Having some gorgeous autumn days where we live – great time of the year!
Rick V:
Ian –haven’t seen you with a cigarette in pictures. Did you kick the habit?
IH: Yeah – I stopped years ago. Hard habit to break. I got flu, so that gave me the start I needed.
Joe:
In the liquor store looking for a nice bottle of champagne for my wife’s birthday.
I see “Lansons.”
Damn that sounds familiar…Ian Hunter!
Horse’s Mouth comment!
A lucky tip from you–thanks.
And I did get lucky later…..
IH: Lansons is my favourite. See what happens!
Dave P:
Hi Mr Hunter , (or should it be Patterson?)
The name Blackwell came up the other day, the slum landlord of Stockley Street where I lived as a child . What a dump that was, mould everywhere. (around the corner from you and Precious Mckenzie I believe) Do you remember Blackwell? once seen never forgotten. A Victorian looking guy on his bycycle. The Black Lion is still being worked on by the way👍
IH: Don’t remember any Blackwell. Lived on Alcombe Road and then Fife Street in Jimmies End.
Jack:
Recovering from foot surgery for the last 11 months- i did a deep dive on your solo music and Mott music..i am a long time fan and I believe the finest pice of music you ever created was All American Alien Boy.
IH: Yes, Ronson like that one too. I was not solely responsible – had some great help.
Jack:
Just curious: is there any 1 song that you would do differently after all these years ? perhaps an acoustic version of a song or less vocals or more instrument(s) -thank you in advance.
IH: There was a song called ‘All of the Good Ones are Taken’ on the album. Eventually got it right on ‘Strings Attached’ with the orchestra in Oslo.
Mike Flanagan:
Do you recall if Jimi Hendrix was the guitarist when you saw Little Richard in concert?
IH: This was pre-Hendrix. Little Richard was backed by Sounds Incorporated (as was Sam Cooke). In those days Americans couldn’t afford to bring their own bands over. I remember seeing the Pointer Sisters backed by Bluesology (Elton John was the keyboard player). That’s how it was.
SF:
Hello Ian – Happy to finally run down a copy of the ‘Diary’ book. As a musician who has logged countless nights prowling in the wee hours, I still often have trouble adjusting to normal people’s time. About your use of Mandrax to get some badly needed rest on tour – was it difficult to quit when back home again?
IH: I never had a problem with Mandrax – once or twice a week – it was fine. Trouble was, people started abusing – with alcohol – and keeling over. So that was the end of Mandrax.
Al Moore:
Hi Ian , if you had the chance to form a Travelling Wilburys type band, which other four members would you choose to be in it ( past or present )
IH: Ya know, there’s so many great people out there. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with so many of them. To pick 4 other members would be kinda insulting to the others!
Connie:
In a guitar solo, are the strings you pick written within the music so you’ll know the right string when playing live?
IH: Dunno. Never read music – just played what was necessary to form a song.
Scott:
I often wonder what you and Jeff Lynne could/ would do together!! So, according to TalkShop, the autographed album should be sent out October 11 now…..I guess it’s slow album production….
IH: I guess we’re similar in some ways. Don’t know Jeff – but – respect!!
Wayne:
hi ian, was watching some stuff on youtube with def leppard and just wondered if rick savage had any conversation with you about naming his clothing line overnight angels. he clearly gives you full credit.
IH: Yeah, Rick contacted me, and I said to go for it. Great lad.
Randal Dillon:
Assuming Patterson Hood outlives you I would have to say he will be my next favourite living songwriter. A well written song is a fine thing. Keep it up.
IH: I shall endeavor!
Thomas Greco:
I’m not sure but I think I read you weren’t too fond of I Need Your Love. I always thought it would have fit right in on The Hoople with Golden Age and Roll Away. All great hooks and horns. What did you think was missing from it?
IH: I haven’t heard it for years, but the word ‘lame’ immediately comes into my head.
BJORN SVANGE:
Hi Ian!
I would like to know if your tourind days are over, or not?
Is the Rant Band history, or will you use them on a upcoming new recording in the future.
I suppose you will continue to write music and hopefully make a new record some day.
We would like to see you back in Trondheim again.
I have meny memories from your many performancies in my town, and I have also had the privilage to meet you in person a couple of times.
Loved it, and would love to meet you again!
I am also a proud owner of meny signed items by you, that I have in my music room .
