Verne: My take on the Dolls: They opened for us on a few gigs when I was with MTH. Great chaps. Johanson's got the loudest chops in the business. Arthur used to copy everything Pete did. They had good songs - the songs were better than they were. I thought they were pushed to soon. Incredible to look at - a real Bowery Band.

Hal: 'Rolling Thunder tour stories?' Rolling Stone said I was great on it. Only problem was - I wasn't on it.

William A. Yeaw: The River to River set will be 90 minutes.

Paul Rivers: 'Rant seems pertinent in 2009 - particularly 'Death of a Nation' and 'Rip Off'. Were you ahead of your time?' Yup. It's your politicians - they all stink. You need Eddie Izzard really badly - and quickly.

Saundra Johnson: Pete's fine, but he's on a walk at the moment. He marathons. Sounds like you had a good life - congrats!

Jan ten Boom Thanks for your email. Hope you enjoy October.

Dennis Goodwin: 'Man Overboard's' a bit more personal.

Laurent Moitrot: It was usually me on rhythm and I often- and still use -open G on certain songs. 'Once Bitten is in open G.

Susan Preston: 'Have I or would I publish my music? Nah. Sometimes it's done by the label - doesn't seem much call for it nowadays. Love the bottle story!

James Rawnsley: 'Just downloaded Tracie's latest; she's a chip off the old block - you must be proud.' Yeah. She may have a breaker there with 'Broken'.

Martin: 'Why don't you do something great like 'S.B. and sides' or 'All of the Good Ones' - the stuff you do now is boring. Bowie's the same - Alice Cooper's good though - if only Bolan was alive - there's no excitement or spark nowadays.' Catch up lad. Catch up.

S.B.: 'Don't you think TV should produce the shows?' What - like American Idol?

Shawn Jones: 'It's nothing personal. From the off it was agreed it had to be the five originals.

John Scully: Will you be doing 'At the Crossroads'? I was thinking about that one yesterday. Don't know yet.

Hot Tub Mike: The River to River is with the full band - 90 minutes. I've no idea who opens - if anyone.

Kenny Mac: Sorry you can't make it. Thanks for the email.

Tom Hugo: Keep it. I've got tons of the stuff and honestly - what's gone is gone. But thanks!

Tom: 'Have you heard the Scottish Bagpipe band who do cover versions of Mott and Steppenwolf? Weird, but true.' I didn't know that. How do they do that? Bagpipes only play in one chord - don't they?

Terry Moon: 'Heard the title track on the Mark Radcliffe Show. You've got a great track there. Hope the rest is as awesome!!

Mike Channon: 'Good luck - have fun and F--- the critics - they'll be waiting to knock you down 'cos this is the UK.' I don't mind them putting us down - as long as it's big.

Billy Kane: 'Florida?' Nothing as yet.

Wes: The band will be there.

Frank Ehnle: The DVD situation is looking distinctly brighter. We'll see.

Liz K is happy with 'Man Overboard'.

Eirik: Brian's amp broke down in Toronto. He told Fred (who was on the piano). Fred said, 'Oh - just jump around a bit - the silly bastards won't know the difference.' His mike (which should have been off) was on. 20,000 people got up and cheered!

Ross Penney: 'Did Queen find 'Marionette' influential?' Maybe.

Leeann: 'Love 'Man Overboard'. Can't get the tune out of my head. Is there a story behind it?' Coulda been me.

Bootman: Glad all is going well. Regards to Joe and Bri!

gkime: MTH coming to the U.S.? Cleveland?' I (apparently) can't say never, but nothing is on the horizon.

Bruno Peres: 'I'm curious, Dylan and Lucinda Williams switch from acoustic to electric and you switch from electric to acoustic. Why?' I already have two guitarists in my band - M.C.'s the lead Guy and James is the color guy. In this situation an acoustic or piano is a better mix.

Mark F.: 'Thanks for the taste of 'Man Overboard'. My first thought was Dylan then Todd Snider - are you familiar with his work?' Sorry, no.

Finn Bjelke: Hey, Finn! We'll get onto it.

