Colin Brown: 'Went to Preston Mill. The sound quality was so shocking I left before the end of the first set with shredded ears.' Same sound guy, Andy, at every gig. They've put a wall across the room about half way back and it's ruined the place; it was fine the year before. Can't do that place again. We tried, but it was bloody awful.

Dave Parry: 'Why not a full set list at Preston?' Because of the above.

Chris Hunt: Hello, Chris. Tall, skinny….and good looking. How's life treated you? Course, I remember.

Pete Jordon: 'Two hours at Leeds; one hour twenty minutes at Preston. It wasn't our fault.' No it wasn't, but it wasn't mine either. We made the mistake of not knowing the venue was structurally different from the year before. The club also tried to promote it themselves, whereas prior to that, they'd used an outside promoter who had been successful with this particular venue. All in all, a regrettable evening. Plus, I'm now on antibiotics and three of us have caught nasty little colds.

George Meyer! Hey, George. Did you ever get your car stereo back?

John Potage loved Edinburgh. 'I think Mark Bosch was on lead, but both guitarists were great (the other guy's James Mastro).

Charles Winokoor: Isn't it weird. You can do all these gigs down the years and the most of them good, but people will always remember the one where you smacked a guy. I remember people use to go to Jeff Beck gigs just to see if he wouldn't turn up. Strange, isn't it?

Kate Whitehead: Well, as you can tell from the set list - we were going to do a full set a The Mill. It just became impossible with the sound being as bad as it was. Sorry about that. We went on with the best of intentions, but if it sounds horrible you do tend to get off in a hurry. I'm pretty tolerant, but there is a limit and Preston was it.

Drew Hosey: H.B.

Rick Goward: H.B. Are you coming to southern California? Next spring, maybe.

Crazy Horse: Saw you in Crewe. You looked impressed by the reception. I just wanted to know, is there any Mick Ronson stuff in the archives? I don't really know. I know there was stuff in Bearsville, but I think Susie and Joe Elliott sorted that out.

Tom Davis loved Edinburgh. Did I ever work with Long John Baldry? No, but I met him in Canada. Quite the eccentric English gentleman. Beautiful manners and way of speaking. Reminded me of India - panama hats, aging cricket pads and quadrangles of schools I imagined he went to (although he probably didn't).

Ian Lang: 'Thanks for Crewe! Sorry you missed the Liverpool match.' We had a TV in the dressing room, actually, so we saw most of it. Why didn't Mick Ralphs play? He wasn't on this tour. All the ads quite clearly stated that it was the U.S. Rant band. Unfortunately, the tickets must have been printed at an earlier stage and it was assumed he would be on. Ralpher did turn up at a few places, but only to sit in at the end.

Ian Nelson: Bristol, excellent.

Freespirit is in her 20's and she's a singer and lyricist. Didn't know much about us - went to Leeds and then to Crewe. Thinks it's brilliant. Likes my style! Trying for Shrewsbury. Welcome aboard!

Shugster: 'Glasgow was a blast. Took two mates who are now converted. All agree I.H. is the nazz! Highlights 'AAAB', 'Marionette', 'Dead Man'. King!' He lives five miles from Peacock Cross so he's alright..
1) What songs were the highlights? I liked 'AAAB' going into 'Morons/Marrionette'. Quite challenging, then 'Dead Man'.
2) A particular gig that went well? I enjoyed Trondheim, Bergen, Stockholm, Leeds, Bilston, and of course, Glasgow! I enjoyed most of them actually, until we started getting run down with flu and colds. It's a van - one gets it- we all get it. I've still got it and now, so does Trudi.

Chris Jerome: Noted.

Paul Stepto: 'Astoria was superb. Great to hear, 'Hymn for the Dudes,' 'Angel of Eighth Avenue,' and 'Wash Us Away'.

Mike Goonan: 'Simple - come back quick (Aberdeen) great and warm show. Did you ever meet Rory Gallagher? How did you get on?' I met Rory several times. Always the gentleman. Great player. Pity what happened, wasn't it?

Mark, Alexandra, Amber Hughes: Still buzzing from the Galaxy. Posters on the walls etc. H.B. - thank you, all.

