Bit late - just got back from New Hampshire.

Bill Seyl saw us at the Old Town School of music in Chicago - 'Great show - loved 'Isolation'. Thanks for bringing the band.' (All but AB).

Jerry Ross enjoyed Milwaukee: 'Awesome to hear Lennon's 'Isolation' - blew my mind. What two songs did you play after the first encore? Are they yours or what?' Can't remember; could have been 'Sea Diver' and 'Somewhere' (from West Side Story). Anyone?

John from Indiana: 'my son is a school teacher and basketball coach. I notice the high school band play, 'Cleveland Rocks' at home games - do you get royalties?' Nope. A lot of Cleveland teams - pro as well as amateur have used the song over the years - all gratis.

Andy Nasser: No idea.

Sky Wallace: 'Just thought you might like to know that 'Standing in My Light' was one of the songs played over the (loud and clear) PA system at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass event in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco prior to John Prine's set - 100,000 in the audience. Come back as soon as possible.'

Dave Arrasmith: ''Just Another Night' is one of my favourites - might it be played in Cleveland?' I think it was.

Brian Maloney: 'Philly this fall?' 'Havana' in New Hope, PA on November 18th will be the closest - for a while. I'm going into pre-production for a new record.

Paul Sale: 'You allegedly auditioned for a gig as lead singer with Uriah Heep - tell me that's not true!!' Jeff Franklin (American booking agent) offered me the gig - and the money - via a telephone call. They sent me albums with the tracks marked that they wanted to do - and I wasn't into it. I NEVER auditioned for the gig. The only gig I ever auditioned for was Mott the Hoople.

Carla Rawson wants sax on the next record. 'It's been a while'. I a song needs sax - there will be one on there - or maybe two or three.

Liz K: Glad you're having a good time, Liz.

Tony Day: 'So there I was in Corfu walking off my rabbit stifardo when who comes out of the speakers of some bar, but your good self - rounded off a great holiday. Is it really two years since Hammy? Any news on the new album?' We're going into pre-production after the holiday. Fingers crossed.

Lou: 'Chicago - Top of the heap.'

Phil: Nice one, Phil.

Jim + Patti Tuyls' Wonderful show in Milwaukee - you were brilliant! You music is a true inspiration to us.' Ta.

Oooer Wullie: Willie explaining himself! We managed! See you next year, mate.

Lee Ann: 'Meatless Monday - have you or would you give it a go?' I don't eat much meat. Sometimes you need a bit of protein. I probably eat meat twice a week, on average.

Steve H. 'How did MTH see themselves in the early days?' Interesting question. I think we all had slightly different versions/visions of what we 'should be'. I don't think we really gave it much thought - we just did it at 110% and it all turned into MTH.

Patrick Hanson: 'I see on Facebook that James Mastro is playing with Richard Lloyd.' He's such a slut.

Tony Grist: No idea what this is.

Gordon Jaap: Lived up the outside stair at the end. Equis rules!! Still go there when I'm in the neighbourhood.

Jeff Swcott: 'Have you considered releasing your new album in the K2HDCD format?' Dunno at this stage.

Camden Barbour: Only just got this - hope you had a good time.

Greg: Come to Houston!!

Glenn + Cindy: 'If only money and vacations were limitless we'd come to all your shows.' Well thank you for that; I appreciate it.

Eric: 'When are you showing up in Europe - France.' I don't know about France, but I think we'll be over in the UK in October 2012 - that's the plan.

Eric Hemphill - hope it helped. Time heals.

Bill Caulfield: 'Come to Minneapolis - play the Guthrie.'

David Priest: You don't need me to review yours song, David; you need reviewers to review your songs. Seattle's probably a good move. Best of luck with it. Desire is very important.

Daniel McAllister likes the way we mix the songs up a bit. Be nice to do it more, but sometimes a set seems just right, so I'll get stuck on it for a few days till another ideas comes along. The band often chime in with suggestions. James suggested the 'Sweet Jane' arrangement (which is excellent) and Boschy always wants to do 'The Moon Upstairs'. Sorry, we didn't play your requests in Boston. Can't do 'em all.

Jim: 'Any chance of doing the charts a favor and releasing 'Irene Wilde' and 'Boy' as a double sided single?' What charts? There re no charts - it's gone.