Todd Denison: 'Ever meet or play with Mike Peters?' Name doesn't ring a bell, but my memory isn't that good.

Carla thinks I'm 'fab' and wants me to play at her flat in Lancaster. She says she can't cook, but she'll buy me dinner. Is that the full band?

Gary Guida - thank you, Gary.

Dave Hancox: 'Listened to 'Man Overboard' a bunch of times. Great tune. Cross between Dylan and John Prine (assuming you've heard of John Prine). What takes the label so long? 1) I don't get the Dylan/Prine thing. It doesn't sound like either to me; it sounds like me. I do know John Prine - I've always thought him great and underrated. 2) The label has a lot of good artists on their roster, as does my management company. This July date was the first time they felt they could do the job properly. It is frustrating hanging about, but it's good they're giving it a proper shot. No, I suppose 'Man Overboard' isn't 'light', but the album is lighter overall and more medium paced.

Jeffrey: Happy Mother's Day, Trudi!!!!

Pete Franks: 'You said on Radio 2 if you don't get Bob Dylan - you don't get Rock 'n' Roll. How can someone who is artistically contrary and complacent toward his audience be rock 'n' roll - when it's all about breaking down barriers and communicating with people?' He's broken a lot of barriers and communicated with millions. You miss the point.

Paul Sale: Full band rehearsals start in September.

Victor Ecimovich: We'll just do this and then we'll see.

Kathy: 'You simply MUST go back to wearing ruffled shirts. They just scream IAN - perhaps in black?' Mmmmm. Think my ruffly days are over.

??????Paul Sale: 'Do you still have the Iron Cross?' No. 'Or the H?' No. 'What are the guys playing now?' Mainly Gibsons. You've got to understand - that was then. They did look, but they sounded crap.

Andy B.: 'Do you think 'Diary' plays a big part in the affection in which the band are held? As a kid, I felt it personalized you all.' Never thought of it that way. Who knows.

James C. Allen: Ronno and myself got up with Doug Sahm at a New York gig one time. That you would have enjoyed.

Eric Cordova: I don't have a copy of that particular album at hand, so I haven't the faintest idea what I was on about. Sorry.

Jack Eastwood: 'When will you be in Northampton?' Nothing planned at the moment. Maybe next year. Miss my mates.

Bucks Burnett: (re: Obama) 'He's the president - not Superman - we need his help - he needs ours. Let's deliver.' Amen.

Carol Mathews: We opened for Tull quite a lot in the early days. Nice chaps. Ian - tremendously agile; a great front man. Because they all had extended solos we spent a lot of time with them in the dressing rooms. Never played with 'Yes'. To me, 'Yes' had great beginnings and great endings with not much in between. Hey - that's just me.

Fiona: Ted remembers us supporting them. I remember them supporting us.

Rick Graves: Glad it helped a bit.

Jeff: Good luck with them. They like mud and water.

Kevin Quinn: Don't seem to be affecting your emails. Nice long one! Thanks.

Wade Stapp: 'What the heck is 'Overnight Angels' about? I like it, but I don't understand it.' I'm with you mate; haven't got a clue.

Karen: 'I understand you wrote 'Ships'. Is there a story behind that song? I was the opposite of my Dad - it's a song about that.

Steve Walker: How strange! I once saw a guy I knew vaguely in Northampton on a Friday night, in London the following night and on the Sunday I saw the same guy in New York. Weird, but true.

Matt Nojonen: My problem with reading is that my memory's bad. I read and I forget. But I pick up the book and I instantly start to remember. It's annoying. I love creative stuff both in books and on TV, but I can't seem to store it.

John Dachik: I think we'll do that one. I was there with MTH at a place called the Warehouse. Been there a few times but not since Katrina.

Tony Flower: Friars, Aylesbury was a great place to play. Audiences were knowledgeable and excitable. I don't remember comparing Aylesbury with San Francisco but if I did, I would have meant it in terms of music not scenery! They were ahead of a lot of areas in discovering new music. Unfortunately, it was the M.I. and not the Pacific Ocean, lapping at Aylesbury doorsteps.

