I am reliably informed that 'Man Overboard' has been given a release date of July 21st. A bit later than I'd hoped for, but apparently it takes that long to set it up. They're talkin' about a few dates in August, but I'm not that good in air conditioning (that's why I like to tour in the Spring or Fall). So we'll just have to see what happens.

James L. Neibaur is looking for 'Overnight Angels' in the U.S.. Try eBay or Amazon.

Lew Fisher - Congratulating MTH on the reunion shows.

Gary Marr: 'Been a fan for 39 years and can play bass on every song you guys ever wrote. If Pete gets cold feet - call me - a Londoner living in New Jersey.' Actually, I don't even know if Pete's got a bass. Have to ask him.

Ed: 'Hope gigs get MTH inducted into the Hall of Fame. Is VH-1 or MTV on board? If not - it's a crime!' I wouldn't think those experts have even heard of us.

Peejay: 'Who is the support then?' I don't know, but there's been no shortage of offers.

Manfred Koehler: 'What do you say to the tremendous response from MTH fans?' I must admit it has taken us all by surprise. I genuinely did not think it would be like this.

Kevin: 'Many of us cannot make London - why not a few others - Manchester, Newcastle, or Glasgow - sort out every fan in the country.' Look - I signed up for a couple of gigs at the Odeon because I wanted to see what it was like playing with the chaps again. There are other things to consider. Let's see how it pans out.

Bruno: 'Since I first heard 'Read 'em 'n' Weep' this question keeps rambling through my mind. Do you use any voice effects to correct errors on your records. I'm asking that because your voice sounds amazing as I thought I could not sound.' Back handed compliment if ever I heard one. Actually, I am singing better - particularly on 'Man Overboard'. It has a lot to do with getting the exact key that fits your range. I never used to bother much and consequently squeaked a little in keys that were too high. Peter Moshe uses a quick repeat on me in the studio. I don't remember being 'touched up' on this particular track.

Denise has run out of enquiries but dropped in to say she loves me. Thank you, Denise.

Ian Wood: What a lovely chap. Got a little excited when the reunion tickets came out - wound up with four when he only needs two. Would rather they go to a real fan at face value. They are for the Thursday show. ian.wood2050@ntlworld.com

Joe Marn: It's only London as far as I know. I should mention there have been lots of offers in the U.K. and we do appreciate them. U.S. and Canada haven't been discussed at this time.

Jimbo: One of the many who would like a DVD of Hammersmith. This makes total sense, but has not come up yet to my knowledge.

James Rawnsley: 'Just want you to know that the 'Point' in Cardiff has been forced into liquidation. New flats were built by the venue and the new neighbors complained about the noise. Council forced them to soundproof which go them into serious debt they can no longer cope with.' Sorry to hear this. I've always thought that flats in Britain were a bit of a con. You can hear people talking next door in some of them. I don't think building codes in flats are good enough. I lived in a flat in New York for years and never heard a thing - and we were right between the FDR and the East River. I think they put metal between the walls here. Something they should be made to do there.

Patricia: 'Will Ian Hunter come for a show in France?' Probably not.

Gary Sawruk: I honestly couldn't care less about this stuff.

Mark F. 'Just got a still sealed copy of 'Rant' from Amazon.com along with a copy of 'Diary' at a very reasonable price. Thought 'Twisted Steel' was on 'Rant' - but it was obviously done prior to 9-11. Is 'Twisted Steel' on any recording?' It's on the Universal Norway recording 'Strings Attached' - also a DVD.

Jeff Browning Sr.: 'I'm the Brewer at Bru Rm @BAR in New Haven and have been a fan since the Agora ballrooms show here in the early 1980's. I have named our English barleywine in honor of Mott's reunion and it will be tapped on 2/3/09 with most being saved for October. Here is the write up: This rich malty well balance Barleywine is named from a lyric written by famed lam rockers Mott the Hoople! Like the band this Ale is in your face with huge hops, lots of malt and an aggressive 10% a.b.v. (so be careful with this one!). Slow to mature The Nazz took 28 days to ferment and an additional three weeks of aging before we were ready to put it on tap. Yet like classic rock this Ale will mellow and continue to improve with time. That's why we are saving more than half a batch to be tapped in honor of the 40th Anniversary concert of Mott the Hoople at HMV Hammersmith Odeon Theatre, London UK on the 1,2, and 3rd October 2009. There will be a three glass limit for Nazz Barleywine - drink intelligently and let someone else drive you home.' Sounds great - how do you drink intelligently?

