‘ello, ‘ello, ‘ello – bit lates – blame it on July 4th and all that. So…..
Stonefly:
Greetings Ian- I was watching some of the concerts that the Alice Cooper Band has put out of their fairly recent efforts. Kind of fun to see Alice back with the boys that shaped my own early musical endeavors. I also watched a pretty decent documentary about the original Alice Cooper Band. In this documentary it showed the rather large house that the boys had bought together to live in. It was in Connecticut. Do you have any idea if any of the original members still own that house in your fair state?
Enjoying the new album. You’ve assembled quite an impressive crew to highlight your rocking opus.
Best- Stonefly
Hi Ian- just a follow up to my question about the Alice Cooper Estate in Connecticut. I did some research and found out that the Alice Cooper Band’s Mansion burned to the ground while they were in L.A. For anyone interested in an interesting description of the estate and thoughts from original bands members, key words: Alice Copper and, Galesi Estate will get you there. It sounds like the mansion was a great fit for the persona the band was working to promote.
Cheers
IH: Done that one already.
Tom McGarry:
Happy birthday! Apart from your ears how’s the rest of you holding up?
IH: It’s always something when you’re 85!
Damien Cavendish:
Happy Birthday Mr Hunter – you’re an inspiration to us all
IH:Cheers, Damien.
Mark M:
With all of the great musicians contributing to your recent works, is there any chance of Ellen Foley appearing , or your working with her again?
IH: Ya never know – she’s a great girl, singer and mate.
Shinobu Kokubun
Hi Ian
Happy Birthday 🎉
Hope you have a special day!
IH: Cheers!
Phil Grant
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IAN. Thank you for your continued DEFIANCE!
IH: No problem.
Bitten Pettersson
Happy Birthday Ian! You are the greatest of them all! Your new album is a masterpiece!
Many hugs from The Hatpeople family (Bitten, Jenny, Oscar, Lisa & Josefine)🎉🥂🌹❤️🌸🍀
IH: My hat is off to you all!
David Shasha
Hello Ian, and Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day – you have more than earned it!
As someone whose career in the music biz started relatively late, did you ever imagine you would still be making a living producing (great) music over 50 years later.? Or that you would be loved by so many fans?
Keep it up please, we need you.
All the best,
David
IH: It’s been a great run – pitfalls included.
Shug Laverty
Happy Birthday Guv’nor ! Hope you have a brilliant day with Trudi and all the family. Hoping to see you back here in Bonnie Scotland before too long. Stay well my friend and enjoy all your celebrations. Keep on rockin’ !
IH: Och I the noo (sorry).
Scruffysteve
Just returned from a pilgrimage to Hull to visit the Ronno memorial. I’m sure you’ve been. What a beautiful and serene place. Even the sun was shining!
IH: He doesn’t ‘disappear’ does he. Just get bigger!
Amanda:
Many Happy Returns of the day!
IH: Cheers!
John Channing
No question, just want to wish you a very happy birthday Ian, have a fun day 🙂
IH: Cheers!
John:
Happy birthday to one of God’s greatest gift to rock’n’roll, ant the original soundtrack of my life.
This is a question related to “What would I do without you” , a Song I used for my daughter’ wedding site. Are the lyrics describing the true story of the first time you and Trudi met??
IH: Yup!
John Kenwell
How does an “older” rocker spend his birthday? Best wishes, Ian. Many more.
IH: I’ve forgotten!!
Keith Hollinshed
Happy birthday Mr H. May there be many more. Hope you are doing well.
Any word on whether there be a special edition Defiance CD with the RSD bonus tracks?
IH: Not my department; it’s down to Sun Records and Mike.
Mick McKenzie:
Happy birthday, young sir.
An easy one to remember as it’s two days after my lad’s birthday, another ginger Gemini. Fifty years younger than you, but he’s seen a few of your gigs and the MTH reunion tours. Cheers, and thanks again for the music.
IH: Ex-ginger actually; more a whiteish blonde?
Ray Mackie:
Happy Bithday Ian… wishing you all the best
IH: Cheers!
Francis L:
Sir Ian! I wish you many joyous returns to this day!
Happiest of birthdays 2024.
Every year presents a new adventure in the act of Defience … !
Endless humble thanks for your music and the inspiration to keep writing.
See you in the funny papers.
Cheers,
Francis
IH: Cheers!
Mark Hughes:
Dear Ian, Like so many friends and fans I just want to wish you a very happy and memorable birthday!
