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Issue #81 - Dec 2007

Christmas can be a bit busy so I thought I'd do a bit now.

Phil Moore: 'Did you receive the envelop with M.P. inside?' Yes, I've got it, but have yet to give it to Maggie.

Dirk: 'Come to the South East.' South East of where?

Dave Pope: 'Just got tickets for acoustic gig in Market Harborough in March. Hope to do Stables as well, but money is tight with us striking posties.' See you there.

Paul: 'I think you missed a great opportunity when you were on pop master on Radio 2 to promote your CD, mate. Best Wishes.' I didn't have a clue what I was doing on that show.

Chas Groshon: 'The Troc has no seats - it's a disservice to your fans.' Seems like a disservice either way. Half of you want to stand and the other wants to sit. I'm at a loss!

Euron Griffith loved Shep. Bush. 'Seeing Double' was an unexpected highlight. Hadn't heard that for a while. Incidentally, I keep playing your music on the radio.' Thank You, Euron.

Alexander Falk: 'Going to the Troc.' How's the boy?

Ed: 'Do you still play Rainsongs?' Yes.

Gary Ashton: 'Looking forward to the acoustic shows. I will be in Leeds. Have you played this historic venue before?' No, my UK agent is edging me into it!

Donna: 'Lost Horizon - Syracuse, New York……remember?' Er, no. 'Fan since 70's.' Thanks for keeping on.

Mike Mitchell: 'Loved UK - sounding better than ever. Come to BCB on the day of the gig and do a small session and perhaps a chat? Lots of fans asking for it.' Contact Jerkin Crocus (you can find the link on Ian Hunter.com). It's a question of logistics - I don't know what time I get in etc. I'll do it if I can. Can't guarantee a session but we can have a chat. Thanks for asking. Regards to all at your excellent station.

Tom (Edinburgh) 'The venue (in Edinburgh) is saying 'pay at the door' for February 19th. Is this right?' Trudi checked with Mick Brown and he assures us tickets are on sale in Edinburgh. Go to the links on the tour section of www.ianhunter.com He says that there might be a problem (as he has had in the past) if you try to buy tickets with a bank loyalty discount.

Jay Lynn: 'Play Boston or Rhode Island!' I will when somebody offers me decent money!

Mark Rettick loved the San Francisco gig. Wants us to go back and play 'Bastard'. We'll see.

Lasse Johnson: 'How much work do you put in to get the songs in a specific order?' Quite a lot, actually. There's nothing worse than an album of good songs that will not hang together. It was a problem on 'Rant'. 'Shrunken Heads' was easier. We had extra tracks - they didn't fit the actual CD, but were good and they became 'bonus tracks'. If they'd have been on the CD they would have made it slower than we wanted.

Mommas Little Julie: 'Thanks for Milwaukee - you kicked ass.' Yeah, we did didn't we!

Kieren: Great album - great gig at Bilston. 'When you first moved to the U.S. did you go to CBGBs?' (Yup). 'What did you think of the bands that played there?' You mention Patti Smith and Television - I didn't see them there. I remember Ronno and me seeing Blondie down there and we took the whole band including Debbie back to my place in Chappaqua and played the whole night.

Jeffrey quotes Dan Hartman - 'How about taking the computer animated Ian head and making antenna balls for cars. Make them out of styrofoam like those Union 76 balls. Great way for fans to identify themselves.' I'll get right on it.

Peter Spencer: 'Where can I get 4 tickets for the Market Harborough gig?' If you go to my website, www.ianhunter.com and go to the tour menu that will give you the venues and where you can buy tickets.

Andy Ambler: 'Thanks for the brilliant gig at Newcastle - can't wait for acoustic set in Leeds after Xmas. I'm rallying the troops in Barnsley to come and show our appreciation of your infinite class! Blush squared. I can answer these all day!

