Marie Fahey: “Who does your hair? And do you like ‘Come On Eileen’?”
Ian:
Susie Ronson. Yes, very clever song.
Midge: “Any good memories of Glasgow Apollo?”
Ian:
Well, the first thing the promoter showed us was the back door – in case we needed to escape! I always found Scottish audiences great – but you had to mean it. Still got the award they gave us for selling the place out. Oh – and the doors opened a little late so they used the manager’s head as a battering ram!
Peter Jordan: “I wondered what’s your attitude to tribute acts? I believe Mott the Hoople has a couple.”
Ian:
I wouldn’t want to spend my life doing that, but if it’s a hobby, done by fans who like to play – why not.
Roy boy: Another rave about Andy York playing with Patti Smith!
Rick Graves: “Do you collect your own records/CDs?”
Ian:
Nah, Trudi does though. If you work in an ice cream factory long enough……I just do what I do.
Dru: “I feel Ansley Dunbar gets overlooked. Great player with a great resume.”
Ian:
I don’t think he’s overlooked by the people that know. I’ve worked with him – he was the best – first one in – last one out of the studio. To watch him working up became like watching a perfect circle.
Mark from Brighton: “Congratulations and best wishes to you and Trudi for your 50th wedding anniversary.”
Ian:
Thank you!
Danny: Danny is formulating a new song.
Ian:
Danny, Danny, Danny – got it Danny!
Carol: Carol is looking forward to hearing the new music – trying to find her turntable.
Ian:
You won’t need a turntable – it’s coming out in all formats. Congrats on your anniversary and thanks for the best wishes to us.
Matt Nojonen: “Did Jane Scott ever interview you or Mott? Do you recall any concert/album reviews that she did for Mott the Hoople or your solo work?”
Ian:
Sure she did. She came to many gigs and reviewed us many times – worked for Cleveland Plain Dealer. She was very knowledgeable and loveable!
Matt Parish: “Once an image has been emblazoned early on it’s hard to not reference your entire life, Just thought I’d share…”
Ian:
It has its upside; it has its downside – better than the alternative.
Anthony Watkins: “Was Irene Wilde a real person?”
Ian:
Yes, she was, but she got married – so the ‘Wilde’ bit’s gone.
Elvin Posey: “Mott played The Warehouse and St. Bernard Civic Center in New Orleans. Do you remember anything about those gigs? My older brother went to both – I was too young. I did see you in ’79 at Old Man Rivers and then at Tipitinas in ’89 with Ronson. My two favorite concerts of all time.”
Ian:
Actually, I do remember the Warehouse gig because we were opening for Jethro Tull and this was in the days of long – long solos. Ian Anderson would do a flute solo lasting ten minutes, then Clive Bunker would go out and do an even longer one. It was kind of like a competition as to who did the longest solo. Most of their set at least half the band would be sitting in the dressing room chatting with us. Boy, Ian Anderson could play and dance the night away!
Dru: [Listening to Exile on Main Street] “It’s a sprawling mess which I love. The only thing that could have improved it would have been if Guy Stevens was there and lit Nellcote on fire.”
Ian:
Actually, I didn’t like that album, but I happened to be in a fairground one night when they played it loud – on the dodgems – then I got it!!
Alan Short: “Ever tempted into a pawn shop recently to buy a new/old guitar just for old times’ sake…and…are you still on Instagram….ID? Tried Ian Hunter – Horse’s Mouth – can’t find you mate.”
Ian:
Pawn shops were a little less informed in the ’70s – they’ve got it sussed now – so no point. As for Instagram – I’m on it. https://www.instagram.com/ianhunterdotcom
Jim Patterson: “The new record is on Sun Records, you say. Is that THE Sun Records?”
Ian:
Sure is. I’ve seen the Yellow Label with my name on it … Memphis, Tennessee etc. It’s where it all started when I was in my teens. Great to wind up on this legendary label.
