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Issue #73, Part 2 - March 20, 2007

Bucks Burnett: 'Being an IH fan does not have to be a spectator sport - get involved! I've already written to Yep Roc and offered to put together a volunteer street team to start building awareness as the release date nears with local stores (what few are left). I've also referred one of the better local venue owners to your booking agency in the hope that Dallas might be possible this year - and you can bet I'll be hounding the local critics and Djs as May 15 nears. I invite everyone to think of something they can do to help. Act locally, but also write to favourite mags (Mojo, Q, Rolling Stone, Spin) and let them know you want Ian coverage. Numbers make a difference, let's pitch - not bitch. Luv, Bucks.' Trudi says, cool - excellent!

Greg Sorice: Hope you make Ohio with 'Shrunken Heads'. 'The Rave' TV program has showcased artists that have been influenced by you, so why not give them the real thing.

Paul Stirk: Thanks, Paul

Jimi: It's not that easy!

James (Glasgow) 'What kind of stuff in May on the acoustic gigs? Don't know yet. Got to start getting into that.

Bullet Bob Francis: 'Come to Nashville'. I will if somebody wants me.

Danny B: 'Come to Orlando! The Dolls Did!' 'Silver Needles' was about Sid Vicous.

Eddie Ramone: 'Why doesn't IH perform 'Gun Control' in concert. It's great.' There's a lot of songs - can't do 'em all.

Rick Goward: I only just got this and I'm back from California. We're going back in June - maybe then? I've forwarded this email to Danny Goldberg's partner, Jack, who may call you. I'd like to do this. Regards to Bob Coburn.

Jackie Eul: 'My Dad just forced me to listen to 'Ships' and I loved it. I had to listen to it a few times to actually get the meaning, but the words finally came through to me. Good job with the song.' Try some more.

Edward: Not too sure about this one.

Dave Ramshaw: 'Newcastle? It's a pain going down to Leeds every year. Let the Yorkshiremen travel for a change, eh?' Actually, I think it is Newcastle this year. October 2007. there you go.

Craig: 'Do you remember playing Liverpool Stadium? Can I have a comment for my site?' I think we played there a couple of times. Once with Max Wall - he brilliant comedian. I remember the dressing rooms smelt of large sweaty wrestlers. The gig itself was a blast - most enjoyable. I think we played in the actual ring - sans the ropes. I've got a photo on the wall.

Zoe: 'Do you need a co-writer?' Not at the moment, but thanks.

Steward E: ' Ya, Boo - Sucks … No Leeds. Hey - it's the business I'm in.

Ray: Shepherds Bush Empire this time around. Give Gibbo my best.

Phillip Hindess: Acoustic gigs in May - full band tour in October. Jeez.

Craig Russell: 'Come and see an Indian's game this year.' They look quite sparky.

Ray Chan: No problem.

Jerry: Caxton Avenue.

David Foucher: Loves 'Man of War' and wants me to answer a load of questions about it. Mick and I weren't that keen on the song. It was a last minute put together effort. Can't remember the ins and outs. It was a long time ago.

Peter Jordan: 'On the creative front what would your condensed description of you be? Fearful, hopeful and thankful.

Slyder: 'Canadian dates. I'd like to hear that Les Paul Junior make an appearance someday.' Actually, it's getting to the point where I don't want to take my Junior out. They're getting too valuable.

Steve: 'What do you think about MY SPACE?' I don't really think about My Space. Apparently lots of people do so it must be really bad!

Cindy wanted 'God' at Healdsburg in Sonoma, which I failed to deliver. Sorry, Cindy.

Marz: 'Hi - I've copied and made thousands of copies of 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' and 'Short Back and Sides'. I've packaged them and they are selling quite well all over the world. I can't understand why you didn't do it (SUCKER). Made loads of money from you Ian - thanks.' No address, of course. Well, I couldn't do that because those albums belong to Sony and Chrysalis. Sleep well and spend the money on all those nice things you people like so much.

Sergio Rodriguez: I have news of your shows in Spain - but nothing about it on your website. Will Andy York be in the band? The paper work isn't finalized yet, but yes we will be in Spain in May. Thursday, May 17 - Valencia; Friday, May 18 - Madrid; and Saturday, May 19 - Barcelona - subject to contract. Andy will be working with John Mellencamp so MC Bosch will be occupying the guitar left. James Mastro - guitar right.

Andy Baker: 'Is there any chance of recorded acoustic shows?' Don't know yet.

Dave: Getting a lot of Canadian enquiries, but I don't know yet.

Scott Drake: 'What was it like producing Generation X?' Bloody hard work. Der (the guitarist) was really good, I remember. Billy was still singing high then, and had tuning problems. When he took it down an octave later on - things started to happen big time. Wish I'd thought of that. Enjoyable, but hard work. Nice guys.

Constance Van Beek: Any thoughts of touring with Alejandro Escovedo in the near future? There's talk, but nothing more at this stage. I'd enjoy it if it happens. He's good and genuine and we get on.

Kevin L: 'Are you a Cure (or Robert Smith) fan? I don't leap out and buy stuff, but I know they're good. I can hear it. There's a reason they're big. They're good.