Dave Griffiths: 'Well, you rocked Bristol. Great gig. Stood next to first timers who'd seen you on Jools Holland. They had a great time!

Destry: Come to the House of Blues in San Diego. It's up to them.

Tez: 'What happened to Mick Ralphs at Worthen - clearly listed as a special guest? Very unprofessional of you to expect paying fans just to accept it without even a mention on the night. Ralphs and York are a class above the current line up in my opinion.'

Kelv: 'Thanks Ian, for Worthen gig - was it hot or what! Well worth the round trip of 500 miles from Brighton to see it.'

Glenys: 'Saw you at the Fleece on 26th May. What an evening; I'm converted - when do we get you in Plymouth?'

Andy Baker: 'What is there to say - Worthen. What a night. Absolutely spot on. Set list, brilliant. Venue - great. Band worked. Thanks for another great evening.

Nicole Fuller: 'I am desperate to get in touch with 'The Crankies' management and notice that Happy Larry in issue 34 mentions that his management is a guy called Willie in Glasgow. How do I get in touch? Well, Ill put your email in - and best of luck. Nicole@centuryleaders.com

Steve Sharpe: Astoria DVD absolutely superb.

Stephen Tiggerdine: Loved Edinburgh and Glasgow this month - especially Glasgow as I talked to Trudy (shame she declined a photo with me). (That's just the way she is - Ed.) What's Trudi's favourite song? I know she likes, 'Red Letter Day'.

Graham Starke: 'Just back from the Brook. Glad you're over the flu (I'm still not- sniffles and cough survive). The Brook was great. Please don't wear yourself out talking on too much.' Graham has a point. We did do too many. I didn't know if I was coming or going the last week. Too many on the trot. But what are you going to do when hotel rooms cost so much? 18 gigs was over ambitous - especially after Europe. We'll cut that down next time.

Fick from T.R.: Thanks for the Brook. What was the joke with the CD at the end? (Can't remember, I was just - tired!) Heard I buy my undies at M+S. Very true. 'Hope they're not skimpy little speedo briefs by the way (actually, they are). No Y fronts for me, laddie. What other things do I stock up on? Wilkinson razor blades, Noxema shaving cream. Love Noxema!

Donnie Kehr: Noted. About bloody time!

John Serynek: How did you hook up with Ellen Foley? A great friend of mine, Steve Popovich, was looking after her and he suggested that Mick and I produce her. I haven't seen her in years, but she's a great girl with great chops.

Andy_Dav: 'Thanks for a great tour - saw Wrexham and Liverpool. Wrexham - amazing - great sound, band real tight. Boshy amazing on 'Truth'. Mastro same on 'Mother' and 'AAAB'. Liverpool not as tight (first UK date). Does the venue/sound/knackered band all affect stuff. Of course it does.

Mike Channon: Best I've eve seen in Bristol.

David Spencer: 'Bilston truly excellent. What a band! But Shrewsbury - here you are - back in your hometown - doing 'Irene Wilde' and '23A' and completely ignoring the audience all night! God knows what upset you, but whatever it was, it was obvious. The concert must have been a huge disappointment to a lot of your fans.' NOW WAIT A MINUTE. Just because I didn't chat up a storm, doesn't mean I was peed off. I was extremely tired and flue ridden. I didn't speak all day. I was trying to save what was left of my chops for the performance. The music matters more than me having a chat to the crowd. I was well inside it that night and I saw no reason to come out of it. Just because I come from Shrewsbury doesn't mean I have to perpetually reminisce. I did the full show and the band and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the venue. It was airier and spacier than I had anticipated. Just because I don't talk sometimes, doesn't mean I'm in a bad mood.

Greg Holloway: Come to Norfolk, Virginia - Norva to be precise.

Kellianne Connell: H.B.! Kelley's 30 on June 25th. Been listening since she was two. Attagirl.

Lindsey Williams: 'Stunningly brill in the UK. Drives a bus in Gloucester. Has now got 80 teenage kids singing, 'Wash Us Away'. Good show!

Julian: Leeds gig best yet. Sound awesome. Took 15 year old and 19 year old. Both well impressed. No DVD was done of this tour (to my knowledge).