Mike Flanagan: “The picture on the very back of the great album ‘Welcome to the Club’ you appear to have a mouse needing stitches. Who hit you?”
Ian:
Did you mean mouth? Dunno – small stage?
Gretchen Walden: “What kind of exercise routine do you have that helps you keep in shape? This is a serious question.”
Ian:
At one time, while “resting” from the business – I would jog 13 miles every other day – and swim two miles (alternately ) – because I was bored. My Dad was an athlete and forced me into routines. I hated it at the time but thank him today. I still do a bit every day, although I’m a lot older. You need to exercise when you get older. Most people exercise when they’re young (you don’t have to) and stop when they’re older (when you do have to). No two people are the same. Find what suits you – ignore the media. Swimming’s good, very good, but it lengthens the muscles – so you have to run a bit and do a little weight lifting to compensate. Trudi is an excellent cook, which is equally important – although we do junk out on Saturdays – a British tradition. Football ‘n’ crap!
Robert Lawson: “Do you recall how you came to play, ‘While You Were Lookin’ at Me’ a year before Michael Monroe did it?”
Ian:
I can’t remember where I heard it – maybe from the E-Streeters; it was written by Little Steven. I loved it and wanted to record it, but he’d already promised it to Michael so I had to wait until it was recorded.
Kon & Don: “Fans of yours and Michael Monroe – delighted to see the photograph of you both having a good time in your living room (it was the basement, actually). Do you wear shades in the house?”
Ian:
Er – no!
VOC: “What’s your opinion on cover bands? They seem to be everywhere now – there’s even a few ‘Notts’ out there .”
Ian:
Like I said – ambivalent.
Steven: “Listening to the 2022 Remastered ‘Overnight Angels’ – Outstanding!”
Ian:
Good ho!
Scott: “50 years?!!! Trudi must be a saint!!! If it’s not too personal, what’s your favorite song that you’ve written about her?”
Ian:
I dunno. When I wrote I Wish I Was Your Mother her mother said, “get rid of him”! There’s a very nice one on the new record actually and there’s a very nice one on part 2 as well.
Bob Boyle: “Did Mott know the Pink Fairies’?
Ian:
No, at least I didn’t.
Kay Githies: “Do you know if Mott the Hoople was a specialist subject on Master Mind?
Ian:
I don’t live in the UK, but it does strike a distant bell. Anybody?
Tom Caulfield: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1539150562994336
Ian:
Cheers, Tom! Most of you probably know, Tom has a fan site in Australia Appreciate all you do, mate!
Andy Knight: “Any recollections of the Milton Keynes gig supporting Thin Lizzy? We only went for you and left the Lizzy set early. Think they were having an off night.”
Ian:
I remember Phil babysitting Jesse so Trudi could watch a song from the side of the stage. And I got mobbed on the way out!!! (I’m not really the type you mob. ) Bit of a shock that was. Did I forget you’re 60th? Sorry – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Matt Nojonen: “How does an artist plan a financial future?”
Ian:
You’re missing the point – most artists don’t do it for the money (at least I didn’t). You just keep trying to improve your art and gain popularity – getting stuff out of your system at the same time. I say “most” – for some it’s a business proposition from the onset.
Mike Millard: “Just saw Alejandro Escovado perform ‘I Wish I Was Your Mother’ at the Ark. Brought tears to my eyes – and I’m a crusty old fart.”
Ian:
That bad, hun? (only kidding!!)
Stonefly: “Was skiffle the UK version of country?”
Ian:
Oh yeah. Lonnie Donegan got the whole thing moving. I was in the ‘APEX’ skiffle group (we actually won a national skiffle competition sponsored by a national newspaper). Load of people – including Lennon and the Beatles got their start in skiffle. A lot of the songs were straight out of the Americana country songbook. ‘Wabash Cannonball’ was a favourite.
Rollie: “When you met Queen did you recognize the potential they had to be the biggest band in the world?”