For your honesty, creative talent and , dare I say it, compassion , you are a treasure. May we all embody the spirit of humanity as you do!
Here’s to a great day and year ahead!
Cheers!
IH: Cheers, Mark!
Steve Parsons:
Hi Ian, No question just wishing you a Happy Birthday.
Hoping you and yours are all well and celebrating together.
IH: Cheers!
George Martin:
Ian, I just wanted to say yet again, ” Happy Birthday to us!” I can’t believe another year has gone by so quickly. I turned 65 so I decided to retire. If I did what you do I would keep going forever! . As tradition, I always listen to Welcome to the Club on our birthdays. Love the new album by the way. Anyway here’s hoping to say happy birthday to us again next June 3rd. All the best. George Martin
IH: Cheers. I like ‘Welcome to the Club’ – it’s aged well.
Our wullie:
Happy birthday Mr H, 85 years young.
IH: Cheers. My Uncle’s name was Willie – (Willie Ferguson Clyde Alloy).
Tripp:
Is there something you like doing on your birthday or something special your like to eat? Also , how many times has an audience sang you Happy Birthday? Any special memories on stage for your birthday ! Wishing you the best! Tripp
IH: I was gigging in San Francisco and I tried to get Trudi up on stage (it was her birthday), but she would have none of it!!!
Dave Moon:
Happy Birthday Ian !
Thank you for all the incredible JOY you’ve given in the past 50 plus years of listening to your music.
Thanks for filling up my music shelves with the amazing music you’ve done, that’s all always so great to listen to.
Thank you for all your many amazing memorable concerts I’ve been so lucky to have travelled to from 1973 onwards to 2019.
It’s been a mighty long way from Mad Shadows to Defiance part 2…. You’re songs are part of the fabric of our lives.
Thank you for being so true to your fans and keeping on doing it all.
All the very best to you and Trudi in 2024 !
– Dave Moon, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
IH: You are very welcome, Dave.
Russ Omalley:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN
REMEMBER MOTT AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL?
I WAS THERE AND I’M STILL HERE!
A FAN FOREVER HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON
IH: Oh God – I remember Radio City. One side of the PA went out – disaster!! Don’t remind me!!
CARL W SMITH:
Happy Birthday!
IH: Cheers!
Wayne Spencer:
Hi Ian
Thank you for so many wonderful music memories, and I’m loving both Defiance albums.
I know Jerry Lee Lewis is an artist you’ve always admired.
So I wondered what was the first time you heard or saw Jerry Lee Lewis, and the first time you saw him in concert.
How you felt that first time and in what way did he influence your own music.
And did you meet him.
IH: First off, I didn’t want to meet him. He had a bit of a rep. I saw him at the Ritz in NYC and the band didn’t go backstage when they finished the set – they got off the front and mingled with the audience!! I know he had a go at Keef that night (and others)! So, no thanks.
David Robinson:
Do you sit down with the idea of writing a song. Does something come to you while riffing and it develops, or write a lyric first , wake up with a melody in your head….. As I get older I need to get up more frequently for a pee. Does this mean your writing more songs now!?
IH: No, that means your prostrate is giving you gyp.
Thomas Brecht:
Happy Birthday !
May you have many more happy and healthy years ahead of you!
Who had the brilliant idea to open the gigs with “Jupiter from the Planets”?
IH: The wonderful Peter Overend Watts.
Irina:
Happy Birthday! You are amazing, and so is the new album. Keep on rockin’!
IH: Thanks, Irina
Shug Laverty:
Hi Ian, This one’s mainly directed at Trudi. There can’t be many bona-fide rock stars (aye, that’s you mate!) who always include a love song for their wife on every album. Having said that, there aren’t many people in your business whose marriage lasts 52 years and counting ! I personally think it’s a brilliant thing and a real demonstration of your love for a remarkable lady.
My question is, what does Trudi think of this?
God bless you both, Shug.
TH: Like a roller coaster – up and down, thrilling and chilling.
Mike Costanzo:
Stephen King said this in this month’s issue of Esquire, and I thought you might like it:
“Fame is a pain in the ass. The older you get, the more of a pain in the ass it is. But you have to realize it comes with the territory. It’s just part of what you do.”
IH: True.
JD from Cleveland:
Have you ever seen something really funny happen in the crowd or onstage while you were performing, that you just laughed out loud?
IH: A young guy ‘pleasuring himself’ – front and center. I kid you not!!!
