Knee deep in lyrics.

Rene Roy had a great time in Boston and Plymouth.

Bill C: 'Just watched Paradise clips - whole damn band on fire.'

Bjorn Ove: 'From Norway to 'Mouth' www.youtube.com/user/hugerlx?blend-18+ob=5 What kind of language is this!?
[Editor's note: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaildm6jNKU]

Dan Hartman: 'Was 'Morons' the first IH song you played bass on? (I didn't know I did.) 'What made you play bass on MTH reunion?' Pete was feeling it would suit him better vocally if he was playing guitar. He already had it in mind I'd play bass. I thought Pete was great on those shows. Mad as a hatter.

McClenaghan: 'Man City comments?' Kind of neat to see a 'bought' team actually work. They've got the lot.

Doug Moss enjoyed Boston: 'Tour T-shirts sold out in Boston - any chance of it being sold on the web site?' Dunno - We'll check into it.

Keith Nickless: 'Gene Simmons called Mott the Hoople a brilliant group on Radio 2 in the same breath as the Beatles, Stones and the Who. Have you worked with him?' Nope. 'When you're in New Hope - go to a shop called 'God Saves the Queen.' ' Now, you tell me!

Stale: Bjorn was in touch - wanted me to pop over and sing with the orchestra, but I can't because I'm recording. It's a drag - would have loved to come. Do as you're told with him. He's great at what he does.

Hugo Eriksen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaildm6jNKU with deepest respect for the original song. I'll have a look.

Rick Descat: 'Saw Pittsburgh and Cleveland - better sound in Pittsburgh - more energy in Cleveland. Both shows great. What made you bring out 'Alice' ?' Memory training!

Chris Hetherington: 'Ever been on a cruise ship?' Cruise ships are very small islands. I think claustrophobia would set in.

David Fetter: Nothing planned for the West Coast at the moment. Watch the site now and again for news of gigs.

Paul Sale: 'Why no Pete in BOMTH DVD?' If they'd interviewed him - there would have been no time left for the rest of us.

Dale Smejkal: With your own library of great songs and MTH stuff - why do covers?' Usually because they come up in my mind and the fit the set and they interest me. E.G. I was always an enormous fan of P.J. Proby's version of 'Somewhere'. Years ago I wouldn't have attempted it vocally, but now I'm older, I like the challenge.

Simon: 'Is it true you support Sheff Wed and if so, why?' Don't know where you got this from. When I was 11 I was a Shrewsbury Town supporter - that's it.

Bill and Jude Stanwicks: 'Who were Ian's incredible musicians at the Iron Horse?' Steve Holley (drums), Andy Burton (keys), James Mastro (guitar/mandolin), Paul Page (bass) and M.C. Bosch (lead guitar).

Michael Dwyer: 'You are one of the most humble, talented, underrated rock stars in the world. Does it bother you that you never received your just deserts? We're big fans from Jersey.' Well - I'm not that humble for starters! Who know? I don't lose any sleep over it. Less hassle is good for me. I'm happy as long as I'm writing - the rest doesn't really mean much.

Rick Regier: 'IAN!!! YOU F---IN ROCK!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! Saw you in Ferndale - WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO CANADA? As far as I know, nobody put in an offer.

Laurie Melius - No problem - glad we got that one solved. Heard Noah n' the Whale? Sounds like Ray to me.

Alastair: 'Looking at clips on Utube - gigs seem to be top drawer; nice balance in the set. I look forward to the Horse's Mouth. You and Trudi must have great fun answering all the questions (we do - we do). Come to the UK with the new stuff (we will - we will!).

Mike Costanza: 'Which do you prefer watching - football or rugby?' Football. 'Is rugby as complicated as it looks?' I played rugby union. It was pretty simple - score and don't let them score. Do you notice the words 'hopeful' and 'important' in football? Where would they be without them.

Jim Zemba got backstage at Cleveland - 'huge highlight in my life. Fantastic band. Followed you since '69. Countless shows - 40 years of musical bliss.' Well, some of those years were blissier than others but thanks for your support.

Mike Wagner offering me a copy of my book. I've got one, but thanks.

Michael Wolf hip surgery prevented him from attending the Milwaukee show. Get better.