Keith R. Smith: 'Why no interviews from Pete on 'Ballard of Mott' DVD?' Cos he's daft.

Robert E: David produced it and sang background vocals (sax was on his version).

Sue: There should have been one, but things are never that easy with MTH.

Jeffrey: Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Matt Parish: I'm very serious about songwriting so no - it doesn't surprise me - I continually try to up myself.

Seth Purvin: I am amazed that I can go to Spotify and boom every song you ever put out is there for the listening. How can this be? If one can get it for free - how do you make money? Something ain't right.' Progress.

Ellie McCall: I was listening to the Goo Goo Dolls the other day and in particular the single 'Iris' and thinking you could do a fantastic version of that song - any chance you'd cover it?' I love that song; brilliant and heartfelt.

Eric Mullens on my 'relatively unknown status'. I keep telling people I prefer it that way.

Kevin McCarthy: 'Tarrytown - totally blown away - great set list, great band - amazing energy. Thanks for a wonderful show.' Glad you liked it - there was a 100 DB noise restriction three - which we only found out about on the night; so sorry if it was a bit quiet.

Edward Shirley: 'Was that you laughing on 'Marionette'?' Nah. That was the great Ariel Bender!!

Tamara: ' 'Irene Wilde' for my birthday in Pittsburgh, please!! Never heard it live.' We did rehearse this - we could have done it but I only got this email today (11/8/11). Sorry!

Jamie Meyers: 'What were you shouting a the end of 'Cleveland Rocks' on 'Welcome to the Club'?' Dunno. Was it 'Ohio'?

Liz: Happier still.

Matt Giarrizzo: 'Come back to San Francisco - your music has shelf life - stands up to the test of time. Thanks for all the years.'

Jill Saward: 'Hi Ian - blast from the past. Jill from the 70's band 'Fusion Orchestra' - now Jill from Jazz Funk Band 'Shakatak'. You gave me performance advice and know what? I heeded what you said to this day. Be great to hear from ya xxxxx.' Good to hear you're still doing it; advice must have been good. Best.

Steve Sillery: No problem.

Brandy Gilmer: Don't do autograph requests online, Brandy, but thanks for your support.

Bob Barnes: 'Really enjoyed Ballad of MTH DVD - with all the extra footage. It entered the UK chart at #7 second week it was #9.' Thanks for that, Bob.

Tom Hugo: Sometimes I don't print the questions because they're personal and sometimes because they are too long and my hand aches. John Huffman: 'I know it hasn't been a year. Reading the reviews I can't stand it. You're not going to make us wait three years before you come out west again?' It's the promoters who were reluctant the last time. Perhaps they'll be up for it the next time. I'm sure it won't be three years.

Francis L: Don't really have answers for the first two questions, but yeah, I'll agree with No. 3. I do rock pretty 'effin hard for a Septuagenarian!

Bill Sheehan: Sorry, Bill - no 'Rain' in Boston that night.

Rockin' Rob: Enjoys the Horse's Mouth. 'Come to Arizona!'

Stalle Einarsen: 'Please check out 'Isak sings Irene Wilde' on youtube. What do you think? The guy is now 16 and favourite for Norwegian Idol. Hope to see you in Norway next year.' Well I can't do it now because I'm in the middle of doing this, but I'll have a look later. Norway is a distinct possibility for 2012.

Mike Costanzo: 'Wild East'came about because of 'Wild West' I suppose. Yeah Valise was a strange one - but it fit!

Neil McCormack: I think it's done; but then I thought that before.

Dave Meridith: 'One of my goals in life is to shake your hand.' Time to up your goals, Dave!!

Verne/Ohio: Hope you enjoyed.

Bryan Dennington: No problem.

Ian McClenaghan: 'Why did you decide to leave the UK and move to the States?' I was standing on the Charing Cross Road one day and a van was passing by. Its back door slid open and two house painter clad guys threw a bucket of paint water all over me. They thought this was funny - they had such a laugh - and I thought why am I paying 89% of my money back to a country that has people like this. I know it sounds odd, but that really was the last straw.

Lentz: 'Washington?' Sure, if somebody puts in an offer.

