First one's up a goodie!

Kevin Ewing: 'You Bastard - thanks again! Lovely.

Paul Tyke: 'On a track called 'The Golden Days of Radio' on his new CD 'Fancy Planets' Bill Nelson name checks MTH and sings about 'a cat with shades in a big black hat.' What prompted the marvelous track, 'Flowers?. I always remember that old Vietnam poster 'Wouldn't it be great if there was a war and nobody turned up.' War is too stupid for words.

Bill Henderson: 'Did you tape any 'Roxy shows?' Nope.

Peejay: 'So when you gonna tour the UK with this new CD? It's mint and it will be ace live.' Perhaps next April.

Jeff Stache: 'You've worn a lot of suits for the camera over the last 20 years; are you secretly a corporate soul?' It's whatever looks good.

TJ: 'Your shows seem to be limited to either UK or NYC venues - when will you grace us in the hinterlands?' As soon as possible.

Dave Turner: M.O. - great.

Kevin Quinn: 'How about doing a diary of the Mott reunion?' We'll see.

Sookie: 'Cleveland, please.' We'll be there.

Charles Rosenay: Don't do horror (intentionally that is!)

Richard Kaderli: They've got lots of great songs. He's for real.

Oor Wullie: Raving about the new CD - thanks Willie.

Hal Freiman: This gentleman's into all of it at the moment. Great stuff.

Dennis Goodwin: 'One of the best CD's of the year.' Thanks.

Kim Fletcher: 'Love the new album - Tom Guerra of Mambo Sons flying in for MTH. Have you heard 'Heavy Days'? There's a track called 'Overend Watts' which borrows heavily from some Hunter lyrics.' Well, Watts is definitely a one off; so why not.

Greg Arnold: Another Maltese Cross owner.

Steve Moreland: 'Kansas City, please.' I'm game, but it takes money and a promoter.

Matt (Spokane): 'Play M.O. twice a day since I got it. My new favourite album of yours and I'm spreading the word. We play it at a bookstore where I work. I'm only 20, but when I see you - hear you - the number just doesn't matter.' Isn't that great! Thanks, Matt.

Madeleine: Bloody Hell!! Mud Pie Madeleine!! How are you?

Steve: 'Met Steve Holley in NYC. Are you coming to Glasgow?' As far as I know, yes - around April.

Ritchie C.: 'M.O. incredible.'

Paul T. Bennethum: 'After hearing Bowie mention it after all these years would you reconsider doing 'Drive In Saturday?' Originally I know I had a great idea for the rearrangement of this particular song and in recent years I did go back to the song but my idea has gone from my memory. Sorry.

Dave Pickard: M.O. top class. Voice sounds better than ever. Who's responsible for the vocal sound? Pete Moshey is the guy - but my voice is better on this record - not a lot of people know that - but it is better.

Shawn Jones: 'Many thanks for M.O.' As far as your other points are concerned, things are very complicated so I cannot guarantee anything.

Rod Eisen: 'Will Hammersmith be available on DVD?' If it isn't, you can blame cannibilization and the decline and fall of DVD's. 'Overend Watts' has been played a lot on a few college stations in Mass. It totally rocks. Apparently the band members are huge MTH fans.' How Watts.

Wayne Mackie: Noted with thanks.

Leeann: 'Who's more excited - the band or the fans?' Probably the fans. We have to get it all together. But, hey, we're buzzing.

Tina Ross: 'Where do you live in the States?' Next door.

Paul Sale: 'New album a triumph. Darker and less jovial?' I wouldn't say that; it was fun doing it.

John Romano: 'M.O. terrific.'

Bjorn Eggen: 'Congratulations on the new album. Opening a new IH album is kind of like a childhood Christmas evening - full of expectations.'

Luder Kriete: 'Hey Ian - here's my German CD review of M.O. published online at: www.kassel-zeitung.decms1/index.php?/archives/8814-IAN-HUNTER-Man-Overboard.html Cheers, Luder.

Clyde Woods: 'Love the album - not been off my CD player and driving wife mad. Is 'Great Escape' based on a real life experience?' Yep.

Ed: Actually, I'm blind as a bat. Just follow my nose. Some fall by the wayside - some make it through. It's all pretty hit and miss.

