Happy Christmas to all our readers (and a cautious New Year).

 

Neil McCormack:

Hi Ian. All of the good ones album is very special to me as I discovered you and Mott when I was 15, and this was the first of your albums that I could purchase on release day when i was but a wee 16 year old.

Have you ever performed Fun or Something’s Going On live? I’ve seen you a few times now but never heard either played.

There are some real gems on that album…imho.

IH: No, never did them live. Don’t think I toured that record; must have forgotten about them.

 

Art O:

Please write a song about the election

as a follow up to When Im President.

Your wit and sarcasm are legendary….

as a potential title…may I suggest

“Pardon Me” ( I think im gonna…)

Long time fan…Art

IH: Well, ‘Fiction’ (‘Defiance – Part II’) pretty much covers where we are at the moment.

 

 

Mike Cleveland:

Hello! I’ve always wanted to ask – what is your height?

IH: 5’ 11’ and holding!

 

 

 

Hal:

Hi Ian,

I am enjoying the Chrysalis re-releases of your 2 albums. Couple of questions. Any plans for re release of Welcome to the Club? Also, I assume Bastard (my colonoscopy song!) was cut somewhat because of vinyl limitations? Do they OK something like this with you or just go ahead and do what they want?

Hope you and your family are well and looking forward to some possible Q&A stuff at some point.

IH: They own the records, so they can reissue without consulting me. Actually, I think they’ve done a pretty good job on them.  Perhaps ‘Welcome to the Club’ might be next. It should be – it’s one of the better live albums out there.

 

 

Tim Livingston:

Just picked up the new vinyl pressings of Your’re Never Alone.. and Short Back and Sides and listening to your demo of “Don’t Let Go” reminded me what a brilliant song it is. Of course Ellen’s vocal is magnificent on her version but any reason you never released it yourself other thant the live Strings? Also was it written for possible inclusion on “Schizophrenic?

IH: It would have slowed down ‘Schizophrenic’. We didn’t need ‘Don’t Let Go’, and Ellen wanted it – so I gave it to her.

 

 

Cliff Carpenter (aka Skwishy):

After listening to Mott the Hoople hundreds of times over the past fifty years, I still don’t know who the friend is in “Your Own Backyard “. I know it’s not the same as Dion’s friend. Internet versions of the lyrics say it’s “Robertson” but I’m not sure that’s correct. So why did you use whatever name you chose?

IH: No idea – too far back.

 

 

Martin:

Hello Ian, this is kind of mean but a true story so funny that I thought I’d share, no need to respond. I was at a Clash show in 1978 with my then girlfriend. As we’re walking out, I asked her, so, what do you think? She said, Clash the Hoople

IH: You go girl!!!

 

 

Matt Nojonen:

Dear Mr. Hunter,

What is the largest crowd you ever played for?

Sincerely,

Matt

IH: Wembley Stadium – the Freddie Mercury Memorial concert. 72,000 in the audience plus a billion watching on TV globally.

 

 

Tony S:

Hi Mr. Hunter,

I hope this finds you happy and healthy.

Watching a doc about Bad Company.

Of course you were tight with some of them.

Seems to lean on Mr Rodgers being a bit of an arse.

Thoughts of them forming?

IH: Yeah, Paul was a bit of a handful in the old days, but he did a massive U-turn and you couldn’t meet a nicer guy there days.  He’s still in touch with Ralpher.

 

 

 

Dan Hartmann:

Earl Slick plays guitar on Tony Levin’s latest release. The track is called “Boston Rocks.” No relation to “England Rocks.”

Speaking of Tony Levin, you might want to see if he would contribute to Defiance Part 3. He is famous for his work with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel. Has also played with John Lennon, Pink Floyd and Paul Simon, among others. His Chapman Stick playing can add a new dimension to a song, like on “Shock the Monkey.”

IH: Great stuff – different neck of the woods.

 

 

Ian Merryweather:

Hi, are you aware of the other Artful Dodger song about Darrell Bath by Micky Kemp? I’ d not heard of Micky Kemp before but encountered him supporting Willie Nile at the 100 club 2 – 3 years ago. Darrell had been in his band at some point. He gave you a name check before singing the song on the night as well.