Steve Vee: 'Leeds not good enough, anymore?' Oh, come on. If I'm going to Leeds, I'm going to Leeds - if I'm going to Newcastle, I'm going to Newcastle. Either way, I get slagged off. Promoters aren't keen on your doing both.

Jeffrey: Stinky has ventured forth as of late, sniffing suspiciously and ready to retreat at any second. It's that time of year.

Keikka: We've got no problems with Helsinki - didn't get an offer to my knowledge.

Colum Thornton: 'Ian, thanks, no Dublin. That's OK - Liverpool is fine. Block booking on Ryanair, one thinks. Liverpool rocks and so do LFC. Thank you.'

Jeff: Traveling almost as bad then as it is now.

Keikka: Gave this one to Trudi.

Honaloochie B (lovely name): No another NWTR. Wullie's networking - the swine. Willie spam! Champers.

Susan had a chat with Kim Simmons who sends me his regards. Same here.

Simon Grant: Re: Bristol area. Can't be sure - still finalizing.

Kelly Nagle: Who's Eric Mullins?

Edward Shirley: So I have to finish by 10:45 in Birmingham or I' putting you out - 30 miles. Chickenfeed! Keeps you fit - start training now!

Olaf Grewer: I never know what's happening on the day, Olaf. Maybe - maybe not.

Steve Dudzinski: 'Detroit' Don't worry about that.

Maggie Coulter: Noted.

Keith McDonald: 1) Is Tracy supporting you on October UK tour? 2) Any chance of YU I Orta songs? Don't know as of yet. Too early to say who the support will be.

Dave P.: Obviously, I want to, but I don't see it at the moment.

Andrew Smith: You tell him I'm rooting for him - you say 'potential' so everything and everybody has to be totally positive. Fingers crossed. Hopefully a false alarm.

Kelly: Well, there last four dates were great, but the traveling is a pain. The flights are OK but getting to the planes and picking up vans is so much more complicated than it used to be.

Willie: Up yours!

Al Moore: 'Glad to see you're touring in October, but why so few gigs and why not Manchester?' Last time out I did around 35 gigs in the UK and Europe. It did my back in. I don't want that again - it was a nightmare.

Geoff Bryant: Hope you get well, soon.

Joe S: 'Saw you last night at the Raven in Healdsburg, CA. Thank you very much for coming to Northern California.' Joe's wife saw us for the first time and is now a fan. Says we were great - although my voice was low in the mix. There you go.

Michael Maupin: I think Guy Stevens would be excellent movie fodder. You just have to find somebody who's interested. Sounds like a job for Chris Blackwell.

James Boyd: 'I'm in Awe' - stunning; 'Avalanche' no slouch - alternative version of Morons - great (I didn't know there was one!) So looking forward to 'Shrunken Heads'.

Peter Stupar: Mick Ralphs and I found the Maltese Cross in a pawn shop in San Francisco. Your facts are right.

Mark Day: There's a possibility of extra English dates, but don't count on it.

Frederick Lukens: No MTH reunion that I know of. All members still alive.

Peggy Pan: 'When are you playing LA again? Thought you were the headliner and I missed a few songs last night. GREAT. Thanks. I needed that.' A lot of people say, 'thanks I needed that.' I'm a doctor! Key Club - June 17.

Mark Wheeler: I think 'The Drive-in Saturdays' are gone.

Gary Meloni: 'Ian - hadn't seen you since '88. Saw you in Hollywood last night. Killer rock 'n' roll show. Every time I hear the Home Depot commercial - Central Park runs through my head - let your attorney be the judge.' OK.

Tony H.: 'Just saw the gig at the Fonda in LA. Excellent work. Who were the band members?' Steve Holley (drums); Paul Page (Bass); James Mastro (Guitar); Andy Burton (keys) and Andy York (lead guitar). The Key Club is June 17. The set list will be quite a bit different.

Jan: 'Sorry for jumpin' on stage at the Grove - but the bouncer was a kook. Maybe you should stick to smaller venues? My Dad's been a fan forever and we saw all the shows last time you were out here. Anyway, sorry I was disruptive. I wasn't trying to stand in Your light, I was just giving the bouncer a taste of his own negative energy etc. etc.' The last gig - The Grove in Anaheim was a bit tricky. You could sit and eat there. The stage - dressing rooms - stage crew lighting were all first class - but whereas in LA they let the people get up and go for it - the Grove didn't. I didn't know that people would want to get up, and I didn't' know that The Grove wouldn't allow it. I liked the gig, but I thought the 'no getting up' policy a bit stupid. It wasn't as if anybody was going to wreck the place. Food was great and we were too! Hey - stuff happens - didn't bother us. Bit of drama!

Rich B: When I get a decent offer - that's how it is.

John McMillan: All MTH had nicknames - what was yours? Ginger Bastard, probably.

Dave Holland: Verdict is out on that one. Australia is being discussed.

William Hendry: 'Roy Wood answers his messages too.' See, us midland chaps are so lovely.

Mark Bauer: Probably Kent State affair (see Neil Young).

Bob Kleb: I'm sure Philly's in the mix. It's really not up to me. It's the chaps at Paradise Artists.

DONE!!

Sorry if I missed you - it's not because there's anything wrong with you email - it's just I can't think of anything to say to some of them. Anyway, I'm a bit tired and I'm trying to catch up on stuff.

Till we meet again.

IH
The Horse's Mouth