Here we go again – how many have we done?

 

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: Being force fed thing that are ‘good for me’.

 

 

George Saadi:

Ian, on the podcast I do with Scott Baio, we talked about where one would go if you could visit any time in history for one month. Your name came up in my answer:

Thought I’d share.

IH: How nice, George!

 

 

Philip Tremayne:

Your song writing skills and abilities are up there with the finest – some great and meaningful words over the years. I guess many just listen to the music and the vocals/words just supplying another layer of ‘instrumentation’. Have you ever considered writing a series of poems? That way, the reader would be really able to get into the words written and the sentiments intended. Just a thought. Regardless, keep up whatever you’re doing, it keeps you young and helps to dodge the bullet!

IH: The thing with lyrics is, as you say, secondary in most peoples’ minds – especially on early listens. I got a lot of – “It grew on me” or “I didn’t get it at first”.  I do take a lot of time with lyrics, so it’s a tad frustrating, but what can you do!

 

 

Karen:

Hi Ian, Will you please come and play in Australia?

xx

IH:  I’ve always wanted to – I have some extremely loyal followers over there.  We’ll see.

 

 

Ray Harper:

Happy belated Birthday Ian, old rockers never die! I’m really enjoying Defiance Part 2. Yet another love song for Trudi, pass on my eternal thanks to her for looking after you so well. Great to hear Part 3 is in the pipeline. I’m getting old and my hearing is not so good, your lyrics are as incisive as ever , so it would help a bit to have them printed on the CD. Otherwise, otherwise I have to trawl the internet which comes up with some strange translations. Keep on burning bright Ian!

IH: OK; we’ll print lyrics on the next one!

 

 

Frank Allen:

I grew up in Northampton living in Elgin Street, my mates Trevor and Danny both lived in Elgin Street. Danny’s mum always told us that one of the houses , I think it was 44,was full of weird people and lunatics.

One day we were playing football in the street and one of the guys started throwing shoes and bottles at us from an upstairs window because we were making too much noise.

Were you one of the guys who lived there?

IH: I hung out with some very special people in Northampton. We were not the kind of people who threw shoe and bottles – that’s just plain stupid. Don’t remember Elgin Street. Didn’t know any weird people or lunatics.

 

 

Jem H:

Hi Ian – you said, keep ’em coming!

Question: The other day I remembered how much I enjoyed reading the UK music press from c.1974/75 on. This petered out a bit after the early 80’s (though occasionally I still indulge – more expensive and less content these days, in my view). For me the best reads were, Sounds, NME and Melody Maker. I smile when I recall an Ian Hunter full page ad for either album or tour or both, the instantly recognisable portrait with the shades…As you and Mott became bigger, did you read them (and did you enjoy – as a fan would)?

Obiter dicta/ by the way: Whoever came up with this section of your site (you, et al?) deserves a pat on the back, it’s very clever. It gives the fans an opportunity to read something new (YOUR WORDS!) every month. Your site is clear and simply beautiful…It’s also because of you spending the time to answer us, many thanks (again) … the only other rock star that I’m aware of that did this (up until recently) was Stuart Elliott (Cockney Rebel) – that’s how I got a personal email from him back during lockdown – you and he – great minds think alike…

…Mick Ronson’s best guitar solo ever (my view) on the Once Bitten Twice Shy original single – he made the guitar cry (tears of joy)…

One reason why I think your Ripoff track is still relevant today (and you may be aware, though you’ve been in the States for quite some time) and this is my political view – Yesterday there was a news report of the sharp decline of Atlantic salmon in English rivers, reminding me what I’ve been increasingly thinking in the past few years – the Tories privatising the Water Utilities in 1989 was in my view – the route of this decline (and worse). £7.2 billion pounds in dividends (this was by a while ago too) and the people have been, yes, ripped off…

Take care, my very best to you and yours,

Jem

IH: Keep ‘em coming!!

 

 

Peter Jordan:

I love the version of ‘Dead on’ you did for Silver Patron Saints the songs of Jesse Malin. What made you choose that particular song and who did you perform It with?

So sad what has happened to Jesse who I got into in 2007 when I saw him supporting you in Newcastle. He’s produced some great stuff!

Something else I owe you for.

Incidentally the soon to be infamous Raoul Moat was at that concert. He stood next to me was absolutely huge and swaying ….. out if his mind! He dropped a bottle of lager at my feet and I decided I had a pressing appointment elsewhere ….. in the fashion of ‘The great escape!’