I’d also like to thank you for the years of enjoyment you’ve provided me with – I was late to the party and signed up around Brain Capers after seeing the album in a school friend’s hand. You’ve now touched 3 generations of my family. You may remember my kids used to like shouting out Sod Ya to Artful Dodger in the car and my wife jumping ship from seeing you at The Waterfront in Norwich and going to see Take That in Norwich instead (The Backstreet Boys as you called them!). My daughter and her boyfriend came with me to The Waterfront instead, now some years later they presented me with a grandson and a photo of me and young Harvey made it to the I Hate Hate video.

Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 Defiance albums.

Keep on rockin’ (but only if you want to) . Why do fans expect musicians to carry on and not retire?

IH: Sorry, never heard of Micky Kemp. Actually, I never called Darrell ‘Dazza’. Got that one mixed up with somebody else.  Regards to the family (except the wife)! As far as retirement goes – I don’t think musicians ever retire.

 

 

Malcolm Lay:

Any thoughts of the Pet shop Boys version of ‘Dudes’??? Just shows you how great songs will always get airplay.

Just been released and it is very popular in the UK and did they ask your permission to release it and would David Bowie approved??

IH: It’s a great song.

 

 

Patrick Beirne:

Hi Ian

Can I ask if you ever believed you wouldn’t make it in the music industry. You were relatively older than most musicians of your era when you broke through. Did you think your ship had sailed. Was success a validation.

IH:I hung in and eventually got the call.

 

 

Gaenor:

So is the rumour that you’ll be a contestant on next year’s Strictly true? Please don’t say no xxx

IH: Oh yeah – I’ll be dancing too!

 

 

Scott:

Mick Ronson……how many artists did he make better……I know this isn’t his site, but you do a great thing keeping his memory alive….

IH: Every artist Mick played with benefited from is improvement of their work.

 

 

 

Doug Schorling:

I recently saw The Cult in concert. At the end of their performance, Ian Astbury said “Goodnight; don’t forget us, we won’t forget you.” He paused and then added, “I got that from Mott the Hoople.” Do you know Ian Astbury and did you know he was using your closing lines from Mott’s 1974 live album?

IH: Yeah, Joe Elliott has used it too. 

 

 

Jem H:

Hi Ian, I’ve just watched and listened to ‘Flowers’ by yourself & The Rant Band, c. 15 years ago, on YouTube (Jools Holland…]

It was that performance, when I saw it originally on TV, that resulted in me buying the Man Overboard CV. Great lyrics, great melody and a great message.

It’s only just occurred to me today that your song, as well as probably arising from your thoughts of certain events of the time (like much great pop art and poetry), could have been influenced also by some of the work of Bob Dylan (either consciously or unconsciously). Was it ?

I’d take this opportunity to wish you and yours a great festive season, and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2025!

P.S. Just before ‘Flowers’ on Jools back then, I’d previously watched and listened to yours and The Rant Band’s version of (your) Once Bitten Twice Shy song at NY back in 2014 – with the guitar solo similar to Mick’s! If you see her or speak to her say all the best to Suzie (Ronson) from a fan of yours and hers (and his). Ta Ian

IH: Bob Dylan was a big influence on me originally, but by the time we got to ‘Flowers’ – I think I’m on my own.

 

 

Paul:

Hi Ian.

I had a ticket for MTH but the band split. I saw you and Mick a few times and Mott.

I was very lucky to see the reunion at Hammersmith with my wife Angela.

We were ringht at the front. I managed to touch the great Overend’s Bass. What a concert !!!

I remember you saying to Verden ‘You started it’ meaning leaving the band first.

How are you ? Do you think you will get back on the road. We wait In antiseptic.

Mott the Hoople fans forever. (As long as forever exists. 😎🎸

Best regards

Paul and Angela.

IH: I said, “You started it” to Verden because he was the one that got us back together for those Hammersmith shows.

 

 

Mike Wellington:

Hello Ian Hunter! I love listening you, and listening Mick Ronson. And I wanted to ask why YUI Orta is not in spotify? Such a good album, but it’s not in spotify. Have a good day!

IH: Haven’t a clue.

