Doug Wilson: 'When you're better and in LA - look at getting on Steve Jones' (Pistols) show (103.FM). I did it last time I was in LA.

Chjris Kinnear: I ruined his vacation (just kidding) Get well.

Hope Campbell: Sorry about that. P.S. How do you watch language?

Ian Brown bought Truth CD at HMC in Edinburgh. HMV have more of your stuff than Virgin. HMV have Strings as well. Thank you, HMV Princess Street. CD great. A review in Classic Rock says your songs have been covered by 50 other artists. I can think of only three or four. Well there's three or four obvious ones, but then there's covers by other artists in other countries.

Hope Campbell: Fired from her job at the Yacht Club (surprise). Hey - I never liked Yacht Clubs, anyway. They're silly. Hope rocked out on stage at the club and got fired for mingling. I think you might have a case. Was there a rule against mingling? I'm sure there is in a silly yacht club. 'I never knew I could have so much fun getting fired.'

Bobby Goodwin: Looking for a long, unflattering poem about Lash LaRue! Can anyone help? bogodwin@surfsouth.com

Joe Maroney- Buffalo show - get well.

Fred and the Hat people: Hi Fred! How's Sweden? Speedy recovery - thanks.

Rich: The Outsider - what mind set were you in? Perplexed, actually. It seemed this song dropped on the wrong guy. It gave Robert Plant a miss and landed on me. Different to what I would normally do, but too good to shelve - so there it is.

Owen Kelley - raving about 'The Decemberists' says they are very different. Owen's favourite newer band; more power to them.

Bill C. bumped into Earl Slick at a barbeque. Slick said he bought Overnight Angels on CD. Bill says Slick was a nice guy. Lots of guys jamming in the back yard. Good time had by all.

John Holcomb got the 30th anniversary of Ian Hunter and the live Truth - both fab. Specially loves the remastering job on solos debut disc. 'Ralpher and York are quite the duo. Cut your next record with both of them.

Bill Holmes: Sorry about Buffalo (Bill!) What can one do...

Fiona: 'Stay With Me Baby' Lorraine Ellison is on eBay. I've already got both her albums Fiona, but somebody should get this - it's huge. Thanks for think of it.

Dave Gemski: 'Will you play Connecticut? Yes, when they offer to pay me properly.

Fiona got it wrong - cancel above. As we were.

Michael: 'In the last H.M. you said you didn't want people moaning about missed dates - don't mind them!' Actually, so far, not one crabby email! Congratulations all!

Lindsay Williamson: Take it easy with the exercises.

Lee Harvey: 'I just have a question as to motivation. If you have no recording plans, is it harder to find inspiration for songs? I'd like you to record with Ralphs again - he understands Les Paul tones better than anybody. Great web site.' Sometimes in life - events conspire to put the old les Paul on the back burner. If and when Ralpher gets it all back together again the opportunities will develop accordingly. He is, however, otherwise occupied in life at the moment, so I guess we'll all have to wait until his attention once again focuses on said back burner. Are we mates - yup! But we lead separate lives and live in separate countries.

Dennis Lee: At Leeds I was supposed to remember your 25th and I didn't. Actually, I think I knew going on, but you get lost in the moment. Sorry about that. Anyway, she got the Nightingale treatment and that made up for it. Good show! Dennis and wife live in Baltimore - a bit of a schlep for a grin.

Philip Huband: Oh yes, you have to be in the Musician's Union. You can't do anything without them. Other than the fact you can't play unless you pay them, I'm not entirely at ease with this arrangement. I'm not sure what they do for you - if, indeed, they do anything. Perhaps an ardent MU advocate could enlighten me. The only people who can get away with it are usually semi-pro in out of the way gigs. Weird.

Ray Water's ten-year-old son loved Worthen and will be returning next year!

John H.: Why was Buffalo canceled? I think you know the answer to that by now, John.

Colin Donegal: Why so opposed to bootlegs? I'm not vibrantly anti, but I'm not stupid either. I know it exists and I guess it's flattering in a way. My only thing is people make money out of these and they haven't done anything. I've performed and I get squat. I think you should get paid for your work. I don't know what you do for a living, but if you're employed - you put in the time - you want a paycheck at the end of the week. If it's empty - you're pissed. If people want to swap boots - if they're real fans - that's one thing. These people buy everything, anyway. But you know, there's people out there making good money out of screwing artists. Come on.

JV: 'Get better soon. We need your ass on stage.' Succinct.

Alan Maddox: 'Do you remember Mott's Hereford gig in '71?' Yes, I do. Advance tickets were going slow, so Stan Tippens went into every pub in Hereford and said, 'I heard Mick Jagger's gonna get up with them.' Needless to say, the tickets flew out of the box office and we had a great day. Thanks, Mick! Thanks, Stan! Oh, and I met Ralpher's Grandad - a robust 95 year old who said, 'I hope you're on before six or I'll miss my dinner.'