It made me realise how vulnerable guys in your trade can be …… not every member of an audience us benign!

Honestly it couldn’t have been anyone else!

IH: I just listened to Jesse’s songs until I found one that would suit me vocally. I think Andy helped out on that and some of the Rant Band. Re: Raoul Moat – a great escape indeed….!

 

 

Barry Sokolowski:

Hey Ian, a blast from the past. Did they make every band lip synch on The Top Of The Pops back then? Do you have memories from shows like this from so far back? Hope your doing well.

IH: The deal was you were supposed to do the whole song again – live – in a studio with a ‘Top of the Pops’ guy watching – and, PAY for the studio!!  I think I had to sing live, but that was about it.  All in all, a horrible day out, but it had to be done.

 

 

Dave:

Hello. I’ve been going through your old stuff and have been “stuck” in a loop of listening to Schizo. Not quite the all-star line-up of Defiance, but with the E-streeters, Ronno, John Cale, it was still pretty strong. You have talked in the past about how BIttan heard Just Another Night differently from how you and Ronno heard it (you and Ronno prevailed). This made me wonder – how did you guys navigate this disagreement and how did you navigate other tensions re: how a song was to be played, as well as who played piano on certain songs?

Thanks.

Dave

IH: I think Roy was a bit annoyed with us not doing it his way, but it really did sound like a Bruce song, so we had to change it. It might actually have been a hit had we done it Roy’s way. I didn’t want that and Mick remembered how I’d originally wrote it. It was a real pleasure doing  that album. Everyone on it played great and Bob Clearmountain was just the man to get it on tape.

 

 

Verne Sweeney:

The Short Back and Sides album portrayed you on the front cover with what looks like a good old 50s style trim. Was this actually the case? And if so, when did you have it cos within months of its release you appeared at the Dr Pepper Festival with a full barnet. I think it’s a good album which I still play regularly.

Take care.

IH: Mick Jones (Clash) suggested doing the cover this way – I’m wearing his clothes! I just greased the hair back – no shades – and went to the Ritz in NYC that night. Nobody knew me!

 

 

Gabe D:

Hi Ian, thanks for all the memorable music and live shows. Is there a chance you might release some of the rarities from the strained boxset as a standalone release?

IH:  I don’t know.

 

 

Scott S.:

I’m sure you’ve seen Morgan is considering putting together a “The Hoople” solo show, accompanied with a little Q and A. . Admittedly , he questions his ability to pull off the vocals himself, any chance of you helping him out with this endeavor? …….Would love to see it !

IH: Morgan’s always up to something. He’s a bit gruff on vocals – dunno.

 

 

Big Walt:

Just been listening to Jesse Malin new album and came across your contribution. Dead On is a great track. I remember Jesse supporting you more years ago than I care to remember and followed his career as well as yours, so how did this collaboration come about and have you done anything else with him that I may have missed.

Cheers

Big Walt

IH: James Mastro was the middleman on this one. I’ve seen Jesse around over the years and this was a heavy thing to have to go through. Fortunately, he’s on the up.

 

 

Scott:

Received word that “vinyl is in production” for the TalkShopLive album. It’s been a drag waiting for it but hopefully it shows up soon. Really looking forward to the Chrysalis reissues also!! Good times for Ian Hunter fans!!!!

IH: No idea on this – not my department. I just do ‘em!

I’m hearing the Chrysalis re-issues sound really good.

 

 

Tom McGarry:

Greetings from the north of Scotland. You mentioned in the last HM that you felt you finally got “All of the Good Ones are Taken” right on Strings Attached and I wondered: 1. what version of “Roll Away the Stone” ie fast or slow do you now prefer?

2. Did you consider “Standing in My Light” for Strings Attached?

Lastly and more random what do you make of the Oasis/Ticketmaster drama?

IH: I’m OK with either version of ‘Roll Away the Stone’. The fast one’s probably truer to the song; the slow version was just for a change. We were doing it a lot and it got boring.

I don’t know why we didn’t do ‘Standing I My Light’ – good idea!

Lastly, I don’t think Oasis knew about the ‘American way’ of doing gigs nowadays. We had it with Mott ’74 in the U.S.. Hopefully something will be done about it.

 

 

Matt Nojonen

Dear Mr. Hunter,

You might have answered this already but what is your take on bands selling their catalogs to Sony or other content giants? Is it a way for them to have some control over what may be inevitable down the road? Do the bands have the entire say in such transactions or do they have to secure permission or make similar arrangements with their labels? That likely depends on contractual terms but do you have an inside view of how that works? Ever consider it?

