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Issue #80, Part 1 - Nov 2007

Jeez! Hundreds of 'em! Don't get angry at me, but I'm going to have to edit a bit.

David Rowe: Love to watch Arsenal or Man U 'on their day.' Beautiful. Saw Spurs beat Wigan last night. Good (when they're on). Thing with Spurs is they've always been a bit dilettante as a team. Need some rough and tumblers to balance it up a bit. Getting there. Big Allardyce fan; he'll sort Newcastle out and eventually coach England.

Keith Johnson: Going to Milwaukee (This is how far back we are!) Hope you enjoyed it.

Nancy Szymko: Welcome aboard!

Frank: Thanks.

Lorenz: No, I don't, but I'll give him a bell later on today and mention you.

Rick L talks about 'Guster' (a Boston band). Says they write a bit like me in my youth. Can't be bad then!! Good luck, chaps.

Scott Payne saw my web site on a news channel today for future Hall of Famers (I feel so young!) He can't believe Cleveland hasn't got moi or MTH or Ronno in. I keep saying this - Cleveland's where it is, but Cleveland doesn't run it.

Dan Baker loves the animated video for 'When the World Was Round'. ' What a great concept.' Do I own my masters? A few.

Derek Warren: Five out of Eight ain't bad.

Many 'complaints' that the Milwaukee show sold out; Now I'm hearing it sold out in 30 minutes - thanks for that info, Ken.

Edd Woods: 'Stretch' was written about a real unique friend of mine, and I'm really fed up that he passed. I love one off's, and he was certainly a one off.

Terrance: Pete didn't actually smash a fan in the mouth with his bass - the kid actually fell forward onto it. It was an accident. After it happened the kid begged us not to stop playing and put his head in the bass drum. His mouth was a mess - ah the good old days.

Jeff: October's good, as usual.

Carmelo Giardina-papa: We did play 'Marionette' live originally in MTH. I remember doing it on Broadway. That was the only song we did in Quad. That woke 'em up! More recently, I intertwined it with 'Morons' from 'Rant' and it seemed to work quite well.

Kelly: Six months gone. Good luck with it, girl.

Ian: Do I do 'Mott' songs now? We do 'Angeline', 'Walkin' With A Mountain', 'Rock 'n' Roll Queen, 'Wish I Was Your Mum', 'Memphis' and 'Dudes' (not all on the same play list).

Bill McCue: I don't know if there are any for them exclusively.

Chris Gorst: 'Space helmets on Captain video.'

Dave Griffiths says Noddy Holder's book mentions seeing MTH and picking up a few tips. Dave is now an MBE (in the Queen's Birthday Honours list). Well done, Sir! Where's mine!

Brad Hardisty: Birmingham was always good to MTH.

Dan Baker listened to 'When the World Was Round' 8 times in a row. He's fond of 'Sunshine Eyes' as well (one of my favourites, actually). 'Any chance of a book after leaving MTH?' Too early to say.

Alan: You do it because you love it.

Pat googled 'Barry Manilow/Ships'. Lots of comments; Pat's favourite - 'I've loved that song ever since Barry wrote it.'

Tom McGarry: So we all know where your loyalties lie. How was it? I've done Venice and Rome but still have to go to Florence. Tom likes 'Read 'em' 'n' Weep'. 'More touring.' Yes, yes, there's one in February in the UK that includes a couple of dates in Scotland. Acoustic set, with Steve and James.

Francis L: As I recall I was tipping the people on the coins o not the coins themselves. A clue? Practice.

Terry Birnie: 'World Was Round' record of the week in Chorley 102.8 FM. Breakfast show week commencing 22 October.' Nice One, Terry.

Mark: 'Do a cover of 'Pretty Vacant'. You know, I could do a covers album, but some one would have to nag me a lot.

Olaf Grewer: I don't think we met. I've only just seen this now. Sorry about that.

Steve Walker's daughter surprised him at her wedding. The Father/Daughter song was 'Irene Wilde'. Lovely.

Shawn Jones: 'Imagine Guy Stevens doing a MTH movie.' I can't.

John Tyczkowski: Listened to 'Read 'em' 'n' Weep' 15 times and wept. It's not that bad, John.

Tripp Pair: Two new Cds - Wilco's and SH both good but his five year old prefers mine! I get a lot of five year olds - must be the immaturity!

Mike Elswich: Don't do this as a rule, but I'll see what I can do.

Bill Lorge bringing the brood to Milwaukee - 'It is a family show, right?' Now you tell me!