Carolyn: 'Really enjoyed all your shows; been to Norway, California, the UK and looking forward to 2008. Any chance of Iceland? Excellent place - I'd love an excuse to return.' Not heard from Iceland, but I've heard it's a great place.

Greg Cochran: When somebody offers me decent money I'll do it and not before.

Francis :: That's Mr. Bosch doing the solo.

Lyndon Brown: 'I'm going to celebrate New Year this year (for the first time in years) as I've just seen you're coming to sunny downtown Dartford for an acoustic gig in '08. It will be nice for once to finish work late (police officer at the local nick!!) get changed and walk to the gig.' My Dad was a copper.

Chris Miller: 'Great show at the Bush - added bonus - 3 members of Mott the Hoople on stage at the same time. See you at the Stables.'

Colin Ford: 'Thanks for Shepherds Bush - any memories?' Could have done without the security precautions - it's a bit late to be rioting, isn't it? 'Don some acoustic shows!! It's happening next February in the UK. Check out www.ianhunter.com

Harry Oddsock: 'What's a typical Xmas day at Hunter Towers and what's new for the New Year?' Actually, Christmas Day is usually pretty quiet. Tracie, Jesse and Karen are usually here. Suzi and Lisa Ronson - although they'll be in England this year. Our mate, Ian McKenna will wander in. We ring the clan in England (Steve, Jonsey and the kids. The big bash is on Boxing Day. Lots of band people here with the wives and kids. Andy and Liz York will be back in time for that one. Then it's New Year's Eve at our mates Rick and Steff's.

Bryan Paterson (Perth) 'Great gig at the Fruit Market - lost count of times I've seen you live. Will the acoustic gigs be different to the electric set? 'As you mentioned - Tuts was virtually the same set as was done later with the big band. This happened because immediately after the four acoustic shows in England and Paris I had to take the full band to Europe. It was how the tour was structured. This time the acoustic set is totally separate and will be somewhat different overall. I don't know yet - it's too early to say. Don't want to put you lot sleep.

Michael Martens: 'Alejandro Escovedo played Portland and closed with 'I Wish I Was Your Mother'. In the intro he called you his hero and his mentor - have you collaborated?' Oh what a sweet and talented guy Al is. He really is. Yes, we've messed about at Hunter Towers. We'll see what happens.

John MCMillan: 'Have you been invited to tour the Far East?' Naaah.

Marty G: 'What was it like being on stage with Verden and Mick?' I was tickled pink. Mick just plants himself on stage. Looks like he belongs - very authorative -. Verden knows how to play. He always was a sensitive musician but understood power. There's nobody like Phally on a C-3. I had a ball.

Stano: 'Shrunken Heads' will go down as one of your best albums - to me 'Artful Dodger' was your greatest, and time will prove it. Do you think the U.S. should change its foreign policy?' A bit less bullying and a bit more brains, but we do have enemies.

Largo Westbank: 27 days - see - stick with me.

Jim Bob: I agree with you and I'm writing the same way. I've had enough moaning for one decade! Good luck with The Opportunities. Your approach seems right to me.

Rich Michi: I've always had this battle about explaining my stuff. I mean, I took time writing it and lately it's been coming out as I want it to so what's to explain? If it's not understandable then maybe that's good too, put your own spin on it. That's the fun.

Steven Scott: I know I really must get down there at some point. There's got to be more English there than in England at this point. Bit of schlep.

Jeffrey: Happy Thanksgiving - same here.

Tom Davies: 'Just ordered a Yep Roc 'Christmas album' - You're not on it.' I keep on meaning to write a Christmas carol but if it doesn't come - it doesn't come.

Tripp in Atlanta: 'Shooting a movie in Boston. SH a big hit with my youngest child. Remy is five and a half and sings along to all the songs. 'Big Mouth' is here favourite. See you in Philly.'

Kirk: It's the high hat pedal. Annoying once you hear it, isn't it?

Rob Pennie: 'North?' Got a new agent - Frank Riley = plus I'm working on a new record; so it'll be a while.