IH: It varies – there are several ways to do it. You can sell all of it, parts of it, bits of it…..The advantages are 0 we’re getting older and it’s simplifies wills. Obviously corporations  (that own publishing right) will dominate movies and ads etc, and people like me won’t get a look in.  Have I been approached?  Yes, three times, but I feel like it’s selling my life – so I haven’t done it.

 

 

Malcolm Lay:

You may know that Johnnie Walker is retiring from BBC radio due to poor health and he is a big Mott and Hunter fan.

He has promoted the 70s on behalf of all of us.

Any recollection of your many interviews with JW??He is 79 and a legend of the airwaves.

IH: I’ve been in touch with Johnnie – he’s ok.  He said he’s putting my email on his wall. The best.

 

 

Leon Laudenbach:

Hi Ian I have a question about a guitar, I was reading a book about John Lennon recording his Double Fantasy record and he had a picture of a Sardonyx guitar. It’s kind of a weird looking set up with bars on both sides of the body. Did you play one of those, do you have a story about that guitar at all. It looks like it’s one that you were playing on the cover of the live at the BBC with Mick Ronson. I understand that not too many of those were made, maybe I’m not correct about it.

IH: I remember having this Green Le Paul – I was told there were only 6 made for some exhibition – therefore it would gain value. It was so heavy – I couldn’t be bothered with it. Earl Slick wanted it so I swapped it for his Sardonyx.

 

 

Maks:

Dear, Ian: what inspired you to write The Journey and what is the actual meaning of it?

P:S I’m really gratefull to you for this song – it’s just a masterpiece!

IH; Too far back; Can’t remember.

 

 

Rick Graves:

Hi Ian! I was wondering if there is a particular Mick Ronson song you especially like? One he played on with you, with someone else or one from his solo albums? Hope you’re doing well and that you’re able to make the acoustic tour happen! Take care, Rick

IH; We use to close with “Slaughter on 10^th Avenue”.  I know he didn’t write it, but it was so moving you could cry.

 

 

J Scott Strawn:

What do you think of the new song by The exCrocodiles “Ian Hunter?”

IH: Actually, I think it’s pretty good!!

 

 

Reginald Playken:

Hello. Who do you get inspired by when you write your genius songs? Bob Dylan?

IH: Well – Bob’s someone we all aimed for back in the day – but for many years now it’s just something that enters my head and I go with it. Glad you like ‘em!

 

 

Leonard Copperbottom:

Hello. Ian Hunter. I’m from Kazakhstan, and I’m 16 years old, but I love your music. What s your favourite song from the Queen repertoire and why?

IH: “Keep Yourself Alive” and “Liar” were the first two song in their set when they opened for Mott. I would come to the gig and hear those songs and they’ve always stayed with me.

 

 

Ooour wullie:

Hello Ian, Trudi, Ranters and family.

How are you all. Any chance there will be any more gigs in the upcoming future. I miss them so much. No matter what side of the pond I’ll be there

Aurabest

Wullie

IH: Dunno – how’s it goin’ or (gangin’).

 

 

Dean Prescott:

Dearest Ian, I was looking to RE-buy the “Schizophrenic” re-issue. On- live it is 2 minutes shorter!? Do you know anything about this strange little issue? Blessing’s Dean

IH: Dunno – ask them!

 

 

Terry:

Hi Ian: Hope you’re doing alright. I was listening to the Jerry Lee Lewis live lp in Hamburg with the Nashville Teens backing him up- one of the best live albums ever- and I was wondering if you ever met the Killer or any of the Nashville Teens who may have had a story about the gig.

Cheers,

Terry

IH: Never met Jerry Lee. I Could have, a couple of times, but I didn’t want to. He had a bad rep guest wise, but he was my hero!!

 

Mr Steven Be A Baker:

It was good to see you in Brighton a few years ago have you got friends around that area filled your career since the early 70s my mum was working for EMI cand got cheeky cheep records Brain capers being one.

IH: “Braincapers” was originally on Island Records. Maybe EMI licensed it from Island.

 

 

Pasquale:

October 28th. Happy anniversary to you and Trudi. What would you do without her?

IH: Nothing!