As I have told you before, I am a super fan of you and your music since early 70-ties.
Take care.
Bjørn Svange.
IH: The verdict’s still out on this one. I don’t know if I’ll tour again with a complete band. I may, do acoustic with a Q and A at some point. At the moment I’m working on Defiance III.
Peter Jordan:
You said you didn’t get my question last time …sorry about that …so I thought I’d rework it.
Over the years you were often quoted as saying you didnt like the ‘Business’ aspects of the Rock scene and were suspicious of some of the motivations of some of the characters you encountered.
I always thought that put you on the outside to an extent (probably cost you sales etc.) but was a price you were prepared to pay for independence/ artistic integrity etc.
Now though you seem happy doing the PR side of things presumably because it’s on your terms?
Is that right?
If so, when did this change happen for you?
IH: I never really had a career. I can’t write on the road. To have a career it’s constant traveling and recording, traveling and recording. That is what’s expected of you by the powers that be. I was never part of the ‘payola’ system which messed up radio in the 70’s and 80’s. Nowadays it’s all money (like any other business). Worse than ever. Fortunately, I have people behind me that let me do what I do (thank you Mike and all at CSM). It’s just the way it’s been. I’ve been lazy at times too, so I’ll take part of the blame!
Gary Sawruk:
Long live Ian Hunter!! You are a brilliant songwriter!!! Love the rockers and the ballads!! Key Saw you a lot in concert!!! Only wish unfulfilled was to sit done with you and have a pint together!!!
IH: Never Say Never!!!
Dru:
Bowie was really good right?
IH: Bowie was great at what he did. I think he was primarily a performance artist, but he wrote great songs – really great songs! And Mick Ronson knew what to do with them!
JC Finn:
Was the song Bed of Roses recorded in standard tuning or are you still recording a half tone down?
IH: I think it might have been a semi down. I wrote it on piano.
John Figg:
Hi. Mott’s version of Dudes had “stealing clothes from Marks and Sparks” but (and do correct me if I’m wrong) the Bowie lyric stated Unlocked Cars. Was this a change you made? I know the song was totally “Motted” by Mick Ralph’s blinding guitar intro and then your rap. Oh, and thanks for giving us the last 2 albums. My mate says that a lot of the legacy artists carry on but with their best years behind them. I have since played him these and he has back tracked (I also told him to F*** Off) Keep it up Ian, I’ve got other mates that appreciate your great work and also to deliver 2 in one year is unheard of! Take care .
IH: David wrote it originally as ‘Marks ‘n’ Sparks’ (for Americans, that’s a department store in the UK called Marks & Spencer). We recorded it as ‘Marks ‘n’ Sparks’ but then Columbia said we couldn’t use that store’s name, as libel might rear its ugly head. I was in the U.S. at the time and had to fly back just to change that line. A pre-computer age!
CUJO:
Hey Ian, A long time ago, this was the way I discovered MOTT THE HOOPLE and IAN HUNTER (and so much other fenomenal music). STRANDED, was the name of the book by the great GREIL MARCUS. Do you know about it and did you ever read it? What do you feel/think when you (re)read this?
“Mott The Hoople, “All the Young Dudes” (Columbia). 1972. Mott (Columbia).
With pointed, dramatic rock and Ian Hunter’s sardonic songs and vocals—virtually every moment rooted somewhere on Highway 61 Revisited or Blonde on Blonde—this hard-luck British band caught the noble weariness of those who kept the faith in a time when it had to seem only they believed. Hunter must have smiled when he saw the punks of the late seventies reach the audience he was sure had to be out there somewhere—smiled, and wondered if anyone remembered “I Wish I Was Your Mother,” a shatteringly beautiful horror story that no punk has touched on record, though Sid Vicious may well have lived most of it out. 1973”.
Thanks for all the great music and all the good times.
IH: Wow. I’ve heard of Greil Marcus,but can’t remember reading this. Nice one.
Daniel McClain:
Hi Ian! I just purchased You’re Never Alone With a Schizophrenic on vinyl, and it is instantly one of my favorite albums in my collection. I am a huge Def Leppard fan and I’ve listened to countless Joe Elliott interviews where he talks about being a massive fan of yours & Mott, and it has opened me up to your wide array of music. I’ve been listening to the Mick Ronson album, Heaven and Hull , that you and Joe worked on with Mick, it’s fantastic. I can’t tell you how big of a fan I’ve become of yours in the span of only a year. Anything with you, Bowie and/or Ronson is absolutely brilliant. This genre of music is my absolute favorite, I can’t get enough. My question to you is, assuming that you have a record collection, what 3 albums would you never want to part with? I’m very curious as to what you are a fan of in terms of genre/artist. I’d trust your musical taste as much as I trust your pal, Joe Elliott’s. Thanks for listening.