Paul Cavani on about Steve Harley. Never seen him live. He rang me up once - . someone must have dialed for him - wanting to co-write, but he didn't realize I live over here! He seems to do very well.

Raniero: Great to see the Rockpalast concert from 1980 being released on DVD and CD in Germany on MIG - Made in Germany Music/Intergroove->see amazon.de. Release date is supposed to be November 25, 2011. I saw the concert then on TV. Joan Armatrading opening and ZZ Top closing. Hope you get royalties due (yes, it's kosher). Maybe you'll play the Grand Casino Basel! Greetings from Switzerland.

Jim Wysocki: 'Did you go for the Union Jack paint job on the Mini?' Good Go, no. Hunter Green!

Thomas Bemme: 'I am a 56 year old taxi driver in Berlin - I'm a fan since the first times of Mott the Hoople (I was 15). Love 'I Can Feel'; 'When My Mind's Gone' and 'Hymn for the Dudes' and all the great ballads. Do more big, great songs for us!!' I'm trying Thomas - I'm trying!

John McMillen: 'I'm a new fan. On a whim I got about 40 of your songs off I-tunes and play them when I'm driving. So much good stuff that didn't make it on the radio. I would love to see you play Atlanta!'

Steve Baratta posted something on Tracie's facebook page. Hope you can look at it - she liked it.' Well, if she liked it - that's all that matters.

Anthony and Antonio: 'Hey Ian, Tony and Tony from Eastern PA are heading for 'Havana' tonight. We're both big 'Schizo' fans. Any chance of 'Wild East' 'Daylight' or 'Bastard'?' One out of three ain't bad.

Jan Ivan: 'Tour in Scandinavia? Soooon I hope' Actually, things are looking up in that area, but nothing concrete yet.

Richard Hymans: 'When do you tour the UK?' Probably the fall of 2012.

Tom Drnach: 'Any word on a live album?' We have stuff kicking around, but it's on the back burner at the moment. It's hard to figure out at the moment. Wild west out there.

Jerry Brindisi: 'Great show at 'Havana' last night; great surprises. Gave James dark chocolate kit-kats after the show for you.' OK Mastro - where are they!

John Frawley: 'What were your thoughts about 'All the Way from Memphis' being played in 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore'.' My thoughts were good! First movie we ever got - cool movie. It was a big deal at the time.

Terry Ferguson: 'When's the new album out - do you miss English cheese?' We're recoding it in January - then it's got to be licensed etc. Hopefully it comes out in the late spring, but I would realistically think September. I miss English Bacon - that's what I miss.

William A. Yeaw: 'Picked up 'Ballad of MTH' on DVD. What an enjoyable movie - very well done. Such a great band.'

Kellianne Flynn: 'It's been 24 hours since you walked off the 'Havana' stage and I still can't come down from the musical high you gave us all last night. You have no idea how much it means to see you in concert - but you really pulled some shockers last night. Brother Billy saw the first City Winery show and said this set was gonna be amazing. He said you were 10 times better with this set last night. I'm ranting and raving - but this is what happiness is to me. Thank you times a trillion!!! (Shakin' James Mastro's hand was an immense thrill too).'

Nancy Fisher: I'm sorry Nancy but I heard Charlie passed some time ago.

Chris Hludzik: 'You and the Rant Band were absolutely amazing at Havana. Best show I've seen from ANYONE in quite some time.' P.S. The wife likes 'Bastard' - you haven't played it in a while.' The think with 'Bastard' is that you need to tour it/as you can't just learn it. It's more interplay between instruments - every guitarist will put his own mark on it, but it takes a while. The song itself only fits into certain sets, but we probably haven't seen the last of 'Bastard'! Its time will come again - maybe.

Bill C: It came up in conversation before the show so I popped it in for fun. Glad you enjoyed New Hope.

George Miller: 'Great show in New Hope. Happy Thanksgiving.'

Jeffrey: Hey Jeffrey!

Evonne Daugherty: There's a book on Mott the Hoople by Campbell Devine. He's pretty much got me down.

Paul D: Please consider ' 'Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady' for the UK - brilliant song - a shame most people never heard it. 'Day Tripper' too, made me understand the song for the first time.'

Steve Baratta: Good luck with the friend.