Jim Brady:
Cheers Ian,
Defiance is a wonderful collection, stellar songwriting.
You never stop pushing the envelope, you are a tremendous songwriter.
(You should do one of those Master Class sessions on songwriting-it would be brilliant!)
I do hope you make available the three bonus tracks from the LP for digital download.
Any chance of this??
Also, if I can ask another. I wondered if there was any material that came from the 2019 MottTheHoople74 Tour and time spent with those guys.
Luther is painfully private about his work and goings on and Morgan turns up here and there.
Just wondered if there was any vault material to look forward to?
IH: I believe there are live recordings somewhere.
BTW – I’m doing TalkShop Live Thursday evening (July18th).
Ivar Samset:
Hi, Ian, Hope you’re well. You have played with both Ringo Starr and Brian May, so has Graham Gouldman of 10cc. But I don’t think you and Graham has played together? What a super band the four of you could be! Looking forward to the record……
IH: OK
David:
Hello Mr. Hunter, I read the latest Horse’s Mouth and was extremely bothered by the A.I. lyrics posted. First off, the lyrics were shit. Though, most importantly, Artificial Intelligence is a scam and a devastating affront to music and songwriting. Through this technology, record labels can and will steal your image, your voice, and your recorded works. If you are unconvinced, please, read about what’s happening to the late Steve Marriott. Steve has been dead for thirty years but, that won’t stop the greedy record labels. A.I. cannot create anything new it takes data from existing works, songwriting credits and ownership will be obsolete. Where does that leave new and aspiring songwriters? If corporations can use A.I. to put out new music, songwriters will be done for. All the hours and hard work put in to your craft will be all for naught. Any legacy you try to build, can be tarnished after you’re dead. If you think, otherwise, you’ll be disappointed. One of your fans posted a comment on YouTube embracing A.I. if it meant the release of new Ian Hunter records after your death. That’s abhorrent and bogus! Many artists have voiced opposition to A.I. in the arts, though not enough. Please, speak out and take action against this new technology. Inform your fans!
IH: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! (Oh, the Paul Dunford post – OK). Actually, I’m in total agreement with you on everything you’re saying, and I am writing on that very subject. Alfred Nobel – I’ll say no more!
Seth:
I love your new videos do you wish you would have done more with that on you older records?
Are you a Shemp man or a “curly” joe derita or a joe besser man
Favorite 70/80 NYC club
Everything has been put to bed are you now going to play out this year ? Its cool you have earned the right to stop but I really wish you wouldn’t. Im sure they can squeezy you into My Fathers Place on more time.
IH: The verdict is still out on this one.
Larry Woodside:
Happy Belated Birthday. Will you be doing any live shows in the near future? Hope so …. Enjoying the new CD’s and Rock N Roll Sweepstakes #1 and #2. Please give my regards to Trudi.
IH: I will, cheers Larry.
Brian Cottrill:
I love the new album. You are seriously out writing and outperforming your contemporaries: Dylan, McCartney, Springsteen, Jagger, Elvis Costello and Graham Parker! My favorite songs on the new album are Fiction, Weed, People, and Precious. The strings on Fiction are brilliant. I disagree with Andy, you should put your lyrics on the album. Why should we not be able to read the lyrics of the world’s best lyricist? Can you please share the lyrics to The 3rd Rail?
IH: Dial ‘em up on Utube – they’re there.
Ed Musiak:
Hello Ian, Has the prospect of doig an episode of “Live at Daryl’s House” with Dartl Hall ever come up? I mean, you’re almost in the neighborhood. It might be a bit of a hoot.
IH: Used to use his studio ( 3 albums). Different neck of the woods.
Michael Wolf:
Hey Ian! Happy belated and all that. Great reviews on 2! Not a surprise for us fans. I know you’re not one to look at the rear view mirror (at all), but does it ever come to mind that you can say you’ve had a great, enjoyable life? I mean, coming from humble beginnings to what has been achieved must be satisfaction. We sure appreciate your continuing to reach for that next great record on the horizon. So to my question, do you have any other little thing, besides music, that gives you pleasure and satisfaction in doing or accomplishing? How do you relax and unwind between recording and writing? And always appreciate you taking the time to converse with your fans!
IH: I guess it’s what I’ve always been inclined to do. I fell totally in love with it as a young fan, and slowly, the fan thing turned into doing it. I always felt I wasn’t for the ‘normal’ – that’s the only way I can put it. Not much good at relaxing, but I try. Hate being lazy, but I am?? Go figure!