Daniel McClain
IH: I don’t really have an extended record collection. Joe Elliott’s got millions of them, and he’s a walking encyclopedia on music. Over the years I’ve always liked Dylan, Leon Russell, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and early Phil Spector, but I stopped listening ages ago. Welcome to the Club.
Dan DeBoer:
Hello,
Have you ever used all or part of your poem, The Floods Roll On, referenced in 23A Swan Hill , in any of your songs?
Thanks.
IH: I was still at school (Priory Grammar in Shrewsbury), when I wrote ‘The Floods Roll On’. It was a really good lyric. I took it to the English master (‘Duck’ Dunn as we called him) and he flew off the handle and accused me of stealing – which was great! Then, I lost it – still pisses me off.
Wade:
I was watching some video of you in Ringos All Star Band (2001 I think). I noticed when Roger Hodgson was doing his songs you were the only one on stage playing guitar.
- How did that feel? Any pressure?
- Did you joke around with Greg Lake about switching with him and having him play guitar and you play bass? He was a rather accomplished guitar player, and you do have some experience playing in the rhythm section.
By the way:
I saw Alejandro Escovedo play at the Coach House in San Diego (you’ve played there in the past) about a month ago with James Mastro opening and accompanying. Great show, James was amazing. I thanked James for introducing you to Alejandro and getting you on Alejandro’s benefit album. I learned about Alejandro’s music through you, and his music is almost as good as yours. In the middle of the set, the whole band walked off the stage and stood in the middle of the dance floor and played I wish I was your mother, with James on Mandolin and the crowd all around them. It was fun!
Thanks for all the great music and all the best to you and the family (actual and musical). Hope you had a great summer! Stay healthy!
Cheers,
Wade
IH: 1) At the rehearsals in Canada, Roger said to me, “Who’s playing lead?” I said, “You are – I can’t”. So he said, “I’m not really a lead guitarist’ – but he was!!! 2) Nah, but I loved Greg. We got on like a house on fire. He loved Rock ‘n’ Roll. He actually said, ‘Let’s me and you form a Rock ‘n’ Roll’ band.’ Great guy.
2) Sounds like you had a great evening. James and Dennis were up last week for an afternoon and we had a good time as per usual.
Alan in Portlandia:
Ian during your audition with what would be called Mott The Hoople, were you aware of Guy Stevens as maybe the most influential dj in the 60s and maybe you better take this opportunity seriously.
IH: I had no idea who Guy was. They were all guys with long hair – I didn’t know if he was in the band – nobody was playing. Guy did the talking though and it was Guy who was ringing me, so I figured he was in charge. He definitely had the vision of what he wanted and we went along with it.
Dan Hartmann:
You laid down a beautiful piano intro on Hymn For The Dudes. Sounds like you played on a very nice grand piano. Was it the same piano you played on the other Mott tracks or did they bring in a special piano to suit the song? You co-wrote the song with Verden Allen. Was this one where you worked on it together or one where Verden started it, and you developed it?
IH: No idea. I don’t know if it’s me playing it or Phally. Can’t remember what piano was used. It’s all faded away over the years.
Bob Kleb:
Hey Ian, going to be turning 66 in couple months do you have any insight to continue on as you have besides just listening to Ian Hunter music to relax, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind sharing ur secrets to longevity thanks. As I mentioned last month hope you eventually somehow come to the S.W. of the Sunshine state would love to see you again (or close as you can ). As always thank you ian for your contribution to all of our lives Mr future Halof Famer ( from my lips to God’s ears) ! Till next time Bob
IH: Longevity – all I know is I woke up one day and I was 80!! I thought I was 70. I missed 10 years because of the Rant Band. I still can’t believe how old I am – although my body has given me a few hints. Just doing what you like doing I suppose. Being lazy helps, too. Don’t get too wound up about anything – if at all possible!
And with theses questionable words of wisdom…
I remain yours truly
IH
The Horse’s Mouth
p.s. keep ‘em comin’!