Mick McKenzie: Saw 8 gigs. Enjoyed very much. New band a bit different, but definitely good. They rocked. Helped him through Stockport county's relegation woes.

Margaret Wyatt just wanted to say how much she enjoyed the Astoria. Her husband wants another 'Strings Attached'.

Mike + Theresa Robinson: H.B.

Mary Shefferman: H.B. Says I have a colorful bunch of fans. Some discussion and concern I wasn't feeling well. (I was OK, but barely!) I don't see the notice board, but I hear you've been postulating back and forth you 'orrible lot! Well, we've got to have a bit of argey bargey - it made it more interesting.

Paul Abbott: 'Thanks for 18 nights of great music and thanks from the wife for three weeks of peace and quite!' P.S. great band. You don't hire duffers, do you.' No.

Bob Rynerson: H.B.

Paul Wilson: Does a synopsis of my life using the titles of songs I've written. Brilliant job, Paul. Thank you so much. Says he saw Joe Jackson and Todd Rundgren (so did we) and thanks Rick Tedesco for prompt delivery service. Thanks for the Chester Le Street Football club stuff. I must admit, I wondered when I saw the stuff, but enjoyed reading it. Did you know that Freddie Fingers Lee was born is Chester Le Street? Best of luck in the new season chaps. Knock 'em dead!

Renee: H.B.

Derek Warren: 'H.B.! Saw shows in Bilston, Preston, Wrexham, Crewe, Worthen and Shrewsbury - wish I could have seen more. Favourite gig was Wrexham; loved the choice of songs. Do complete 'Broadway' next time. (No, that's the only bit I like.)

Marty Fitzgerald: H.B.

Kevin's a big fan of 'Picasso'. We all have one.

Phil Taylor: H.B. 'Did you pick Delilah for pre-show tracks? (No, that was Andy's choice.) Alex Harvey Band played it better!

Terri: 'Leeds fantastic; Sheffield was too.' Sorry about the car part fiasco. Typical!

Tim Smith; 'Do you ever think about how many bands and musicians (successful and not) your work and the example of your life have inspired? The sort answer to this is the same as the cool answer to this which is he same as the honest answer to this - no … but ain't that somethin'!

Jeffrey: H.B. Amigo. Thanks, Jeff.

Tricia Devine: 'Toronto blazing today. Hope your birthday equally hot.' Actually, I was a tad under the weather myself, but twelve of us had a great Indian and got sizzled. Tracie, ME Bosch and his misses, Ilyce, AB and Debra, Trudles and all.

Trevor Street: Great gig in Sheffield. Sold out - people were trying to buy tickets for it outside. Are the places you play getting too small?' Nope. Some do well - others - early in the week still don't fill. It varies. Do I still prefer the small, sweaty places? No, actually I'm getting to the point where I want to play small theatres for a change. I know this will displease the ravers, but there's a lot of people who'd like to sit down in a seat in decent surroundings and see a proper concert. I'm getting older and some of my audience is too. I shan't forsake all of the clubs, but I must admit, some of these places leave a lot to be desired. You play sometimes and the P.A.'s are knackered by people who slam through speakers on a nightly basis. Then my lot wonder why it doesn't sound as good as they anticipated. There's a few of these places I'll never do again. I used to love it - and I still do - but only to a degree.

Paul D. had a problem with the band in London. My only problem was we were set up too far apart having been close together on previous nights. It felt quiet up there. I should have told the crew to pull it in closer, but I didn't have the energy.

Francis L.: 'H.B. Did you know a small store in Denver called Twist and Shout offered 'Strings Attached' and featured it in the front of the store? The DVD was playing on the big screen and people were milling around - loving it.'

Mell: 'At what age can I break in my Welsh cob?' Has it got any teeth yet?

John Blair brought a non-believer to Edinburgh. In exchange he had to sit through Steve Harley (apparently Steve warmed up after the interval). Anyway, the guy enjoyed it (?) and dug Jimmy the Greek (he has that Grecian formula). R.I.P. either is OK and that's official.

Keith Nickless: H.B.!

Gordon Patriaca just heard RANT for the first time and thinks it's superb. Carry on.