Elaine Eaves:
Hiya Ian, Thank you for your Basement Tour! Loved it! Absolutely brilliant for you to give this insight into your life – and what a fab job the fan who did the drawing of you . You’re looking great – hope you can come back to Manchester (UK) soon… Elaine
IH: You ‘Aint seen me first thing in the morning……
JC Finn:
- When Mott the Hoople were on Top of the Pops did you ever consider singing live rather than Miming?
- Which did you prefer appearing on – Top of the Pops UK, or Midnight Special USA?
Congratulations on Defiance – Part 2.
IH: 1) I did sing live – the band had to mime. 2) Neither. 3) Thank you!
Tim Hewtson:
I see, from the last ‘Horse’s Mouth,’ that there is a discussion as to whether ‘Defiance Part 2’ is better than than ‘Defiance Part 1.’
My advice is to listen to ‘Defiance Part 2,’ then ‘Defiance Part 1.’
‘Defiance Part 2’ is glitzier, ‘Defiance Part 1’ is grittier.
The two together make up one of the greatest double albums of ever.
Then fold in ‘Fingers Crossed.’ That makes a triple album that is incomparable. Nobody has ever released a triple album like that.
It’s time to stop being shy. Almost every great band is a 7-year wonder. It’s just how it works. Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, produced stellar albums throughout their career, but how often does that happen?
And, frankly, absolutely no one has produced anything like this.
And I remember. I remember “climbing up the mountains, and crawling down the holes.” I remember ‘Overnight Angels,’ and ‘Short Back ‘n’ Sides,’ and ‘All of the Good Ones are Taken’ – not terrible albums, but not close to their potential.
And now utter magic. Not a bad track. Not a track that isn’t magnificent. And I’m betting ‘Defiance Part 3,’ or whatever it ends up being called, will be another specular album.
There is nothing better to listen to – and who would’a thought it back then?
IH: Now you’ve got me on the spot for Part III. Who knows if that will even happen? We’ll see. What a lovely email!!
Alan in Portlandia:
Ian, when trying to put our southern dialect in literary words, it doesn’t look much different than when some of England’s dialects are transposed similarly. Have you ever visited some part of the USA, or Commonwealth nation, and thought the way they speaks sounds at home in Kent or Black Country or Herefordshire etc. Just wondering
IH: Sure – there’s all kinds of dialects in the UK as there are slag versions.
John:
Any local restaurants/bars you would recommend? Do they know you there?
IH: There’s a few round here. I don’t know if they ‘know’ me. They just know me from going there on a regular basis. (Actually, a couple of them do ‘know’ me – I can tell!)
Howard:
did you ever do a song including “whichie tai to”. everything is everything. i could swear i heard a song you did like this but i cannot find it.
IH: No – but I like that title and its meaning. Hold on….just wrote that down I’m surrounded by lyrics here – it’s a mess.
Eddy Johnson:
Hey Ian…
I recently came across a book on Amazon called…” Sixth Sojourn”. It has a lyric/song poem in it called “Irene Wilde (The Sequel)”…about where Irene and you are 50 years after you knew her as a teenager. The author did a great job, closely fitting words into your original melody. Might be worth be looking into.
IH: Cheers, Eddie – I’ll check this out.
John:
Can you read music?
IH:No. It’s better for me because I find things by accident.
Scott:
So Todd was really good…..first set, newer stuff then the big “hits”. He has so much energy but he’s a young man compared to a lot of us!!! He should get more credit for his guitar work!!! Saw a few families with their kids…..great stuff!!!
Hope all is good with you and the wife (you are very lucky)…..you’re still the best. I’ve seen tons of artists and your shows are always the best. Still hoping for your early takes of the Defiance songs…..nothing better than acoustic and piano to get the real feel. Peace!!!
IH: Todd’s brilliant. It’s always an honor with him.
Jim Kleinheksel:
Hi Ian, What was the inspiration for Pearl and Roy? This song has a very special meaning for me, more than any other.
I still have original Mott The Hopple album that I bought in 1970 when I was 12. I bought it because of the cover but it turned out that I would buy everything you’ve ever done after that. The original Mott The Hopple album cover is still my favorite of all time. I write lyrics only and have several finished works. I am going to set up a website to sell them. My question for you is; may I use the image on the back of the album for my identifier. I understand that there is a copyright on the image and this is a big ask.
Thanks so much for your time,
Jim
IH: Dunno – it’s not me who you need to ask. Island Records?