Clyde Hartman says Neil Young's 'Shining Light' has some Ronno moments. Going to Philly.

Kevin's gutted we're not doing Newcastle. Maybe next time.

Tony Andersson: What can I say, Tony. We beg to differ.

Mike Bay: 'Just bought 'Shrunken Heads' via iTunes. Love it.'

Haymaker: Songs, band, production fantastic. (also bought Hoople for old times sake - it's great too). Saw you in '79 opening for 'Heart'. Glad to see the same level of quality you always had.' Thanks.

Stephen (KC): 'If people don't get you - it's their loss.'

Peter Jordan: Yeah, I noticed the band is singing 'He's got a big mouth' with an unusual amount of gusto. They don't understand me. Yes, nincompoop was dodgy. I did think about it, but over exaggerated it came off fine.

Stephen (KC) (Forgot a bit): 'Felt at home walking round Shrewsbury (more than I ever did!). Did you go to school at the end of Swan Hill Road?' I went to the Priory which isn't far from Swan Hill. Maybe a quarter of a mile - backs onto the river. No presents, please!

Bucks Burnett: Tut, tut, tut…Bucks.

Jeff Williams: 'Been listening to a lot of different music lately but for some reason SH keep winding up on my CD player. How do you explain that???? What's not to like.

Rooster: 'Looking forward to Troc show. Play 'Rip Off'. I don't know about that.

Strat: 'Enjoying SH - you're still an inspiration. Saw you in Kent and had a chat backstage - you won't remember - but I was pissed - it was the support band's fault.' Yeah, right.

Ryan Roman: How are you doing, Ryan. Happy 30th and many more!!!

David Steiger: In the sunshine state - had enough of Detroit! David's a doctor. BTW it was what we thought it wasn't. I finally got it sorted after a four hour wait in LA! We'll see what we can do.

Dimitry (Moscow) wants a signed photo. I'm sorry, but we don't do that here.

Marc Solomon: Mick did all his own mixing - even if we had a producer. He was extremely particular about what saw the light of day.

Ray Mackie; Do it early, before I wither!

Pauline White: 'Whizz Kid' (as far as I can remember) was pure fabrication - needs must at times.

Rick Goward: What's my opinion on the Eagles deal with Walmart? The answer to that is that I don't have one. I don't know the details.

Alan Kent, Washington: Who's a happening Dude then?!!

John O'Rourke mentions passing of Kevin DuBrow. Lovely chap. All our sympathy and condolences go out to Kevin's family at this sad time.

Gregory Slugockie: 'Is SH the longest song you've ever recorded?' Oh no. Some of the early MTH stuff went on a bit. Mainly because we were a bit short!

Paul: 'SH tremendous - thanks for sharing. Any chance of an expanded tour next year?' As I said, I've changed agencies and I'm working on a new record. Hopefully, we'll get round to you.

Jan Nicholas: How are you. All star reunion? Morgan says there is interest? News to me - Morgan - where are you?

Madelaine: 'Toronto? Anywhere in Canada?' We shall see Madelaine, but not at the moment.

Hein van Schaik: 'Amsterdam for a performance?' I'm fine with that!

Jeff: They say twins are a double blessing! Congrats!

Paul Carvani: I remember seeing the Hollies - actually we opened for the m in St. Albans around '67. I was playing bass for Freddie Fingers Lee. In those days, they were way ahead of the game. Graham Nash was in the band. I remember they got there late and we had to play an extra long set. (We got paid extra too.) Great singles. Most pop bands will by their very nature become slightly cabaretish. I remember Alan Clarke came into Air II one day and started telling us all what to do. He reminded me of me!

Martin Gerrard: 'Bilston was top class. James Mastro great. Heart and soul of the band yet never seems to get the attention he deserves. What a bonus to see Verden Allen on the stage. Was that prearranged?' No. Phally and Mick can turn up whenever they want and join in. It's good fun and we get to chat.