Paul Clark: 'How does it feel to be gaining popularity at this stage in your career?' Fun - it's backwards - that's the motivation.

Mike C. 'Do 'Brittania to Jack''. It's in F#. I nearly always mess it up.

Larry Lofton: I'd love to do it but it's not up to me. It's up to the promoter there and my agent, Frank Riley.

Ron: 'SH is brilliant. 'Read 'em' 'n' Weep' brings a tear to the eye. Ralpher likes that one.

Geoff Bryant: No live DVD of SH (as of yet).

Michele Hinz: Sorry, no bells.

Roberta asks, 'Will I ever play Italy?' MTH started in Italy and that's were it ended.

Paul Rivers: 'Is ZERO publicity a marketing ploy? My girlfriend is amazed at the London turnouts without anything in the papers at all. I find it irritating that artists from the '70's and the 80's of much less significance than yourself are able to get two page articles in the Sunday papers as they relaunch themselves ex:. The Only Ones/Sooxsie and the Banshees. You have had and continue to have a varied and interesting career. I think you should get more coverage. Pardon my bluntness.' Papers are lazy, you have to put it on a plate for them, but we do get regular press in Uncut, Classic Rock (they have been really good to us), Mojo are good too. You need a story for the nationals. I aint in and out of the Priory enough!!

David: Cleveland or Boston? Oh - go on. Cleveland. (But I love Boston).

Chris Miller and wife wanted 'Berkeley Square;' sorry we couldn't oblige.

Marja Wezenberg: Holland? I'm a bit off Europe at the moment - sooo expensive.

Mike Riley: Post Milwaukee show - loved it. Met the band (they had nice things to say about you). They're not stupid. 'Fans happy with the set list.'

Paul Spitz: Brought six close friends to Milwaukee. They enjoyed the show almost as much as I did.

Peter Arvidson: 'Getting paid for 'Cleveland Rocks' from Fox?' Hopefully. 'SH damn good.'

Doc Lovett: 'Was Howard Helm on Welcome to the Club?' Nope, that was Tommy and George.

Elly Berry: Met somebody? Change of life? Who knows?

Gary Sawruk: Looking forward to Williamsburg Music Hall, December 14th. Wants a Strings Attached gig.. Some do; some don't. Expensive.

Rick Lake: Yes and no.

Matt Nojonen: 'At what point do you know when to shut down, kick back and recharge? What do you do to let out the kinks?' If I'm tired - that's it. I can do nothing and be totally happy. Annoys the sh_ _ out of Trudi. I'm easy on myself; I like to slob out. Lazy by nature. Not a manager's dream, but I'm starting to gear up a bit. This 'Live everyday as if it's your last' mentality doesn't wash with me. You get less days.

Rick Graves: Loved Milwaukee. 'Do you recognize fans in the crowd?' Now and again, but I'm busy. I did like the venue by the way - big tele in the dressing room! 'You always played with great guitarists - were any of them not up to par?' I'm not keen on guys who say, 'What do you want.' Ronno, Ralpher, Andy York, Jack the Mechanic, M.C. - they've never said that to me. FATAL.

Digitari: I wrote a song called, 'Henry 'n' the H. Bomb' and it was recorded with jumbled lyrics which Jeff Tweedy dissembled into something infinitely better. He doesn't know this and I'm not telling him.

Patrick O'Flynn Jr: Do I play keys professionally? Indeed I do.

Sweeney: Just one, the day after in Philly.

Lawrence Reed: south Florida? I'd love to!

Tommy peacock: Ever consider a touring all star thing (like the Ringo thing)? It's already come up a couple of times, but really it's a diversion. A fun diversion, admittedly, but I'd rather get on with me and the Rant Band.

John Pottage (Now we're in the UK): Great gig at the Fruit Market last night. Mark Bosch (MC) is the best. Seriously - the best. You have to keep him! No, I did not introduce him a F.B. (must have been the PA). 'Jesse Malin amazing - made everybody sit down and sing a Neil Young song. Best support since Queen.' Nice one.

Neil Bates: Why?

David Ivery: 'Was at the gig on Saturday night in Glasgow. Very poor support act, followed by poor set from Hunter himself. Could not get the crowd going. Too many slow dirges killed the atmosphere. Didn't have the manners to introduce the band, poor night all in - this is from a big Hunter fan. I will think seriously about wasting my money on any future gig of his from now on. Roll on the Sex Pistols next month. They'll show how to put a real rocking set on. Yours - totally pissed off.'