Alan Keinch: I'm fine with that if it can be worked out between the relative parties.

John Dalton: You know, I'm not that well versed enough to have an opinion on this. This is not a cop out - I'm fully aware of the unfairness. Perhaps the English Government might be a tad scared at what an Independent united Ireland might do?

Mike Lurvey has suggestions for the perfect Detroit gig. We actually did a fair amount of them - so - not bad!

Justin August: 'You don't seem to write much stuff in minor keys. Any particular reason?' No particular reason. There's a load of minors in them. I guess it's just how they come. I don't have heaps of b-sides and unreleased stuff, but I might put a couple on the next cd. We'll see.

Denise: Denise, Denise, Denise….you must have been a typo!

Mousehound: Thanks!

Steve F: Ever played New Hampshire before? No.

Larry Woodside: Hey.

Jeffrey: I wasn't here, but we got it pretty bad.

Wreck lyons: Well, money does come into play. Hotels, airfares, band wages etc. We do what we can.

Ken Lucas enjoyed Chicago.

Dan Baker: We know about this; it is talked about.

Tim Matsick: 'Any chance of performing with Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers in Pittsburgh and Cleveland?' That's a good idea!

Dave: Yup - I remember the Hunter/Packers Jersey. Good gig.

Michael Ryan wanted us to do 'The Outsider' in Cleveland. Sorry!

Lynne: Don't be daft - comes with the territory. It's fun!!

Dean: Bosch can play anything - it's just a question of what I choose for the set.

Jay Tashjian: Did I sign them? I signed a lot of stuff at a lot of places - hope yours were two of them. If there was a problem send them to Trudi c/o Jesse John Music, P.O. Box 245, Bridgewater, CT 06752 and she'll sort it out.

Kevin Beaulieu: Like I said, 'Irene' got beaten by 'Isolation'. Maybe next time.

Bullet Bob: 'Come to Nashville!'

Liz: No more shows for now. I've got to make a record.

Tom Semioli: 'Any thoughts on Occupy Wall Street?' I thought the Republican reaction nothing short of hilarious. The Tea Party are Mensa and the OWS fiendish drugged hippies. Most amusing. A friend of mine has a theory that the Republicans want to deliberately lose this next election because the country's in a mess. If this is true, they're making a good job of it. Me, I'm a logician; I'm not a bleeding heart liberal nor am I a religious zealot. I call it as I see it. Democrats? - invisible.

George Wall: Would I record a record with jazz guys? It would depend on the material and if my voice suited - but I'm not agin it.

Jack Ripple: MTH Documentary on PBS? From what I've seen, PBS are a bit too vegan for MTH - but you never know.

Danny: Yes I have. I played there with Andy York. It was a club - forgot the name of it.

Peter: 'You're ahead of the Occupy Wall Street movement with 'Ripoff' and 'Morons'. You're ahead of your time.' 'Course I am!

Ernie Dewing: 'Haven't heard it yet as I've been busy, but I'll get to it. Hope you enjoyed Boston (I did). Glad you got an A.

Andy + Janet: Making a record then - you're safe!

Mill: We talked to Fee. How's Bootsie? Naff as usual? Miss you too. Come over!!!

Tim Comer: 'Great show in Pittsburgh last night. A very special night for us in attendance.'

Daniel Drnach: 'Thanks for Pittsburgh.'

Lorna Cropcho: 'Superb, impeccable, inspiring - did you have fun?' Well it wasn't the best attended gig of the tour, and that's why I wanted to go there. You can gain fans in a city that isn't particularly drawn toward you. We did enjoy it and the audience was great. Joe and the boys were excellent in Pittburgh and Cleveland (which was sold out the following night).

Tamara and Tom are going to New Hope.

Tom Drnach: 'We need a new double CD live!! Thanks for Pitsburgh.'

Mike and Theresa loved Cleveland.

Frank DiGiacomo: 'Beachland was epic.'

John Frawley: 'Does Trudi ever accompany you on tour?' Most of them. Never done 'Read 'em n Weep' live (yet). There was going to be a John Lennon show in NY that got cancelled. I was asked if I'd participate, so I learned a couple of Lennon tunes (well, a Lennon and a Ben E. King which Lennon recorded). Andy York suggested 'Isolation' because he knows my voice. When the show got shelved, I decided to do them anyway to make a change.