David Jowitt: 'Where did the name Michael Picasso come from?' Well, when I think of Ronno - one word come to mind - artistry. Picasso was a great artist and Mick could paint with the best of them.

Steve H. Play a bigger venue in Bristol. Play Plymouth (monthly).

Ray Harper: Will consult Tru on this one. We may already have it in the vast Hunter Towers vaults.

Jim Stotts: 'It happens to all of us as we get older.' Jeez!!!!!

Sue Mum: It makes you the best driver toooooooo!!!! 'Do some writing.' Oh, all right, but I don't want to.

Dave Pickard agrees with me regarding Lorraine Ellison. However, his 45 sounds like rice krispies. That's exactly what they do sound like Dave. Right on.

Jeffrey: of course there's no global warming. Bad for business.

Deanna Porter-Weick: 'There is talk on the Todd Rundgren connection that you may be touring with TR in 2006 ... many of us Todd heads would love to see this type of tour.' Eric rang me up and I spoke to Todd in England. Touring with Todd is fun and hopefully we'll sort something out in the future. It's kind of odd, so it appeals and we get on great.

Jay Sciascia: Yeah - John Eddie - we did some shows with him a while ago. Give him my best. Stooge thing appropo.

Verne Davis was kind of glad I cancelled in Ohio because 'Beachland couldn't be beaten.' No mud in Beachland. My backs says, sorry.

Bruce: 'Have you heard Carbon Silicon's (Mick Jones/Clash) version of Original Mixed Up Kid?'' Not yet, but I look forward to hearing it. Talented lad is Michael.

Mike Costanzo: 'Are you aware Diary of a Rock and Roll Star made the 'Rock Snob Bibliography' best book list in 'The Rock Snobs Dictionary (David Kamp/Steven Daly) Broadway Books 2005 (page 56)? Check this book out. They describe your book as a 'seventies tour diary by one self aware Brit.' Only 23 other books made it - congrats!' Mike recommends a pilgrimage to the 'healing waters' of Playboy Mansion's famous underwater grotto. 'You never see James Caan with a backache...' Nice one.

Tom McGary: 'What songs/albums of yours do you consider to showcase Ronno best? I have to say - all of them. I really do.

Bjorn Svange: 'Great performance at Nidaros Blues Festival.' Actually, I just heard this. Lost my way a couple of times, but good overall. You know, some of those gigs tell you one time and then they'll delay it. I time my alcoholic input to exactly 30 minutes before show time in order to feel just right. An extra 15 minute delay can induce amnesia! I wish we could go on at the time stipulated. I know it was hard to do that on this occasion, but I blew Lounge Lizard royally! With regards to the Chrysalis promo tape - it's theirs - not mine - so it would be up to them.

Stano: Artful Dodger - one of the finest. It was near, but not exact.

David Piwonski: In the summer months, everyone's a bit slower. Had a word and hope you've heard. Don't worry - it'll get there. We're legit.

Rich Webster: 1) 'Ariel Bender - how did you rate him when you were both in Mott?' I look back fondly on some tremendous nights with Luther. We were rather over the top grand and it suited the times. He didn't write with MTH much, but he has written some beautiful simple acoustic type melodies on his own albums. He was great in Spooky. I think, in retrospect, he kept the band going through an extremely tiring time with his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Mad as a hatter and smart underneath. Ariel could be hard work in the studio but so could I. I thought he played Mott stuff great, but he was capable of the occasional gaffe and, of course, with Ariel nothing was done by halves. I loved the guy in the band - it's just his reign ran its course and in came Ronno - a totally different animal. 2) 'What was the first record you ever owned?' 'Blue Tango' - played it over and over - search me.

Hope Campbell: I know or I think I know what this site is madam. I'm telling your Mum.

David Fowler: Thank you, David. (No, I didn't see the movie. It's an interpretation.)

Steve Rosemberg says he has songs for me. Wow, this guy was at the Bat Cavern - the first gigs I ever played with MTH. Tippens had just left and the people at the Bat Cavern were none too impressed with his replacement (me!). In short, they preferred Stan, and, we'd have got kicked out if a) They'd found out I wasn't blind and b) we agreed to play for half the agreed fee. '69' - Steve - how old are your?

Tim Lee: You were at SXSW too. How did it go? Pretty painful. Glad you enjoyed the radio show.

Joe S: 1) What's a 'luminous yo yo toy'? Didn't we have this recently? It's a van. 2) Was 'Hold on a minute - got a frog in my throat' ad libbed? Don't think so (sorry). 3) Was AAAB about your move to the U.S.? Yup. How it all hit me (plus the Jaco connection - jazz etc).

Christopher Tarr: Can you please release footage of Mott or Hunter/Ronson? I believe Sony in England is working on a MTH / IH DVD. Trudi is working on a Hunter/Ronson DVD release, but it's taking time.