Patrik Hanson: 'Suddenly it's 1974. I'm gonna be 12 forever.'

Dallas Cupps: Thanks.

Ferd Kibler: 'How do you decide which older songs to play in concert? Do you accept input from anyone or just make the decision yourself?' It mainly just comes into my head. The band can sometimes pick something I haven't thought of doing. M.C. Bosch likes a bit of drama! (Hi Lizzie!)

Dave Kulwicki: 'And look at you now - it's done - yes, it's done!' Actually dark and dumb's OK too.

Bill Oblivion: Trudi sends her regards.

Ray Waters: Well then they wouldn't be a secret would they?

Randy Stewart wants MTH in the States real bad. I can't say it won't ever happen. I never thought we'd do anything at all, but here we are. All I can tell you is nothing is planned at this time.

Bobby Smith: Pete's writing a book at the moment so he's a bit out of the loop.

Dave T. with his MTH set list!

Michael Bunyard: 'Who develops the concept for the artwork and packaging?' Liz (Andy York's wife) put us onto John Halpern. John did some photos which came out well. If they use what I have in mind - no - it won't be curls 'n' glasses!

Keith Nickless: 'Don't water down the impact of the five Hammersmith shows. Do it - go home and say that was a good time. If you tour it will become a chore and then a pain. Real fans will understand.' I hear this.

Martin Curry: 'Just listened to Stan Tippens on BBC Hereford & Worcester website. Is Stan invited?' Yup. What do you mean is he invited? He invites us!

John Schiefer: 'Tour the U.S; morale is low.' Actually, my morale is higher than it's been for the last ten years.

Ken Grady: Can't pinch you from here - but it's real.

Liz K: Nothing planned for the U.S.

Bart: 'Not recording reunion for DVD CD would be an absolute insult to your fans.' It would not be an insult to our fans - it would be because of business people messing up. Just like the old days.

Phil Huband: Yeah - the British cover for Mott was great. Roslov Szabo did it for CBS-England. The difference over here was that Columbia wouldn't go for the extra 1.5 cents or whatever it was (some miniscule amount) saying it would create a precedent'. I stood in a room in New York when they showed us the U.S. version. I was horrified. I said who the f--- is responsible for this crap. Bloke right next to me smiled and said, 'Me.'. He wound up President of Columbia Records!

ED: 'Mott has to play Memphis!' No, they don't!

Mike M. (Oregon) asks what are we playing? That's for us to figure out. What you've got to do is figure out how to get there!

Karl: 'Will you do songs from your solo career?' Nope. It's MTH so it's MTH songs.

Bucks: Hey Bucks - best to Alejandro.

Dallas Cupps: 'We've changed the month Mottober.' As long as it's not Mocktober or Shocktober! (Sorry) Dallas wants a DVD - real bad.

Dave Ings: 'The URIS Theater still exists, but is now called the Gershwin Theater - see http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/gershwintheater/history.html and Mott is mentioned in this history.

Kevin Pugh: Play the MEN Arena in Manchester - one of the best venues in the world!!

Andy: 'Do you realize that with the Horse's Mouth - you invented Twitter? The Twitter guy has already turned down 500 million pounds.' Told you I was crap at business.

Tripp Pair: 'Hope all the buzz doesn't ruin the feeling of getting back with some old friends and playing some good music! See, that's exactly it. I was just on the phone with Pete. I think we're both looking forward to the rehearsals more than the gigs.

Chris: 'Is there a new CD or any new songs to look forward to?' My new CD comes out on New West on July 21st. All new songs. Mott have nothing scheduled at this time.

Neal Alhadeff: 'Web Cast?' Don't know. I don't get involved in all that.

Glenn Wharton: 'My Revolution' sounds like a MTH song. Reminds me of 'Saturday Gigs'. Casino Steele is mostly responsible for that one if I remember correctly. He liked MTH a lot.

Bryan: You might be low key, but what about the others!

Ken Grady: I think my mock punch days are over.

Tom McGregor: 'Detroit, Cobo Hall.' Put it like this, if we ever did do anything over here Detroit would be high on the agenda - but I don't think that is likely. You'll just have to put up with me!

Steve K: Opening bands should contact Mick Brown - it's not up to me - there are five of us.

Steve: Don't think it's a good idea. If you want to hear my stuff - you have to come and see me. I know some of my stuff is their stuff and some of their stuff is my stuff, but in October it should be MTH stuff solely on the night. It's hard enough to pick as set as it is.

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...