Kirk: ' 'It Ain't Easy When You Fall' - who is it about?' I'm not saying, buy he's someone with whom I once played. 'How are you celebrating Christmas?' Well - Jesse and Karen will be around and Tracie is popping over with Andrew. Andy and Liz and our friends Rick and Steff Tedesco - plus I'm still writing lyrics as we go in on the 9th of January. Busy.

John: 'Why didn't Overend Watts participate in the BOMTH DVD?' He forgot.

Mats: 'Ever play with Willy Nile?' Willie sang on 'Rant'. We bump into each other now and again. Lovely chap.

Vinny C: 'Thought it would be hard to top 9/16 Winery show but you and the boys turned the trick at Havana! In a word - awesome!

Steve Parsons: 'Does Tracie have a double or did I see her at the Kings Mob gig in London Thursday night?' It might have been her - she's out and about.

Terence Dunbar: 'Painted a portrait of you in '75. Still have it - pretty good likeness. Is there any way you could autograph it?' Sorry, we don't do that here. Bring it to a gig if you can.

Steve Fitzgerald wants to buy MTH or IH photos from the 70's and frame them. Mick Rock comes to mind - check out his website.

Peter Jordan: 'Picasso' was a reaction during and due to a traumatic time in a lot of peoples lives. The 'Hull' version occurred as a softer way of approaching the song.

John Dalton: Something's in the air but I don't know what it is - do I - Mr. Jones.

Dave Hancox: Detroit was fantastic - still on a high - it's been a few weeks now. When the first set ended, I said to my wife, 'wasn't that the fastest hour of your life?' She looked at me like I was an idiot - she couldn't believe it was an hour. Sound was great - everything was the best I've seen. It's always expensive seeing you in Detroit because we hit the outlet Mall the next day. You said the next album is very much a rocker - play 'em 'Moon Upstairs' to get them in the mood!! (They get it.) What a great, powerful performance! No questions here - just gratitude.' (Blush)

Mike Costanzo: 'Bought the MTH documentary and loved it. Surprised Verden is so talkative (he's a real MTH historian); still wish Overend would have contributed. Mick and Buff's comments also enjoyed. Thanks for the amazing Saturday Gigs!' Thank you.

McClenaghan: 'If for some reason you had to write a song on the subject of 'God' - what would the first line be?' 'God said to me - gonna kick your ass.'

Ian Mack: 'Ever written a song where the title came first?' Sure! 'Flowers' on the last album, for one.

Allan L: 'Your bio doesn't mention 'Secret Sessions'. Any particular reason?' No.

Robin Taylor Jenkins: 'Would you consider Telford, Shropshire?' If the conditions were right.

Richie Cornacchio: 'Ever written a holiday song? 'Death May be Your Santa Claus'???? ' There you go.

Buz Basara: Nice one.

Rick: 'Come to Buffalo!'

Ben Drnach: As long as I'm going forward - I ani't going back.

Dave Foucher: 'Boston set list blew me away.'

Andrew Hosey: Ellen Foley was in 'Night Court'. I've met Pete a few times, but that's it.

Tom James: Don't remember that.

Steve Baratta: I'll have a listen.

Tom Semioli: 'Loved BOMTH - why didn't Pete participate? He didn't want to sit back to front in the van.

Eric: K-Tel and people like them constantly pirate and steal. Their reaction is, 'so sue us.' The expense and time involved stops a lot of people going after them. We got them once, but it didn't stop them doing it again. How do you sleep when your sole contribution to life is stealing other peoples work. I guess it's worth a few bob to be worth nothing. 'The Boston show was fantastic!!'

That's November, I'll just go and ask the wife for December……

Johnny Ray saw five shows. Detroit was his favourite - 'Alice' fantastic. Like most bands, we got better as we went along. Got the books - thank you. Happy Birthday.

Peppermint Patti: 'New Hope - sweet.' Cheers.

Carolyn Whitston: 'Great show in Boston!' Hope the Dad thing works out.

Leona Semioli: 'Stay With Me Baby' by Lorraine Ellison.

Laurent: Mick and I mimed 'American Music' in England. When we did French TV it was always with the band.

Oyvind Kristoffersen: 'Don't forget Oslo - 5 years since the last time.' Working on it.

So that's it then,<
Happy Christmas and New Year

IH
The Horse's Mouth