Matt Nojoren on Xmas presents. His Aunt gave him a pair of hermit crabs that played dead all day and spent every night locked in mortal combat crashing round the aquarium banding shells - keeping Matt awake - until he eventually put them in different socks each night to keep them apart. Annoying, but he loved the idea. My favourite toy? I got a football - a real one - now that was big deal. Smelt great.

Rod: Corrects me! Apparently the Maltese Cross was made by a Harvey Thomas of Midway, Washington. He made other guitars besides the Cross and there is a great website devoted to him and his 'babies' at htt://www.tuba2/com/Harvey/. I always thought it was the organ company. Thank you for enlightening me.

K.C. W.: Well said, but I don't think so.

Mike Pecucci: There's bootlegging and then there's bootlegging.

Clin McDonald: 'Ever thought of an autobiography?' Not yet, anyway.

David I. from Cleveland says the Trans Siberian Orchestra played 'Cleveland Rocks' as an encore.

John Hess: Steve Thomas wasn't in my band. Kids on the bus in 1980? Could have been anybody twenty five years ago.

Pat: Was Ringo an IH/MTH fan? I don't really think so - although I was asked the year before, so he must have heard something. We never really talked about it. He just rang me up and said, 'Do You want to do it!' Weird having a Beatle on your answering machine! It was fun and so was he. Lovely man, lovely family.

Anton Tibbe: Congratulations, Anton. I am not often moved but this sure did it. I really don't know what to say. When you've been at it as long as I have you are so used to music you forget or don't believe the power that music has. Your story is amazing and I'm going to keep it as a reminder.

Tom Gardner: Xmas.

Rich Viscardi: Did you ever meet Iggy? Sure, on numerous occasions. Broke his glass table once by sitting on it in his Washington DC hotel room.

Snorre: I think it's just A - D.

Phil Monaghan: 'And the ducks played around on the sand'. No, no. 'The dogs play around on the sand.' 'Both live DVDs and live shows unsurpassable by anyone alive today!' That's more like it!

Tim Smith: Anything T-Bone Burnett touches is fine by me.

Tony Adams says he saw blue grass players jamming at the Kentucky folk life festival recently and they whipped out a killer cover of, 'I Wish I Was Your Mother.' Actually, I'm seriously contemplating having banjo on the new one. Is this the end?

Diamond F: How do Glasgow gigs compare to anywhere else? Blood and thunder; they make you play better. Exhausting! Do, 'Women's Intuition'.

Willie: 'Salvation'? It just keeps slipping away.

Wyatt Ford says Trans Siberian Orchestra are awesome.

Bucks Burnett: I'm in tune with the sentiment but have little time at the moment. Try me again in March.

Brian Bonhomme: I suggested the Jaco bass solo as it just wasn't done at the time- and he was soooo good it seemed logical. Graham Maby can do a nice one .

Andy Martin: Thank you, Andy

Larry Lee: Yes, Larry, why not. I.H. discs for Christmas!

Geoff Byrant: Tracie's done the Borderline a few times and does well there. I've seen her a couple of times. The last time was my favourite gig as the new songs stuck out. They've turned it up a notch. As far as support for Tift Merritt goes, it's a little more difficult these days as the business has become more 'efficient'. It's not always down to the artist anymore. Even in circles much larger than mine.

Lorrie from Maine: One CD and she was converted. Now she owns several. Excellent!

I don't know when we do the west coast but I want to be there sometime in 2006. You'll know as soon as I do - watch this site.

Adam: Andy and I will produce. Steve Holley, James Mastro, Andy Burton, Graham Maby, and Jack the Mechanic (so far). Band record. Ronno's Adam's favourite musician - ever.

Rockin Martin: Yes, Well, it's not only the World Cup. If I finish this record by March I've still got to do a deal and they need time before the release. We want to start in the States so autumn makes sense.

Victoria Marie enjoys photo gallery (I daren't look!) especially the early days. Any recordings with the Scenery or Charlie Wolfe still out there? Dunno. I heard something awhile back and it was very energetic.

Jeff: You can't be that bad if you can travel for the holidays. Have a great one.

Jeff Parlock: Sciatica landed him in ER two days! That's bad. Touch wood, I'm OK.

George: Glad you like it!

Joe S.: Asks what I think kids ought to be taught about religion? Well, it's simpler than that. There's good and there's bad and that it's the good you want to infuse. I know bad guys look like they win sometimes, but they really don't - not inside. Atheism is just as daft as radical, extreme religious sects. They assume they 'know' when they don't. Now sod off!

Kenne Bull: Another Trans Siberian fan. Trudi says they were on TV today.

Bonnie W: We'll see - but people seem to want the clubs.

Bob: 'My horse is 20 months old - unbroken - can you recommend a first time bit and reins for her?' (See - now all these people I haven't answered are going to say, why did he answer that and not me? Because it's daft!) I'm not sure, but if it was up to the horse, she'd probably say she's fine as she is.

Susan Martin wants a bio. Can't be bothered at this time.

Andy Martin: True.

Colm: If I do - make yourself known:

Edward Marks: A noble intent, but it's hard out there for me too.

Kelly: Glad it went well. 'Is it hard to play 'Michael Picasso' in front of the Ronson family?' Well, I usually tell Suzi and Lisa where it is in the set list, but Minnie (Mick's Mum) loves it. I think Maggie is OK with it too.

Steve K: 'Radio 2 (UK) played 'Roll Away the Stone' also Rick Wakeman played 'Memphis' and commented on how good MTH were live. Did you play on the same bill as the 'Strawbs' or 'Yes'? Can't remember. As for George Best, I just hope his son fares well. He looks like a good kid, and I feel bad for his Dad.

Chris Nelson: No idea who Jim was, but all these kids were in the band as was Ronno. You've got a bargain there. Probably fetch a few bob eBay.

Eugene Rascoll: 'Hi, I'm 14 and just started listening to your music - I have fallen in love with it. What did you listen to when you were 14? Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry - that music excites me to this day. Buddy Holly - ask your Granddad for details!

Kenny Mac loves the 'Artful Dodger'.

Terry Coles: Noted!

Dave Clark: I'm not really up on it Dave, as I'm in the middle of the new one. I know stuff's coming out.

Anyway … Merry Christmas to all our readers. Happy New Year and Health and Happiness to all you lot.

We'll talk!

P.S. Sorry about the missed ones. Keep 'em coming.

IH