How’s it going kids….hope all is well with you and yours….
Bill Milks:
You are the only artist that I know of that has a such a large body of work where I can enjoy your solo work now as much as MTH. The Defiance releases are fantastic. I was just listening to Pavlov’s Dog for the 1000th time and was wondering if Mr. DeLeo suggested the slide guitar or did you have that idea when you wrote the song? Thanks again for so much terrific, intelligent music.
IH: We sent them the basics – vocals, piano, drums and lyrics – they did the rest. Same on “Weed” – Brilliant.
Leonard Copperbottom:
Hello Ian Hunter! In your song “Boy,” written together with Ronno, there’s a line: “When the woman helps to write.” Is this a reference to someone, like Leo Tolstoy, or someone else? Or is it a metaphor for something? Thanks in advance for your reply!
IH: It’s to do with inspiration.
Dave Gilbert
Hi Ian, Trust all is well with you and your loved ones, came across this article on postpunkmonk.com, not sure if you have seen it? Seems a like a real fan of yours.
https://postpunkmonk.com/2025/01/07/short-back-n-sides-ian-hunters-outlier-to-post-punk-part-1/
IH: Very nice. Ronno and I were tired at the time – too much touring. I didn’t have much in the way of songs – we needed something! One of the songs was ‘Theater of the Absurd”. We knew little about reggae but knew Mick Jones did, so we asked him to produce that track. Once started, he kinda took over and we did the whole album with him as producer. He brought in Topper (who, contrary to the press reports at the time) was totally straight and brilliant. Mick Jones liked playing radiators! It was different for us.
Dru:
Can you talk about the similarities and or differences between Mick Ralphs and Mick Ronson as backing vocalists?
IH: Ralpher was thinner and higher, but always found a good part. Ronno could do anything, as can Andy York.
Rick Goward:
Rewatching the great mockumentary Spinal Tap and I noticed Harry Shearer wearing a Shrewsbury Town FC jersey. I’m a Californian but I know that’s from your neck of the woods growing up. It made me wonder if you support a local club and if so might be The Shrews ?
Fingers Crossed for another chance to see you
IH: Yeah, after all these years I still check the Shrewsbury Town (and Northampton Town) results. Hasn’t been too lovely lately. No money.
Reginald Playken:
Good afternoon. I’m curious, could you share if you had any formal education or training before pursuing your musical journey? Thank you!
IH: They gave me a triangle at Shrewsbury Grammar – that was about it.
Leonard Copperbottom:
Hello. I stole a phrase from your song for my suggestion of Bradbury’s story. You don’t mind, do you? The phrase is at the end:
Tom walked along the ruined city road with Grigsby, who eventually led them into a scorched forest. They stood amidst the charred trunks, the ash-covered ground stretching endlessly before them. Tom’s gaze fell upon an unusual pattern in the dirt. To him, it was more than ash—it was a painting, a vision. In it, he saw a lush, green forest, one he’d never seen in real life.
“What do you see here?” Tom asked.
“I see… ash?” Grigsby replied.
“Look closer.”
Grigsby squinted, tilting his head, but when he saw nothing more, he shrugged. “Let’s move on.”
Grigsby trudged ahead, but Tom stayed, staring at the burned earth. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of canvas—the smile of the Mona Lisa.
It seemed to whisper to him, “Boy, you’ve still got everything to create.”
IH: Go for it!
Thomas Brecht:
I wish you and yours a blessed new year!
My question is about the song “The 3rd Rail”.
Do the words refer to a true story and if so, which one?
IH: It’s a lot of true stories, and they’re happening all the time in NY City.
Claire:
Did your father ever make any comments to you about your song, “Ships”? Did the song create any change in your relationship with him?
IH: My Dad never discussed any of my stuff with me, although he did discuss one song with his brother-in-law (my Uncle Willie Fueguson – who told me). None of my family discuss my stuff. It isn’t done!!
Mike Wellington:
Hello. I’ll ask you a few questions. Thank you in advance for your reply!
1) I would like to know who plays the drums in YUI Orta?
2) The album YUI Orta is not available on Spotify or any official streaming services. It’s only accessible through pirated sources like VK Music and YouTube. You mentioned that you have no idea why the album isn’t officially available. Its absence is very disappointing. Is there any chance that it will eventually be released online?
3) Should we wait for Defiance part III this year?
4) Who should I contact to discuss covering the song American Music?
IH: Mickey Curry. As Chrysalis owns the masters, it is up to them.
Defiance III won’t come this year. Too close to the last release and it’s still a work in progress. There’s nothing stopping you covering ‘American Music’ – as long as I get the writing credit (and therefore the bread!).
