Just got back from the West Coast. Praises be to all of you travelers - much appreciated!!! I know I didn't talk much on stage, but that particular set takes a good deal of concentration - I don't use an idiot box. We had a great time; thanks for coming.

Bill Kelley wanted me to sign a photo at the El Ray, but I've only just seen this message today. Whoops.

John Earls: I have no idea. Check in here now and again.

Don DeBoer: 'Do you know Daryl Hall? He has an internet based show 'Live from Daryl's House' - he has guests - you'd be great!' I don't know Daryl Hall personally, but I did know the sadly departed T-Bone and, of course, Pete Moshay - who were and are involved in the show had asked me. We've kicked it around but haven't got round to actually doing it as of yet.

John Frawley: Nice to hear from you John. Good luck with your musical endeavors.

Tom Boone: 'Towne Crier was awesome. Trip from D.C. was well worth it. Blown away by Steve Holley (aint he great). 'Flowers;' 'Girl From the Office' and 'Sea Diver'! Maybe you're right - it's better not to see the set list. (Actually we haven't been taking much notice of the set list lately - it's more of a guideline.) 'Will 'Artful Dodger' ever be reissued?' Haven't a clue. I have no control over that one. I've been fine with 'Artful Dodger' all along. I t was a kind of 'on the way back' record. Some good stuff on there.

Dave Parry: 'Another 'Diary'?' Haven't really felt the need, but you never know.

Lee wants the mid west; we are working on it.

Terry says I'm a top front man - I'll take that with thanks!

Megan: Canada!! All seems to be quiet on that front, but you never know.

Mark Sjostrom: Cleveland!! We're working on it.

Matt Parish: 'You have mentioned in the past that Bob Dylan was a guiding influence regarding your writing style and process. There is no denying Mr. Dylan's cultural prominence, creativity and longevity, but can you answer me why then, do I own two Bob Dylan albums and every Mott the Hoople (but not the ones without you) - and every solo Ian Hunter record? With all due respect to Mr. Z - I think you're a far more personal writer.' (Blush) There's no answer - everybody likes different stuff. I just happen to like Bob - you just happen to like me. Great!

Alastair: 'You might be interested to know that when doing 'Flowers' down the pub it led to 'Sea Diver,' 'Resurrection Mary,' and 'Central Park 'n' West'. So instead of doing one tune - it led to an I.H. tribute night. Hoping for some new stuff in the New Year.' Nice one.

Marty G: 1) After the Free break-up, Paul Rogers formed a trio called 'Peace'. Peace opened for MTH and during that tour, Paul and Mick started musically hanging out. Mick was writing songs I couldn't sing that well and Paul could, so the inevitable happened. They did offer Pete the bass gig, but he turned it down. 2) 'How do I feel about 'Wildlife' and 'Mad Shadows'?' It's a band trying to find itself - checking out different routes - marking territory. 'Wildlife' has some great moments and was Mick's idea. 'Mad Shadows' was basically Guy and me going over the top - not the most joyous of times. Glad you like 'Man Overboard'.

Mark F: Would I don a week on a cruise ship? Nah.

Joe S: When the Clash first invited me down to a session on their first album, they played me three tracks and asked me what I thought. I said it was Brixton Rock, an area in London where record shops had speakers on the streets and white guys were listening to Reggae and black guys were boning up on rock. Mick Jones would later produce 'Theater of the Absurd.'.

Judi Wright: I remember people camping out outside the Roxy - I dropped by once or twice. M met Rick D. last Sunday at the Galaxy and signed his 'Welcome to the Club' (for the third time) and dined on his excellent cuisine. Rick's a sweet guy. Hope you enjoyed the gig as much as M.O.

Rick Douglas - The man himself!!! Thanks for feeding us backstage and the good conversation. You the man!! (Rick's Barbecue - Catering - Baker/ www.ricksecretspot.com)

Chris Stephens (on P.J. Proby's latest run in with Society. He just can't help himself.

Patrick Hanson: 'I turned to the Horse's Mouth to find out who played drums on 'England Rocks'. Curly Smith gave the answer (and a damn fine drummer too).

Michael: 'Why is none of your music available on i-tunes music here in Canada?' Because they're stupid? Who knows.