 

 

Robert Clayton:

Dear Ian, hope you’re well. I’ve been a fan forever – about ’72 & met you briefly in NYC in appx 2005 with the RANT boys. Andy and Johhny were very kind too. Anyway 2 queries if I may ~ I’m 67 and as such not the most adept at using the google-box to research things. Who played lead guitar then on Great Expectations? My guess is Ronno. What a killer tune. Grammy-worthy!!!

1. 2- The Defiance songs are amazing – so great to see you still rocking with old mates etc – so what are your health secrets? And btw are you any level of vegan?

Hope to see you in New Hope!

Robert in Jersey

IH: I don’t know who played lead. This was a movie. I had to go to LA to do it. I think the track was already done and I sang on it. Spencer Proffer produced it. It could have been Mick – just don’t remember.

 

 

Robert Clayton:

Greetings from Jersey Ian! This is my second question, hope you don’t mind! I saw recently you’re involvement with Jesse Mallen. Such a great artist etc. Bless your heart for all your help.

My question is how long have you know Jesse and how did you meet?

PS – Defiance pts 1&2 are awesome!!!

All the best,

Robert in Jersey

IH: Jesse opened for us a while ago. Extremely nice guy – and good!!

 

 

Anthony Caminiti:

Just finished reading Octobers Horses Mouth and it was exceptional(just like you)!

you mentioned your health briefly.

could your hearing withstand an acoustic set with a piano backing?

i also love the Q and A idea

IH: Options are continually being considered.

 

 

James Davis:

Has Scots/English folk music had any influence on your songwriting through the years?

IH:  No,All my influence came from Memphis and points south.

 

 

BJORN SVANGE:

Hi again Ian!

I have visited more than 100 Hard Rock cafe’s and many Hard Rock Hotels all over the world.

Many items from rock stars and performers are displayed at these places.

I have never seen any items belonging to Mott The Hoople, Ian Hunter or Mick Ronson at any of these places.

Have you ever been asked to donate anything to HRC or HRH’s?

Would you do so if you were asked?

I would love to see an item from you hanging framed on the wall at any of these places, since you are my favorite Roc’n Roller.

Take care!

Bjørn Svange

Trondheim, Norway.

IH: Never played any of these places; never been asked to donate.

 

 

Paul Miller:

Hi Ian

I saw you when you shared the stage with Judie Tzuke and Thin Lizzy?

I shouted out to you ‘Where’s Mick’ meaning where is Mick Ronson.

You replied ‘I’m not going to answer that.

I’ve always been curious to what you meant.

Thanks for all your consistent rocking, and all the great people you have worked with.

I did have a ticket to see MTH on tour when Mick Ronson joined the band, but the band split before you came to Manchester.

All the best Ian

Paul 🎸 

Paul Miller:

Hi Ian

Do you remember a gig in Manchester (The Lowry). I was at the front with my brother. I had a copy of Diary of a rock and roll star since it was released. I tried to get your attention and my brother shouted ‘sign his f@@king book.

You obliged and now it is preserved 😎

IH: IH: Don’t remember any of this, sorry.

 

 

Dru:

Were you a bit disappointed when Hilly Michaels left your band to record his album? From the videos I’ve seen that band was on fire and he looked to be a big part of it.

IH: Hilly was one of those guys – they come and they go.  Excellent drummer – he got a solo deal – he’s got to go do it!

 

 

Rich Burkinshaw:

Hi Ian, I wrote earlier this year about having your song These Feelings as our first dance at our wedding reception. The lyrics are a beautiful testament to the enduring power of long term love and friendship. I now see that the album it’s taken from Man Overboard and indeed the previous album Shrunken Heads are no longer on Spotify. What’s up with that? Is it a temporary thing do you think?

I’ve also read you’re thinking of doing an acoustic/evening with type of tour in the future. Mrs. B and I certainly hope you do. What a night of songs and stories that would be.

IH: I’ve no idea; will try to get some answers.

 

 

Scott Simon:

Are there any plans to make the Horse’s Mouth searchable? Just curious.

IH: Not that I know of.

 

 

David Heaton:

Hi Ian

I’ve been a fan since reading diary of a rock and roll star “shit and a shave” just brilliant.

Is there a possibility of you touring the UK Again?

Finally in my advancing years I’ve joined Rock choir ,Lytham st Anne’s branch.

What song of yours would you like to see performed by Rock choir.

IH: I’m easy – you pick one. (Let me know.)

 

 

Gary:

When you were playing onstage did you ever get REALLY MAD at another member of the band in the middle of a song?

IH: I remember Buff and I having an altercation in Detroit many years ago. A guitar sliced through a cymbal – he was a crazy little bugger – good drummers are!