Ian:
Not really – they were just mates. I guess Fred had other ideas. They were all intelligent, astute guys and they were more ambitious than I realized at that time. I was there during the mixing of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and I remember saying to Buff ‘What the F…!!!’ Couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch of guys.
Dave Gaviota: “Pearl ‘n’ Roy’ – those lyrics always intrigued me. ‘Eton Democracy’ no idea what Eton even was (being from the USA) until the internet. What did you observe or inspire you to write the song? Book? Movie? Life? Your lyrics really fascinated me since I was a kid in 1974.”
Ian:
I was just writing my version of what I saw going on around me at that time. Interpreting life!
Ed Musiak: “Who do you think pushed you the most (aside of Mick Ronson and Trudi) when you worked with them?”
Ian:
Guy Stevens was an ‘in your face screamer’. That could be scary – and Andy York is pretty tough to please over the last couple of decades. If it’s ok with Andy – it’s ok with me!
Mike Mason: “Did you not find it odd that Bowie didn’t play at the Mick Ronson Memorial Concert at Hammersmith? What ws his reasoning?” Ian:
No idea what his reasoning was. I think he was in Paris sculpting at the time. I know he wanted to know about it afterwards.
Dave Crisfield: “Interesting interview with Todd Rundgren from February 2022. You get a mention and a compliment – and Todd says he must contact you re a collaboration. Did he ever do that, or is this something that was never followed up on?”
https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/broken-record/todd-rundgren.
Ian:
Oh yes – he followed up on it and he was absolutely brilliant. Wait till you hear it!!!
Sam McQuaid: Hi Patch!! Your kid’s asking me something: “What’s the meaning behind ‘Shrunken Heads’?”
Ian:
Put it like this – I was one.
Kevin Shearn: “Tour UK next year?”
Ian:
See how I’m holding up.
Matt Nojonen: “Do you have a boss?”
Ian:
I have a manager who I think of as a partner.
Matt: “Do you consider yourself ‘self-employed’?”
Ian:
Pretty much.
Matt: “Has your control over your releases increased/diminished as you gained stature in the industry?”
Ian:
It varies. Trudi does that side of things.
Matt:
“Is it a monkey house of greedy execs forcing artists to churn out marketable garbage?”
Ian:
That’s another neck of the woods – pop TV etc. I’m not 16.
Brian Ovens: “I have been listening a lot to ‘Seeing Double’, ‘Fatally Flawed’ & ‘The Outsider’ and I find the lyrics somewhat related. What’s your comment?”
Ian:
Not related. Sorry!
Susie: “I see political ads on TV and fliers in the mail and if I didn’t know better I’d think it was satire.”
Ian:
Join the club.
Elaine Eaves: “Do you like having curly hair? Do you ever wish you had straight hair? I love your music.”
Ian:
Curly is easier.
Elaine: “Favourite cover of your song? I have a soft spot for ‘Ships’.”
Ian:
Both Alejandro Escovedo and Maria McKee do great versions of “I Wish I Was Your Mother”.
Danny G: “Sorry to hear Jerry Lee died. I know he was a big influence on your early style.”
Ian:
Sure was. I sat down with Jimmy Van Eaton in Nashville – Jimmy was the drummer on ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’. It was an honor to meet him. He said it was just the two of them – Jerry Lee and him – guitar and bass were added later. Just a jam at the end of a session – the rest is history.
Augisto Bottacin: “A top of the morning, Sir. Great respect…”
Ian:
Ta.
Steve: “Do you believe in God?”
Ian:
A little too close, Steve.
Jeffrey: “It’s the Golden Anniversary of Ian and Trudi (cue Morgan’s piano riff) – congratulations – wishing you many more.”
Ian:
Cheers, Jeff.
Adrian Perkins: “Rest in peace – Jerry Lee.”
Ian:
I’m not sure he’d want to!
Pasquale: “Happy 50th Anniversary – wow – what’s your secret?”
Ian:
Turf – she’s got hers and I’ve got mine!