Andre' Pisani: 'Any chance of shows in Norway - Bergen?' There is a chance, but it's still not negotiated. October may be a possibility.

Jeffrey Williams: 'Any new bands you like?' There are tons of great bands out there. The guys that opened for us in San Francisco and the Galaxy last weekend were both great bands.

Bret Quinn: Nashville? Love to - where's the promoter?

Ann Johnson: As you face the Archway - 23a is on the left of it. Bob and I slept on the second story facing the street. Bob and I both went to the Priory Grammar School. I was undistinguished at the Priory, preferring the warmer climes of the snooker hall which was then situated above the fruit market. I don't remember the cells as Dad never allowed us in there, but I do remember the Police Club which could be entered over the bike sheds illegally! There was also a garden at the back where Dad permanently parked his Morris 8 (taken out only for holidays and trips to Scotland). I wish I could say I enjoyed my years in Shrewsbury, but I didn't. it was dull and dead. Nowadays, it's seems so much brighter and more 'up' as a town. Credit due to local councils I would imagine. I'll drop by if I'm ever in the neighborhood. Thanks for the heads up.

Rolf: Sorry, we don't do that on this site.

Wolfgang: We sued K-Tel and won. This record has nothing to do with MTH or me. It's a K-Tel rip off - and legally should not be for sale.

Karen Brown: Hope you enjoyed the Fillmore. It took a while to get promoters interested.

Stephanie Clarke: 1) Just had an email - they're shooting for a March/April release (Ballad of Mott DVD) 2) I'm thinking about recording 'Twisted Steel' with a different lyric.

Jeffrey: How we got out and back in again from California - lucky boys. Tell Carolyne all is forgiven!

Dave Tyndall: 'Your songs have saved my life, Ian. I'm an army padre and sometimes everyone leans on me - when I listen to your music - I'm all right. Please come to Dublin.' We do try! Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it.

Paul Terry wanted 'World Was Round' and didn't get it. Sorry!

Fiona and lots of others wishing us a Happy New Year. Thanks all!

Paul Sale: 'Got 15 out of 18 on Mastermind without consultation. Sad or what? Questions - anymore MTH gigs on the cards? (NO). 'Irene Wilde' and 'Boy' about real people (Yes.) Is 'Boy' about Bowie? (No, but he's in the mix). You are one of the few that can still get an emotional reaction out of me.' That's what it's supposed to be all about. Times change.

Mario Cardenas: Hi, Mario. I've got your number and I'll let you know if anything comes up.

John R.: Heavy duty travelers!! Thanks for your support.

Liz: Lovely email Liz - but looooooong!!! You make total sense.

Kevin Quinn: I loved Keith's book. Wouldn't have wanted to have lived anywhere near - horses for courses. I doubt I'll write one, but you never know how bored I might get when older - so I can't say never.

Pete Smith: I remember Tony Powell - I do remember going to someone's house to watch Billy Bunter - Compton was a brilliant Bunter. I remember Priestly, Batty Bland, Bolland (P.T.) and Froggy the French guy - hated them one and all. Your name escapes me as does Trevor Collins. I remember hanging out with an owlish sort of kid in the playground who nasty chaps picked on. I remember Steve Reese and Bob Mayall who played for Shrewsbury town reserves. I remember Dunn the English teacher (first verse 23a Swan Hill). Thanks for sharing Pete. Remember anything else?

Jim Wilson: Nothing as of yet.

Bruce Kilgour: Looking forward to S. Cal. Shows.

Tim Hiltz: 1) I don't think they made one. 'Come to Seattle.' We'll see.

Jay Tashjian: Good luck! Not a problem with the comments.

Jeff Scott: Tell her that when she gets a job and she works at that job all week and she gets her pay check at the end of the week and there's nothing in it - that's how it feels.

Kenny Mac: Cheers, my man.

Mr. Beer N. Hockey: 'Did you ever go to the Horse races?' My Father was a betting man and took me to Haydock Park (among others) when I was a kid. We often returned in silence after a bad day. So, no - maybe it's just me, but I think it's a racket.

Jim Zemba: 'Lost track of all the shows - when is Cleveland? (Working on it.) Thank you for 40 years of bliss (is it that long?!)

Verne - I like the song - I'm agreeing.

Stay tuned for Part 2.