Peter Jordan: A poem (good) about 'Hubble 20'. My two cents is we're on a beach full of pebbles and apart from satellites it's pointless farting around up there when lots of people can't eat down here. Not too adventurous, is it?

Rene Boldue - try again Rene, it's not clear.

Don Meadows: www.nndb.com 'Check this out, you're listed as famous.' I will. I will.

Amish Bob: All I remember about Rodney was walking into his club, meeting him and walking out again. There wasn't a girl in there over he age of fourteen.

David Spencer: 'Are Angel Air releasing the Manchester gig with Mick Ralphs?' No, technical difficulties.

S.B.: 'Ian - 30th Anniversary CD of Debut album GREAT! Sound is so powerful. I can hear Ronno's fingers on the fretboard - you don't sound half bad yourself'

Kevin from New Orleans: 'Just wondering if you've heard Fred LeBlanc's version of Irene Wilde? It's just a wonderful piece.' Don't know anything about it.

Jim Hardy enjoyed Palatine gig. Wife more favourable than he imagined.

Bjorn Eggen: 'Great at Rockefeller in Oslo.' We were too loud. Difficult place to play. 'Heard part of the gig at Bergen on a nationwide program - introduced as 'true rock legend in great shape.' Sounded great on the radio. I think Bergen was good. Get it out on CD.'

Paul Clark: Was the first solo album the best example of Mick and me in the studio (Paul is raving about the re-issue - packaging - sound - the lot). Not really. Schizo was great for us and we had fun on YUI orta. The label crapped on us and the sound wasn't right, but we had a good time on that one too. I mean, IH was the first time we actually got together properly, so there was the newness factor, but I always enjoyed the partnership. I think Welcome to the Club was about the only live album we did, so obviously, it has to be the best. Haven't heard that in yonks.

Marty G: on matters of the back.

David Newton: See elsewhere on HM.

Mal Tibby loved me, loved Traci, Sheffield...

Moe Potts: 'Thirty bucks plus S+H for a T-shirt? Greedy C_________R_.! Now you see - this kind of statement could only be made by a bloke who hits things for a living. To you - $29.95. How's it going?

Greg Becker: 'Strings Attached fine piece of work.' Sanctuary sent me some lovely reviews.

Larry Butti: 'Any thoughts on My Father's Place on Long island' Good/mad gig - pretty gritty - they didn't pay much. I remember recording some live stuff there. We kept playing the same four songs over and over and I don't think anybody was sober enough to notice.

Vyt Iskeliunas: I've been going to chiros all my life. In this instance - it didn't help. Whether he blew it - I don't know. (The MRI should have been done before he touched me in hindsight). I think it actually made it worse. Perhaps he didn't realize how bad it really was. Having said all this - I still like the guy. Neither of us realized until it was too late - hey it's on the mend. In fact, I'm just a tad from normal. For me it was rest and time. I guess everybody's different.

David Kiley: 'How do you feel about most American kids only knowing your music from Drew Carey?' Hey, they've got American Idol - they don't need me!

Mike Mitchell - BCB 96.7FM - 'Thoroughly enjoyed Manchester and Leeds - nice to see set revamped - no need to make comparisons to York/Ralphs (as many do) either line up offers high quality in different ways - brilliant. Had Buffin on my show last month to talk about the new MTH anthology out on Angel Air. He's still devoted to MTH and he was most complimentary about you.' Nice one Mike - we talked before I think.

Dave R. 'Who took the picture of the four of you for the U.S. release of Mott Album? Negatives still sitting in the vaults at CBS (Sony)?' Probably. Don't know who did them. Isn't it credited on the cover?

Nick Smith: Asks if I remember Steve Hyams. Of course. Steve worked in a record store on the Kings Road (Chelsea Drug Store) when Mott started, and we soon found him to be an astute listener. His taste was faultless. Later on, he got into music and he's done some seriously good stuff. I would have been really happy if Steve would have taken my place after MTH finished. He's unique. I think Pete and Buff had him fingered at the time, but Steve could be a naughty boy upon occasion in those days and I think that was against him. Steve's one that got away - but you never know.

W.W.: 'Haven't seen you since the wedding. Drop me a line.' This week's mystery guest!! Who is he? (Trudi will email you.)

Piit Henry Skulevold asks where can I get sheet music for 'Welcome to the Club?' I don't know. I don't think there is any.

Danny Vandal: 'Who's the deep voice on Violence? Come to Winnipeg.' Can't remember, and maybe. A lot of good I am!

OK. That's it kids...

Heavy load for August - it's usually weak - sorry to whom I've missed. Thanks for the many sincere enquiries/suggestions/treatments etc. regarding the old back. I'll be fine. It's a beautiful evening in Connecticut. It was morning when I started. I see Shrewsbury and Northampton town already lighting up Division 2. Marcus Bent looks sharp. Bad luck Wigan! Anyone for Cricket? Get the whites on!

IH