Joel Nagro: “Some local sweeties coming to your P.O. Box – hope you like it!”
Ian:
BTW – letters sent to the P. O. Box are answerable. Letters any nearer – aint!!
Paul: Kennett: “I know that you share our frustration with the album delay. Just wondered when we may get some sort of ‘taster’ of it -pleeeese!”
Ian:
I’m told ‘tasters’ are coming in January 2023! Hey – I’m waiting too!
Tim Livingston:
Ian:
Oh, dear – I’m so sorry about all this. A mate of mine lives down there. His house was ok but no electricity and still no internet. We had to replace our roof a few years ago due to weather. You can’t argue with nature. BUT – you’re OK!!!
Jim Hardy: “The American Music video with you and Ronno still takes my breath away. My grown children agree as well. Any memories of that or the making of it that come to mind?”
Ian:
I remember it was filmed in a home that was inhabited by people who were ‘other worldly. We were a little anxious at first, but everybody was really nice!! Why wasn’t it a success? Who knows – among other things – payola was rife at the time and Dick Asher wasn’t into payola. Respect to Dick Asher.
Carl: “Who wrote the intro to ‘All the Young Dudes’?”
Ian:
Mick Ralphs.
Seth: “Ian, I’m 63 and thirty-eight years after I bought my first CD and my last record, I went out and bought a new turntable and I just received my first record in the mail. You guessed it – ‘Welcome to the Club’ – and my first song played – ‘Silver Needles’.”
Ian:
Welcome back, Seth!
Robert Fryer: “I am an advocate of ‘never too old to…I will be taking bass guitar lessons at the age of 67 and have written lyrics for years. Are you self -taught in both of these respects or did you take any professional (paid lessons) prior? I don’t recall university courses for these subjects when I was at school, as are available now worldwide!!”
Ian:
I was self -taught and the odds were stacked against me – reverse psychology!
Fred Jardin: “3 songs you’ve listened to when you’ve been down?”
Ian:
Lately it’s been ‘Defiance’ – which you haven’t heard yet, but I have!
Geoff: “Did Mott ever play ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’? If not, why not?”
Ian:
It might have been after Mott. Whisperin’ Bob – yeah – maybe with Ronno.
Pat: “The dum da dum dum which begins Just Another Night – was that a nod to The Honeymooners or Dragnet?”
Ian:
Neither – although ‘The Honeymooners’ is essential viewing.
Francis L: “Isn’t ‘Road to Birmingham’ an homage to MLK?”
Ian:
No, it was a letter to Birmingham Alabama and Birmingham, England.
Francis L: “Is this why there are two different pressings?”
Ian:
They didn’t put ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Queen’ on – bit of a mix up.
Francis L: “Was Mott the Hoople first released in the UK in its entirety?”
Ian:
Dunno – Atlantic had it in the U.S.
Chris: “I was running through a bit of a retrospective through the Island MTH records through the Columbia ones and noticed ‘evolution’ of the sax arrangements as the time goes by.”
Ian:
I always liked sax – especially tenor – although David Sandborn is my favourite and he’s mainly an alto player. Back in the Little Richard days – riffing out there – beautiful stuff. We used saxes where we felt they were needed. I particularly enjoyed putting saxes against cellos on ‘The Hoople’. I guess it’s down to what the song needs. Mastro’s becoming quite a tenor player!!
Jack: “Listening to ‘Outlaw Country’ on Sirius XM today. Dirty Jobs by Dirty Knobs (featuring Ian Hunter) came on. For some reason, I never thought of you as an outlaw…”
Ian:
Well, maybe that’s because you don’t know me.
Malcolm: “Do you remember MTH playing a gig in 1971 at Hereford Town FC and that famous goal by Ronnie Radford in 1972 in the FA Cup?”
Ian:
Sadly, Ronnie passed away today, and it’s part of the history of the town. Mind you, so was Mott the Hoople!!! R.I.P.
That’s it for now.
IH
THE HORSE’S MOUTH
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