Bill Eagen: Belated H.B.

Hope Campbell: H.B. Mr. P. Late again, Campbell.

Steve K: Thanks for Wrexham, also the Astoria and Worthen. All excellent as the band and Tracie's band (liked the new song she played at Worthen.).

Peejay: 'Old voice in fine form (where?). Rant stuff live is ace. You did not play 'Bastard' again (we did, but MC was easier with 'Truth'). Are you having a year off - you seemed to indicate this at the end of the show?' Right now I need a decade! MTH reunion? Nope.

Larry Woodside breaks format when he can. That's what good DJ's do. But it's sad - there should be no format to break. Anyway, you aren't my oldest fan - I am!

Pete: Excellent Manchester. Went to Shrewsbury for second helpings….just as good. Where do you get your energy from? Stan!

Jan Reeves sends a complete diary of Verviers and London. Quite a report - three pages in all. Thank you, Jan.

Edward: Re: R+R Hall of Fame. I have never worried about stuff I can't control. Especially things like this, which isn't really all that important. Relax!

Bryan Patterson: 'Glasgow gig the best I've seen you so far. Brilliant - the band, too. Just bought 'Just Another Night' - great review in Classic Rock as does the re-release of the first solo album. When do you plan your next CD?'

Dave Carney: 'Thanks for the Buttermarket. Sorry I couldn't help you with the malfunctioning taps in the gents!' You tried - you tried …

Edward Shirley: 'When you do 'Standing In My Light' why do you bash your chest in the intro? The first time I saw you doing it I thought you were having a heart attack, it terrorized me!' Because we don't have our own monitor guy (they change every night), you can't guarantee a certain sound will be in your monitor mix at a certain time. Very often I can hardly hear AB's intro sound on stage, so I have to beat the timing of the song on my chest so AB gets the general idea from watching me on where to change the chords before the drums come in. Actually, it gets me up there too.

Brian: Come back to LA…

Richard M. Reid: 'Great gig in Bristol. Who was the lady in the car with Moon and yourself re: the diary? Miss Pamela of the GTO's.

Mick Toomey love LA. 'Strings' fabulous.

John/Indiana recently purchased 'The Artful Dodger' and 'Strings'. Excellent CD's - especially 'Strings' as he saw us in concert in Fort Wayne last year. Excellent concert. Did I ever consider joining any other bands after MTH? No. That was the reason I left Mott. Didn't want to be in a band anymore. Toooooo democratic!

Honaloochie B enjoyed the Danny Baker interview. Now here's a guy! Gets DJ of the year award and quits the following day. Wants to write more. Lovely chap. No side on him at all. Really enjoyed it. Amy can muss my hair anytime!

Markt: 'Thanks for two great shows (Leeds and Sheffield). Were you nodding off or in the groove when Martin was trying to hand you a pick during Lounge Lizzard?' Well - it's early in the set and you're just adjusting yourself to the gig and the crowd. Sometimes a chap forgets!

Glenn the Rock: 'Finally got 'Strings'; It's great, like everybody's said for two years.'

Peter Denham: 'Couldn't a gig be rearranged in Newcastle? Please schedule us next time.'

Craig Peacock: 'How do you keep so fit?' Now is not the time to ask!

Kelly just wanted to say thanks for another excellent tour. Hopes I enjoyed it as much as she did. It was a bit long, but I had a great time. Take care Kelly.

Tim asks if there are any plans for a NYC show this summer. Just turned one down actually. Too soon.

Francis L: The Live 8 project? I'm all for it. It works despite the petty media sniping. Geldof and Bono know how to work the world. It makes a pleasant change from the (corporate) people who usually run it.

OK. So now you know s much as I do. Back to normal. I actually did most of them this time. Trudi is going to kill me. (She has to type it up now and answer all the Trudi's I've written in the margins.) You all seem pretty 'vital' out there. Good to hear opinions - whether I agree or disagree with them is another matter! I'll tell you something. It's great to be in my own bed again. I even stroked Stinky (briefly). The kids are fine - the grandkids are fine. All's well in my little world and it's I'm off time.

I.H.

P.S. Jeff. It's cloudy.