 

 

Stefan Harary:

Hello Ian

From time to time I’ve been in correspondence

about meeting you at one of old friend’s many restaurants in New York. I’ve also asked about a reunion

concert my high school in New Jersey where Mott played in April’s 1971 which my friend and I arranged when we were 16 and 17 years old students.That concert was incredible for its sheer force and tick n roll power.

I can never forget it.

Now I’m 71 years old living in long branch New Jersey a few miles from the legendary Stone Pony venue made famous by Bruce Springsteen. I’m thinking this 50 year old place is ideal for an Ian Hunter concert and show. It’s known worldwide and could be a perfect spot if you were to consider performing live once more. I could be available to help assist in the event you’d consider this idea in the future. I know it’s sounds crazy but as you like to say..’you never know.’ All the best

IH: Played that gig several times. Great audience!!

 

 

Paul:

Dear Ian ,

I have just had my fourth children’s fantasy adventure book published. This book deals with a young girl who has to come to terms with her parents separation. In my story I have called her father Mr Hunter and her mother goes back to her maiden name of Miss Ronson.

This is my way of thanking you for all the great music

IH: Congrats to you; I hope it sells.

 

 

Claire:

How long did you work at Francis, Day & Hunter ….and what did you write for them? Did you enjoy the work?

IH: About a year – me and Roger Glover – it paid the bills. I wrote a few – Dave Berry covered one. Nicol Williams (actor) covered one. They were looking for Tom Jones and Englebert songs. I was sadly remiss in that department.

 

 

Bob Kleb:

Have every release of Mott The Hoople & your solo material, I remember in the 80s there was a concert of you in a top hat, tux with tails will the show ever be released i did record on vhs it was a great show i think it was Short Back & Sides tour. Would be great to have in my collection thought it would possibly included in SBAS reissue. Also do you know how Mick Ralph’s is doing and do you often communicate with him, sad to hear Matthew Sweet had a massive stroke not sure if he’ll ever play again. Best to you & family.

IH: I think that was on the pier in NY City; played there a few times. I remember Roger Taylor saying, “Take off that ‘effin, stupid hat!”  Never wore it again.

 

 

Rick Graves:

Hi Ian! I recently had the pleasure of seeing Amy Rigby in Indianapolis. After the show I spoke to her and mentioned that I have seen Wreckless Eric and her open for you a few times and wanted to come support her. She and I had a nice conversation about you and how much we both love your music. We also talked about how much we both miss seeing you perform. No question this time, just wanted to share my encounter with another fan who also happens to be a friend of yours. Take care, Rick

IH: She’s great as is Eric. I love her song “The Price of Fame.” I want to cover it someday.  Love those two.

 

 

Keith Richmond:

What I take to be the third verse on the fourth track of your new album Defiance Part 2 – for which many, many thanks – has the line, according to one of the (not entirely reliable, but prolific) rock lyric sites as ‘Some wound up on Moz’s side’. Which is possible, and plausible.

But what I hear is: ‘Some came travelling on the tide / Some wound up on Merseyside / And some came trickling up the Thames / And some turned into national anthems’ which seems, to me, to make much more sense.

Have I heard it right, Ian? Or is old age [not just the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, with Mott , but Friars, Aylesbury, when you were singing solo, and Kris Needs and the Sea Divers notwithstanding] catching up with my old ears?

Keith Richmond

IH: ‘Merseyside”. These rock lyric sites are really annoying and in some cases just plain ignorant. All these idiotic ‘bios’ stretching – drives me nuts – this ‘modern’ world. Geez! I’m a grumpy old man!!

 

 

Indy:

1st totally irrelevant memory late 60’s-

Telling my girlfriend about this great band “Motda Hoople” (midwest/Chicago accent).

It took a year before she figured out it was Mott THE Hoople.

Play on brother play on…..

IH: Will do brother – will do.

 

 

Mike Clark:

Reread your Diary book last month and enjoyed it immensely. Realizing that it decades ago, how much did Mott get playing the venues described in Detroit, Cleveland and/or Memphis??? Also, any 2025 tour plans????

IH: I’ve no idea. I mean we weren’t in debt – we must have been doing OK. I think we got $60 a week in the U.S.. I remember at Gunter Grove (Bowie town) we were the only ones in the black (165 GBP) – everybody else was in the red.

 

 

That’s it for now, kids. 

Stay well !!

 

IH

The Horse’s Mouth xxx