Bob Kleb:
Happy belated birthday Ian. Thank you for your years of service to ur dedicated fans. Ian wanted to let you know how much I respect your longevity of your marriage to Trudi it is very uncommon if not never that a musician let alone a rock n roll musician have such a strong withstanding covenant of marriage, you can feel and hear it in your lyrics of the songs you’ve written for her (Knees of my heart etc),and I am sure she has been a pillar for you through all that this musical career throws at you. I know it’s a give and take and you guys have weathered the storm and also being solid mother & father to your great children, Ian take a bow ur someone to admire and look up to. Just couple questions how was it working with Clarence Clemens on ” ATGOAT” & did you ever cross paths with any or all of the Beatles? Last note also being a Bob Dylan fan I strongly feel your recent music and sound is ” street lengths ” beyond his at this time. Again thx Ian for all the above.
IH: Clarence came up to the studio and did his thing. He had a young guy come in first to find the best place in the room for his unique sound. Then he just picked the sax up and did two or three takes and that was it. We didn’t give him any direction – he just did it and it was, as usual, – great. Such a huge sound. Such a sad loss.
Philip Tremayne:
Hi Ian, have been a fan since day-1, first heard MTH on the ‘You can all join in’ Island sampler. I’ve seen MTH and you subsequently on numerous occasions in the UK, Europe and USA. Needless to say I’ve purchased everything that you’ve recorded – the first 4 MTH albums still take some beating, but your recent stuff is awesome – how do you do it? A question, when the good ship MTH was launched in ’68/69, how long did you think the journey would last? What were your aspirations? Did you think you’d still be at the pointy end in the 21st century? What a great career you’ve had and what an influence you’ve been. Long may it continue.
IH: My aspirations were to survive and keep things ticking over without having to work at British Timpkin.
Matt Parish:
Hi Ian – Just came across this and thought I’d share with you just in case you missed this guys channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjExOlMt9ic
Mick always seemed so serious whenever I saw him – stoic even so this had me rolling.
Who had the better sense of humor between the two of you?
I mean it takes two to tango one to joke, one to laugh scenario but overall…if you were camping who would be funniest around the fire?
Mott The Hoople ,May 1974, Sucker, Uris Hall , towards the end of the song and just before it’s closing word “Sucker” there is a cough from you, was that spontaneous or planned, as it isn’t on the Hammersmith disc.
Just curious Ian, also , I have added it myself in to one of my least ever favourite songs by Charlene , “I’ve never been to me” from 1977.
My version goes “ I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to (pause, …..cough) , me .
People ask “Craig , why do you do that , and I play them “Sucker “ , any thoughts whilst I go for a lie down !!!!!
IH: I’d say Mick. I’m kind of dry – Mick was out there – a truly funny guy. No idea about the ‘Sucker’ bit – too far back. Great line ‘I’ve never been to me’ – love that.
Nick Namaque:
There I was watching a very intellectual documentary on The Grateful Dead, and who turned up but that wily coyote, Ian Hunter, lead singer of Mott the Hoople, saying in the Merced Star on March 5, 1974, “Things that are supposed to be groovy I find antiquated, like The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers.”
Two questions: Do you still hold to that opinion? And did you actually use the word “groovy”? Intelligent minds want to know.
IH: Doesn’t sound like me now, but it might have sounded like me then. Sorry! Actually, I never listened to either band, so I’m full of it!
Sean Fleetwood:
Hi Ian I think punk killed off the sales of AAAB , do you think you would have made a few more in that style had it not , songs are all amazing as are the musicians you recorded with. My my personal favourite of all time up there with inervisions and blood on the tracks Hijara to name a few
It would make a wonderful. RSD reissue , hard to believe it’s almost. 50 years old
IH: I think Columbia Records blew it on that. They didn’t make any effort at all. It was radically different from what they wanted, but I loved doing it. So, that’s what mattered.
Mark F:
Unrelated to your song title, but have you ever been to Kettle of Fish Pub in Greenwich Village?
IH: Nope.
Seth:
Ian what were your favorite bands from the 1980s
IH: Prince.
Doug:
What is the strangest thing you have been asked to sign by a fan and do you have a favorite thing to autograph?
IH: Nothing too unusual – bit of skin here and there. Some chap in England had me tattooed all over his back!! I probably signed that one.
So here we are again.
Remember TalkShop on Thursday (July 18th).
Be well. Talk soon….
IH
The Horse’s Mouth