 

 

Erlan Netten:

Enjoyed a wonderful evening with my best friend for more than 65 years last night. A two hours walk uphill to the mountains (the cable car shut down due to bad maintenance), carrying a beautiful piece of sea fish, my friend making the dinner, watching the Arsenal match, emptying a bottle of mature aquavit and the highlight of the evening; listening to the (remastered) All American Alien Boy. I have always loved that album, and rediscovered how amazingly good that album is. The songs, the musicians, the production, pure class! Still shocked that this album was labeled a commercial suicide. Can’t wait for the the Defiance 3 album! !

IH: It happens; your audience isn’t ready for a radical change – they want more of the same. Nowadays it’s well considered, but back then it was a bit of a shock to a lot of people.

 

 

Matt Nojonen:

Dear Mr. Hunter,

I really liked your answer to my Q about selling your catalog. I can understand completely. Your music must be like another child to you.

IH: Oh yeah – 303 kids.

 

 

Mark F:

I know your not a movie guy, but will you see “A Complete Unknown”, the Bob Dylan 1961-1965 film?

IH: Sure.

 

 

Tom McGarry:

Best wishes to you and yours as well as the Ranters and theirs for the Christmas season and best wishes for 2025.

What a nice gesture to Johnnie Walker, a broadcaster much loved from the time many of us were first turned on to your music.

What do you make of the Pet Shop Boys ATYD cover? A great song ruined for me.

Any new music planned for 2025 release?

IH: Thanks. Yeah, I’m working on ‘Defiance III’. It may take a little while because Andy’s busy these days.

 

 

Bob Kleb:

After seeing the Bands inducted in this year’s Hall Of Fame ceremony it’s definitely clear your place in the Hall of Fame is nearing as a band or solo actually you should be in as both. Long overdue Mr. Hunter. Quick question Ian which song or songs you penned do you feel is the one or one’s that really you feel is about your personal upbringing & childhood ( 23A Swan hill)?. Best to you and ur family, hope you had a big family gathering for Thanksgiving. Till next time.

IH: “I Wish I Was Your Mother.”

 

 

Phil Taylor:

All the very Best for Christmas, mate!

Peace and love to you and yours from me and mine.

Tidings of comfort and joy!

Phil

IH: Cheers, Phil.

 

 

Gary Walden:

Just wondered what you thought of rock stars in their 70’s who still dye their hair so they look younger, yet, you let your hair gradually turn white/grey.

 

Does it frustrate you that you don’t get more deserved recognition for your great songwriting and performance skills? You more than deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

IH: I’m still ‘slightly’ ginger or ash blonde – depending on the lighting!

Part II: Ain’t worth talking about.

 

 

Tom Greff:

This brings back some great memories.

 

 

Wishing you and Trudi a Merry Christmas and a great 2025!

IH: Didn’t know this existed. Pretty amazing really – 50 years later and people still having a chat about MTH.

 

 

Indy:

What is your opinion of Great Whites “Once Bitten Twice Shy”?

I’ m guessing financially you like it but what about musically?

Some good old Hoople YouTube videos out there–band was really tight and looked like a bunch of high school kids.

IH: There was this chap, Alan Niven who had managed Guns & Roses and Great White. Axel Rose told me G&R found ‘Once Bitten’ and they were going to do the song but Niven heard it and persuaded them to give it to Great White as they were looking for a single. Great White sold 2 million – the record G&R put out sold 7 million – so you do the math!

 

 

Geoff Pearson:

I was reminded in the most recent HM that when you were at Francis, Day & Hunter, so too was Roger Glover (Deep Purple). Did you ever see Roger again after that? I am curious, having seen Deep Purple in London just last week: still a towering rock band.

IH: Yeah, I know Roger. We’d both sneak in on Fridays to get our wages. They were looking for songs for Tom Jones and Englebert Humperdinck. We were failing miserably!

 

 

J C Finn

Have you ever worked with, or met any members of The Who?

IH: I’ve met Pete a few times – a genuinely nice fellow. Roger and I did the Mick Ronson benefit gig – nice guy. Hung out with Keith Moon one night in LA. MTH played with them way back when. Saw them at the Roundhouse and blew me away. On a good night – The Who were the best.

 

 

That’s it for now. Like I said, Happy Christmas!!! And a dodgy New Year!!!

IH

The Horse’s Mouth

 

p.s. Classic Rock have “Defiance – Part II” at No 7 in their top 50 albums of 2024!!!