Martin S. 'Western Australia still awaits the Dude.' I know - I know.

Willie: 'Thoroughly enjoyed the last tour - just kept getting better each gig. Good luck with the single - can't fail if you ask me.' Unfortunately, they won't be asking you, Willie - or me! 'It was also an honor to meet Frankie Miller at Shepherds Bush. Great to hear the Eagles covering one of his new songs. Frankie's going to make a fortune!!' More power to him. Great songwriter; great singer.

Kenny Mac: The idea was - electric here - acoustic there. Branching out a bit - hence Aberdeen. Hopefully, they'll think I'm lovely too!! Jeff Williams: 'I'm in Korea. Do you think you'll ever play here? Depends on which Korea? 'Love the MTH stuff, but mostly the last two records. Teaching my six year old how to play 'Memphis'. Is this wrong?' No, it's very, very right.

Mick McKenzie just read HM and it's hard to believe the guy who didn't rate the Fruit Market gig or Jesse Malin. Maybe he watched it from a parallel universe? Re: Liverpool - do the larger room - better sound - better view. I think that's been discussed already.

Celtic Rocks: 'Who was more important to MTH Guy Stevens or David Bowie?' hey were both pivotal at different times in the bands development. So you met Tom. Nice guy - good writer. Mick knew him better than I did. Haw time flies. 'Big thanks for October tour. Great to meet you and Frankie Miller. I think Frankie is Scotland's greatest singer. See you in February. All the members gearing up for a party.'

Robert Parkhurst: Looking for cd of Short Back 'n' Sides. Try Amazon.

Shawn Fernandez: 'Hi Mr. H. Just wanted to bring your attention to a web radio station that's dedicated to playing classic artists new stuff - www.livinglegendsmusic.com/sam About bloody time.

Greg: 'Have you heard the F.Ups version of 'Dudes'? Pretty darn good, I think.' No, I haven't. Do they realize they tread on hallowed ground?

Joey Porter: 'How does solo compare to being main writer, voice and front man of a band like MTH?' Well, I'm not really solo in my mind. I'm the main writer, voice and front man for the Rant Band. The only difference is I get my own way more. The funny thing is they're so good I don't have to get my own way! 'Do you ever feel the need to sit on a good song for a while before release?' I'm always sitting on them. I'm sitting on some now. 'Are the behind the scene business hassles something you still deal with?' I try to spread them out as much as possible. The big stuff is Danny Goldberg and Jack Leitenburg; the smaller stuff is handled by Trudi and James. I hate the business end of it. I have literally no patience whatsoever with business and it infringes on my writing - splits my head.

Simon Hodges: I've just placed a call to the number I've got. It's ringing but no answer. If I get the OK, I'll send it to your email.

Bob Barnes: Hi Bob, Thanks for the latest updates. We shall see!

Virginia: Don't know - but we miss you too!

Bob Ell: They remember more than I - it would be 'Irene Wilde'; 'I Wish I Was Your Mother' on the slow side 'All American Alien Boy'; or 'Teachers' or 'Bastard' on the medium - take your pick of the fast ones - 'Memphis'; 'Once Bitten'; 'Roll Away the Stone'. It depends on how you play and what you are good at. Good luck with it.

Hey - that's it for now. I'm going to be a bit busy for the next few weeks so if I don't manage it before - have a great Christmas and a spiffing New Year.

P.S. You'll remember Robbie Alter - a great guitar player who was with me for a while back in the 80s. I've always been a big fan of his playing. He was great with me but his heard was always in the blues. So he's got this band in Florida - a trio - and they've made a CD and I think the CD is great. Robbie is playing on it, singing on it and had a hand - a big hand - in the writing of it. I wouldn't tell you it was fab if it wasn't, but it is - so buy one! If you're interested, go to www.bluehouseband.dot.com Go Robbie!!!

IH
The Horse's Mouth