Keith: 'First time I've listened to you (Ian) since the days of prog-rock. I've just bought the new album and I'm gobsmacked. What have I been missing? Time I started back tracking. Great album. Great songs - not a one disappoints. Thanks!'

Eagle: 'A comment on the City Winery show. I've seen you countless times over the years. I put this show in my top 3. You and the boys were smoking. 'M.O.' - fantastic. Thanks for spoiling us New Yorkers.'

Phyl: 'Ahhhhhh - bit sensitive about the age thing are we?' We live in an age of perception - shallow is the new hip. I'm actually 7 years younger than I am. Anyway - you gotta be knockin on!

Graham Stark: No, I didn't go back for the guitar. I left town sans guitar.

JoJo: 'Super show at the City Winery. You guys sounded fantastic. We had a debate - was it the venue or the new material that had you guys so charged up? New album awesome!!' I think the 'River to River' weather pissed us off and we just wanted to make it up to each other. We knew it was good - and we're hard to please. We do like the venue. We'll play there again.

Larry Esser: 'Got MTH Super Hits (Sony) CD and played it for a week. Can't stop listening.'

Tammy: 'I love 'American Music'. I have the cassette, I want the CD - why is this so hard to find?' They'll get it out sooner or later.

Kenny Mac: 'Hey Ian - I thought 'Schitzo' was your best - then you hit us with 'Artful Dodger' - which I rate above 'Rant' - but you've out done yourself with 'Man Overboard'. Everybody's asking all of a sudden - who's that? There's not a bad track on the album - and as a fan - I'm proud of you.'

John Temple: 'M.O. - best yet - keep doing it.'

Kevin Shannon: 'Any chance of MTH -USA?' As good as Sony Legends have been to the MTH legacy in the UK - Sony Legends USA have been sadly lacking. I'm sure I'll get to Detroit. It's a must.

John Mangan: 'Houston?' Saw you before - Glasgow gig out of this world.'

Jeff Stanke: 'Quote - 'Rant' doesn't have to be better than 'SH' and 'MO' doesn't have to be better than 'Rant'. Different albums; different times. Take them as they are - AMEN.'

Seth Purvin: Yeah, I was surprised about Giambi. His demise has been so rapid. Great player - maybe injuries have caught up with him.

Mitch/Jersey City: Enjoy!!

Nick Allsopp: 'At Wolverhampton Civic Hall in September 1972 with MTH you used a cherry red Gibson SG. At your first gig at the Robin Hood in '94 you used a similar guitar. Was it the same one?' Have you still got it? Where did you get it? How does it play?' Sorry - I just don't think this way.

Tracy: I have no patience; I don't believe it is a virtue. I sometimes think dead people make up adages to make 'em feel better.

Keith Drummund: 'I've got it all worked out. After your triumphant residency at Hammersmith, Mott will cover my song, 'The Dudes Are Dead (with you adding a middle 8 maybe) bookending the MTH experience with an unprecedented return to the top of the charts!' I was thinking of going to bed for a week.

Matt Nojonen: You're good, Matt. You're good.

Dave Ramshaw: I cannot go along with your suggestion overtly, as I'm only a fifth of this conglomeration, and we're swamped at the moment. I'm not agin it, personally. I guess it's up to you chaps.

Walt: Thank you, Walt (It's long and it's a blusher).

Paul Sale: ' 'Diary' was almost like my Bible when I was in my teens. Your philosophies on life were spot on and something I've tried to keep as I've grown (much) older. Any thoughts of another snap shot of your life?' Well, I keep trying to tell the buggers off, Paul, but they won't listen - hey you never know!

Berie: Apparently I'm getting a bit of air play in the Netherlands. They aired 'River of Tears' on August14th. Missed the show? http://uizendinggemist.omroepijsselmond.nl member of the Dutch roots radio ring. Thanks, Berrie

Bruce: 'Congrats on another fine CD. Hoping to see you in Chicago.'

Tim Hands: 'Bill Nelson says you're a jolly nice chap.' I am and so is he!

Kerri Frazer: 'No question, just want to assure you there are fans out there that don't critique your work - we take what you have to offer and savor it. None of your albums are the same - all quite distinct. Some people buy music for the songs - the melody - if they're catchy. The rest of us buy music because we appreciate talent and the message conveyed. Keep creating - we'll keep buying! ' Criticism doesn't bother me. Cheeseheads bother me.

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...