bus station every night
Everytime I'd get it on - she'd just look at me with scorn
My courage turned to fear and I'd take flight
For those looks they seem to say
You ain't nuthin' - go away
You're just a face in the crowd
So I went home and I vowed
I'm gonna be somebody - someday.

David Fowler: Thanks, David.

Richard Wilson: 'Thanks for another great night in Liverpool.'

Steveabs: 'Thank you and bless you for last night in Bilston. Set amazing. Band tight. Sound clearer than I recall.

Jake: 'Did Stan finish the cake and cherries?' Stan was an absolute pig the whole tour. Nothing but ice creams, puddings, cakes, cherries and beer. Never stopped eating.

Lisa: Are you planning anything else in the Ohio area? I don't think so, but check the site now and then.

Joe S.: Did I record my bit on Ozzy's version of 'Dudes' or did the sample it from the original? I recorded it again at the Power Station in New York.

Chris Young loved Milton Keynes.

Ian Stanley: Should I buy the Astoria DVD as an import or will it be released in the U.S.? As I said previously, I was told that U.S. distribution was going to happen.

Steve Karmazin wants studio versions of 'Twisted Steel' and 'Rollerball' on the next CD. Isn't that cheating? Le me know kids!

Graham: Great gig in Leeds. Brilliant - any plans for a new studio album? Slow, but sure.

Dennis: 'Come to Florida. I promise … no hurricanes.' When you can promise no hurricanes - we'll come!

Stevie Vee: Leeds. Waited so long for 'The Outsider'. Cracking version - didn't think 'Berkeley Square' right song to go home with. Finish with a rocker!

Scott Smythe: I knew Nils early on when he was in Grin. Haven't seen him since.

Tony P.: 'Ian, brill show in Liverpool.'

Bill Rowan: Where's Steve Smith's review of the Key Club? I don't know! I t was great though.

Charlie Wayne: Who was the better drummer - Moon or Bonzo? Two completely different styles - both great.

Tom: Thanks for Edinburgh. Seen five; best yet. Thank the band and crew. Where did you get Mark Bosch?

Stu Hurley enjoyed the Robin. Fantastic lead guitar player. Where do you find them?

John Knightplunk: 'As usual, enjoyed gig in Leeds. Tremendous set - great band. But Ian, you didn't seem to be enjoying it so much. Are you OK? Um, yes.

John von Reine: Why don't you make a few soundboard live shows and rehearsal discs available on your online store? Never seem to have time.

Tim: Leeds Irish Centre - imperious. Lead guitarist excellent. Do 'Golden Age' next year.

James White: 'My band used your songs for a record company showcase gig. We were told great songs - crap band. 'Keep truckin - don't let them get to you. Bastards!

John Cutler: Did you to Aberdeen - did buy the T-shirt. (A nightingale sang etc. what's all that about then?) Call it a foible. Call it a folly. It just felt right (to me).

Edward Shirley: 'Some time ago you said you paid 25 grand for a swimming pool, but you've only used it twice. That's 12 and a half grand a swim.' Yeah, but what about the kids.

Jon White: 'For hard cord fans, your signature tune is 'Irene Wilde'. When you write a song can you spot what's special? Yes, and no. I knew, 'Once Bitten', I knew, 'Roll Away the Stone'. I didn't think 'Memphis' and I didn't think 'Irene Wilde'. I liked the lyric to IW but thought the music too ordinary. I wouldn't have put it on the record of people around me at that time hadn't insisted. I'm glad they did.

Andy Heaton Smith: Thanks for Manchester. Loved Maby's bass solo f…up! Best gig I've seen in 2005, so far.

Steve Murray and his wife enjoyed Aberdeen. I did, too.

Fiona: Glasgow, fantastic - just back - fantastic. Thanks.

Chris Carter: Yes, I watched it! Chris says to check out Cream Magazine:
www.creemmedia.com/ProfilesPages/Ian_Hunter_2005_04.html

Debbie Lewis: Sorry, Darcy. It's daft. There's not much common sense around these days. Kids should be able to come, but they don't trust the adults.

John Merlini loves 'Strings'. Come to Toronto!

Brad Lenny: I'm just glad that it helped you in some way. Makes me feel more worthwhile. Take care. It gets easier every day.

Mike Kehoe: Saw you in Chicago in the late 70's doing Cleveland Rocks - you did the disco sucks rave and it was on the radio all the time. Where can I get this? Don't know, it's been awhile.

Dave Griffiths: American Rant band great - particularly guitarists. You have the knack for finding brilliant musicians. Astoria DVD superb (especially the interview). Haven't seen it yet.

Dave Stewart: Astoria release in the U.S. Eventually.

Ian Black: Milton Keynes - brilliant. How come you're not overweight and bald? Brilliant music - superb set of musicians.

Peter Kitching: Boardwalk - brilliant. Good to see a sellout. People being turned away - play a larger venue.

Matt Noojonen: Yet another spoof classic. There must be a publishing house for spoofs, surely.

Mark Gibson: 'Have you heard any Carbon/Sillicon yet? What do you think? I haven't heard it, but I knew Mick and Tony were up to something. It's gotta be good. Mick wouldn't do it if it wasn't.

Guy Walker thinks 'Strings' is off the map. Says it's a masterpiece. Well, I don't know about that Guy, but thanks for the boost!

Stay Tuned! The Horse's Mouth #53 Part 2 will follow shortly ...