Alan from Kent, WA: Has he got a web site?

Stano: That could be a great move for him; they're going places. Great manager. He needs to get rid of a few dregs, but the future looks great. Just saw the final. Everton were Everton - Chelsea were Chelsea. Moyes needs a few bob. He has some fantastic players, but he still needs a few bob. Love Cahill's attitude. Pity Arteetta was out. Saha reminds me a bit of Anelka - brilliant, but can be a little irritating - although he looked like he got hurt. My brother just rang. I said the same to him and he was thinking the same as well - so that's it!

Maryann Ford: No idea what time we're playing. Check on the River to River site.

Dan Hartman: Haven't heard it, but Todd's class. We opened for Crimson early on - they were great.

Susan Conolly: I've been heavily into this guy since 2003 and have waved the flag throughout. Then, he was denying he would run, but I knew he had to. He was the only one for this time and we are so fortunate he appeared. This man is genuinely decent and that's what aggravates so many. People have been lying about family - religion - patriotism - just to get into office. Now they're out and they are squealing. Someone actually being decent. We can't have that!!! You go girl - thanks.

Jeffrey Williams loved the line in Horses Mouth #98 part 2!!!! Somebody in either the labour or Conservative parties in England should contact Eddie Izzard immediately. There's no future as it stands with all these chaps being caught with their hands in the till. This is what MPs call 'making mistakes.' NO. Forgetting your car keys is a 'mistake.' This is criminal - it's been going on for yonks and it has to stop. RIPOFF!

Matt: If I see you, I'll do it, but you know how it is.

John: ' 'Walkin' With A Mountain' greatest song ever.' Whatever made you think that?

James Rawnsley: 'Just been listening to 'Rant' - how relevant.' Pity nobody gave it much thought at the time.

Kenny Mac: I'll pass this on, thanks.

Christopher: 'Henry 'n' the H Bomb' - MTH should do it and re-release it. I'm surprised no other band has recorded it.' I'm not sure, but I've heard Jeff Tweedy does it live now and again.

Pat Camano Jones. We adopted.

Graham Stark: I would agree with that although it's too far back - it makes sense.

Ritchie C.: I play standard and open 'G' usually.

Jack Pells: Radio's a habit corporations got me to give up.

Andre' Pisani: Nothing planned as of yet, but offers do come in from Scandi and when the time is right we'll be back. I'm particularly fond of Norway. The people know their stuff and they look after us well. Sweden's always been nice to me.

Chris Hetherington: I don't know.

Pete: 'MO cover sensational!!!!

Tom McCool: You may be right or you could be wrong. It's early days - when I know I'll let you know. Makes sense though!

Peter Jordan: Hey - 'Man Overboard' is the new IH album and I hope you all love it. MTH is friends getting together again to play the glory years and I hope you all love that too. I'm up for both of them.

Mark F.: 'Where was the cover photo taken.' I forget.

Paul Cavani: You saw 'Rip Off' years ago etc.' Seeing it is one thing - what are you going to do about it? The country is going to have to wake up. It's bad. You need Eddie Izzard!! And I'm not joking.

Liz K.: What you've got to understand about photos is that you do about 1,000 and pick the best. In this case we actually found thirty we liked (kudos to John Halpern) - normally you get around six. What you won't see are the ones where I look like a 90-year-old scarecrow. It's a question of lighting at my age. That's why I sometimes look ancient and I sometimes look modern!

Adrian: A good guitarist will always find a way to intro a song as Ralpher did on 'Dudes' and Ronno did on 'Saturday Gigs'. A bad guitarist will run up and down the fret board at a frantic pace showing off his bits. A good guitarist 'fits' his part to the song. In other words - he puts the song first and tries to make the song better. That's my take on it.

Terry Moon: 'Like the cover - makes a change from the headshots.'

Marcus Prentiss: 'Actually, the studio is called A-Pawling. So you're a bit late.