Ian: I recorded Vin Scelsa's show when you were last on it (7 years ago). You said Tony Blair's true ambition was to become the President of the United States of Europe. Yesterday, papers said he was being backed by Sarkozy for just that position. Amazing!!! That's why he's farting about in the Middle East - trying to sort that one out. This world is totally nuts.

Tom Bust: We'll do Rockford, but they have to speak to Frank Riley.

Bryan: 'Sitting here in the midst of San Diego fires listening to SH for some much needed relief. Houses burning for miles around. 'How's Your House' - fine I'm happy to say. Crazy world at times. Nice to have something to count on in this world.' Right old mess that was. Glad you're through it.

Joe S : Congrats on nominations and reviews for Shrunken Heads. Do it for another 50 years.' Thanks, but God, how boring.

Gary Draisey: 'Saw Oxford last night - cracking performance. Good to see Ralpher on stage again. Thanks for a great night.'

Coz: 'As you said at the Oxford gig, you can always rely on a Northampton opinion. Thanks for sharing your soul for so many years.'

Graham Payne: 'Oxford last night (absolutely brilliant). What song did you open with?' 'Ballad of Mott'.

Karen Bennett: 'Carling Academy, Liverpool - fantastic night.'

Paul C.: 'Liverpool - Last time you were too loud - this time you were too quiet. Fabulous shows - not too sure about the shirt. Keep writing.'

Beep!! Great show in Liverpool last night. Excellent band too. Bring on the next album/gig - I'll be there.'

Karen Bennett: 'Me again. Forgot to say how great Jesse Malin was!

Terry Birnie: 'Liverpool last night was fantastic. Great mix of old and new. Jesse Malin was great as well!! Come back to UK soon.'

Jens Habben: Shrunken Heads became my album of the year in the last few weeks. Any chance of live dates in Germany? Like I say, I'm not too keen on mainland Europe at the moment; the airlines are screwing us.

David Parry: Good show from you and the band, but an appalling venue. Unless you made the first few standing rows or were 7 feet tall you couldn't see a thing. Overpriced beer in plastic glasses in an airless, hot and sweaty hell hole. I thought the Mill in Preston was bad. You deserve better places to play in. Not only are you getting older but your audience is too. Sorry to go on, but I had looked forward to the gig so much and it was somewhat spoiled for us. Singing truly outstanding on several songs last night.' To be honest, we didn't expect as many people as that. If we'd known they would have put us into the bigger room. Next time.

Zak B: You're talking to him. Go for it.

Tom in Edinburgh: 'Saw you at the Glasgow Fruit Market - best since Caley in '73. Heard interview on BBC Scotland - quite a wit. Now I've buttered you up - settle an old argument. I say Queen were booed off at the Caley in '73 (don't say you can't remember). I say yes - my boss says no. I'm not daft - I'm with your boss!!

Kenny Mac: 'Absolutely fantastic Glasgow gig - band, and yourself played brill. Thanks to Tracie for putting up with me and my pals. The bass player you had was a treat and so into it.' Stand up Paulie.

Nigel Allan: Thanks, Nigel. Appreciated.

Diana Wade: 'Simply wonderful last night at the Robin - and Newcastle too. Why no Leeds or Manchester for the first time in years?' (It's usually money or routing or both). Plus, I believe we're doing both those cities on an acoustic tour in February 2008.

Fiona says I'm an angel and I know it…….'hardly' would be the nearest to appropriate.

Terry Ferguson had tickets for the last cancelled MTH tour. Caught up with us in Southampton: 'Fantastic - worth the wait. Thanks to the band and support act, Jesse.' But where were you in between, Terry?

Moke Walton: 'Went to Bilston with my brother. Brilliant sound, great new material - great band - great support. Any chance of Norwich?'

Brent (an 'Overnight Angels' fan): 'Will it ever be performed live again?' To be honest, I wouldn't think so. Still haven't gotten round to 'Dirty Laundry' and I liked that one.

Ray Waters: 'Ian - a great CD that comes across even better live. I think it's the strongest you've done and you put together a great band to present it. How many dates in February?' Ten acoustic dates which, I think, are round the middle of February.

Lindsey: 'Bilston - brilliant.' Thanks you.

Richard Wilson: (resplendent in capital letters). Another great night in Liverpool. A pleasure doing business with you! The band were tops.

Dave Nagy: Yes, I have heard the album - he didn't borrow from anybody. He was unique - so - he brought it with him.

SB: No Connecticut shows? Nope.

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...