Glenn Wharton: 'Beachland was incredible. Fan of 'Moon Upstairs'. I read on line that Guy Stevens allowed no retakes on 'Brain Capers' sessions - is this true?' I don't remember but that sounds like Guy. Ralpher might remember. Try him!

Paul Leslie: 'Would you ever do a radio interview with an American Radio Personality?' It all depends on who it was.

Steve Parsons: No, it can't Steve! Happy Birthday.

Robert T-J: 'What is your opinion of 'Gangster Rap?' I don't have an opinion; I wasn't there.

Mike McGee (and son): Glad you liked it.

Keith Nickless: 'Enjoying the snow? No.

Jim S: 'A thank you - thank you - thank you for Pittsburgh!' See - some people like us now we went to Pittsburgh!

Patrick Bernard: They were Gibson Jumbos. I still like and play Rainsongs. Rainsongs are great for some things.

Paul B: 'Any chance of Union Chapel DVD?' Doubt it.

Lorna McKinch: 'Magic Bag - absolutely fabulous!!! Ian rocks!!! HELLOFABAND - sounded wonderful - thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Thank you so much!!! Lorna - Port Huron.' That was a good one!

John in New Mexico: It could be interpreted as trying to escape the syringe.

Kirk: Truth never hurt anyone.

Scott W.: 'Your show at the 'Beachland' was the best show I've seen in a club in years. I love the approach - nothing fancy - straight ahead, heart felt and great covers. The Rant Band were also impressive. You have a talent for putting great musicians together. You favor small venues. Why?'' Don't really know. Always did prefer clubs to stadiums! You don't make the same money, but the day is a long one when you don't like playing where you're playing. I guess small places are hands on - you can see the people and you can feel their energy.

Cynthia Klomp: Magic Bag - fantastic.

Peter Jordan: You age - songs age - and you both change. Hopefully for the better. That's what it's all about.

Verne from Ohio: Joe is heart and soul and one of his best friends is the Boss (and if you talk to Joe you'd know why). Joe's the genuine article and his band have heart. Glad he created such a big impression on you.

Judi Wright: 'Had a great time at the Colonial; your Rant boys are fine humans and extremely talented beings. Trudi was kind to me at the Colonial - was 'Words' about her? Of course.

Tom Jordan: Harvey came to the Winery.

Desiderio in Las Cruces: ' 'Through the Looking Glass' pretty horrific imagery - worthy of Poe or Wilde!! What's it about?' I can't remember.

Jalopy: Happy we opened with AAAB.

Curt: 'Magic Bag was fantastic - together and tight.' Why are you not playing electric?' Depends on the set. Also two electric guitars are enough - with three it gets muddy.

Annie: 'Lisa (Mick and Suzi's daughter) often gets up and sings with me.

Greg Miller: 'Saw you in Pittsburgh - exceeded all expectations!'

Chris Burt says the Iron Horse show was really swell - did I lose power. Nope - we got away with it. Must be some politicians living round here.

Gerald Pasley: Nobody's asking.

Jeff love Detroit. No 2XXL tee's at the gig (we ran out). 'We would love to see you in a seated venue.' We do them too.

Tiggy 49: Mark Bosch (lead guitar); Paul Page (Bass); James Mastro (Guitar, Mandolin); Steve Holley (drums); Andy Burton (keyboards). Try 'em on facebook.

Sharon Denaro - As above.

Yucca Flats: 'Thanks for Boston. By the way, I gave James Mastro a package with a book and stickers in it. Did you receive it?' No - that thieving little sod!

Dave Jackiewiecz: Great show at the Paradise - come back next summer.

Ed Musiak: 'There are lots of things people who review shows for a living might say about the show you and the Rant Band did at the Iron Horse. Perhaps 'the show was everything you could /would expect from an icon (cough) that leaves your table full to bursting, but wanting more? Rock 'n' Roll music doesn't get a whole lot better than this.'

That's it. Get the Tom Waits Album - it's amazing.

Sorry if I missed you. One to go - New Hope, PA (11/18)!

IH
The Horse's Mouth