Bill Sillas: 'You always distrusted our glorious leaders and now we see what a greedy bunch of bastards they are. You were right when you left. Know anyone who needs a good carpenter?' Parliament. It's enema time - but don't forget - 25% of them never did it at all. Don't tar them with the same brush. If Cameron is so squeaky-clean how come it's only now he's getting angry? He must have known about it for years. The problem is they're not paid enough so they get 'perks' instead. Pay them properly and cut the perks - simple.

Dave Donner: Hey Dave - haven't heard from you in a while, still in Vegas? Thought you were moving.

Arney R: Noted and passed on.

Paul: While I'm not keen on pubs, I've always liked smaller venues. You're more in control of the sound and you can see your audience. The bigger gigs are more 'separate' - it feels like you're playing to yourself. However, nothing beats 20,000 people chanting your band's name/or your name before you step out. Musically though - I'm still for smaller places with good stages and facilities. Another reason why I like Norway.

Mike Baker: 'Don't try and be too perfect in October.' I know what you mean and that's not what we're after.

Frederich Lukens: If it ever happens, I'm sure it will be on this site.

Dave Ramshaw: 'Salvation'? I'm with you. I thought it might go on MO, but somehow it didn't fit. I'll put it out someday. Good song.

Simply Devine: It's like Surrey only with less rabbits.

Mark Russo: Well - there's that gig in NY - June 24th (google River to River Festival). Good luck with the band!

Larry Woodside: Same firm - only you want to speak to Brady Brock.

Brendan: Haven't a clue what the Rant Band are playing in NYC as of yet. These things are always last minute and it's better that way.

Robert Brown: I'd like to help out, but I can't at the moment. At least I gave you a couple of days work!

Eddy Tortoise: Not this year; next year.

Dusty Rhodes: It's in a song. We had an Anglia and in a vain attempt to make it look cool - I had it sprayed black. When I saw it I felt like such an A hole. Those cars were cream and green deliberately. Never let me down. Taught Trudi to drive stick (she had a license - I didn't).

Johnny Facer: Hey John, No, I'll let you know when I am. Regards to whomever you might bump into from our era! Can't imagine you on a computer! Although I guess I can - you were always smart. Still remember the very first time I saw you walkin' up Abingdon Street looking so cool.

Jeff: Hey - I'm fine with this weather. I can take this for the rest of the year.

Lori DeRubio: Sorry, Lori - too far back. Apparently when Mott headlined Winterland in SF in the 70's, Bachman Turner were the middle band and Lori wanted to know who opened. Anybody?

John: We are acutely aware of the economy and totally understand.

Michael Lindberg: New West is the label for 'Man Overboard.' It's still Universal in Scandi. Yes, things are improving.

Tor Amundsen covered 'Irene Wilde' (his son's on piano). Hear it on http://www.myspace.com/viseklubbenbrre

I stopped for a while as we popped over to England. Thanks to Mojo for the Hall of Fame Award to Mott the Hoople, Thanks to Friars, Dave Stopps and Chris Needs for the Friars Award. And thanks to Joe Elliott for my birthday present of which you may see more of in the future. Sorry this is late. There's a few left so I'll finish it now:

Manfred Koehler: 'Any chance of new MOTT songs?' It either happens or it doesn't.

Steve Parsons: Still has the same passion for my music as he did in the old days. 'It's like I never grew up.' Join the club! Is it wrong to wear socks with sandals?' It's wrong to wear sandals.

Tom Doeing: 'Come to London then on to Rome.' Love Rome. 'Will the MTH site have a Q + A for each member?' Doubt it.

Phil Taylor: 'H.B. you old Rocker.' Less of the rocker.

Keith Nickless: 'The Huntermas tree is up in our house - we will be gathering on Huntermas Eve to sing Huntermas carols and drink too much Jack Daniels. On Huntermas Day we'll watch 'Strings Attached' on TV while opening Huntermas presents (last year I got a pair of Ariel Bender socks - this year I'm hoping for a Pete Watts chest wig).'

Walter: 'Please, LA?' My Dad's name was Walter.

OK. Done and dusted. Once again, sorry for the tardiness. Busy, busy, busy!

IH
The Horse's Mouth