Big Rab:
Ian, hope you and Trudi are all fine x
Only one person can sing ‘ Like a Rolling Stone ‘
Go on , give it a bash mate, you would absolutely nail it, the only singer who would come close.
I know its everywhere right now, but hey…you’ve sang it before…right ?>
God love ye bud
IH: I’ll leave that one to the man!
Shinobu Kokubun:
Hi Ian,
Ten years ago today, on January 16, you gave your first live concert in Japan!
Those three days were very special and wonderful for me.
Thank you so much✨
How is your tinnitus?
I hope it is getting better.
I hope to see you somewhere someday.
IH: Is it ten years already!! We had a most enjoyable time in your great city. All that was missing were flying cars!! Tinnitus varies, it never gets better. You just have to get used to it.
Tim:
I’ve been trying to work out how Mick Ronson came to be classically trained. All tributes mention his classical music training but this was certainly not the norm in Bilton Grange in Hull in the 50s. Did Mick ever mention how his training started, eg the influence of his parents or neighbours or a teacher? To put it into perspective, I was born in Hull in the 50s, when I was about 10, my school offered violin lessons and I asked my father if I could take them. my father told me to clear off and play football, he didn’t want any “poofters” in his house. Grateful for any background.
IH: Suzi Ronson just walked through the door. I knew Mick’s Mum and Dad, and neither were musically inclined. He said he had to do violin first to get to his favourite – the cello. I think the cello heavily influenced his (and others) sound. He also had piano lessons.
Michael West:
Hi ian do you support the Shrews?? I just put this together .hope it cracks a smile!
Its Saturday.
Seems we’re both the same we watched the game
You watched the town for half a crown
I went to the Manor for two bob and a tanner
And it’s up the Us and you watched the Shrews it’s just a game of snakes and ladders
Down the pub pregame banter explanation speculation beer and banter
Games to win or loose and its up the Us and up the Shrews and bets for a tanner more that we lost than a winner.
Terrace fug of overcoats woodbine and Bovril
floodlight nights when the mist rolls in on a midweek clash of blue and yellow
We lost the ball on the bowling green you got yours back in a Severn coracle
Old grounds lost new ones found the London Road cuckoo lane the manor to us
And you was Wakeman and the railway end to a memory left to some in that Gay meadow
But its up the Us and come on Shrews it’s just another Saturday to blow the blues away
IH: Up yours!! (That was my first instinct – sorry.) Yeah. Remember all the hospital patients on the balconies? I was up the Tech end (in mud) and Deapier didn’t know how to play football. I once went in goal at Sammy Crooks house (I knew his son). Bannister tapped the ball into my stomach and the ball (and me) hit the back of the net! And here we are again!!! Bottom!!! (Nice one, by the way.) p.s. Still on Marmite.
Charlie Fox:
Hi Ian, Feeling reflective today—my dad was a huge fan of yours. When I was a young teen, we were on The Horses Mouth (I’m 31 now). I was too young to attend your concert, but it ended up being one of the best experiences. You told us to come to the stage door with my dad, and we did—you let us stay the whole evening. I was 12, and your daughter looked after me while my dad grabbed us some food. We even met Brian May that night, but I kept forgetting because you were the priority!
I saw you again in 2013 when you performed in Brighton. I was living there for uni, and my dad came to visit. He passed in 2014, which was the hardest time of my life, but I love that you’re still around. I live in Australia now, but I still try to see you when I can, even on my own sometimes.
Are you planning any shows near Australia soon?
Let me know if there’s anything else to add or adjust!
PS: My dad was also called Ian
IH: On hold at the moment (doing ‘Defiance III’ – slowly.)
Dave Crisfield:
Hope all is well at Hunter Towers and that you and Trudi are keeping well. It goes without saying that we miss seeing you live. Hopefully an acoustic/Q&A show might yet happen.
Wanted to share this with you that Billy Bragg is doing. It would be fantastic if something similar could be done for you with your long standing hard core fans given an opportunity to share memories. Just a thought.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1142792000542457&set=a.205536514268015
IH: Not directly on facebook. Can you extrapolate on that?
Gav:
I have listened to you from AAAB onwards but never caught you live until you played a small venue in Ayr in 1999,and was blown away .
Recently on Spotify I came across an album called The Secret Sessions with you Ronno,Corky Laing & Felix Papalardi . The album includes a great early version of The Outsider. The YNAWAS version has always been an all-time favourite of mine.No live version seems to exist, did you ever play it live, and if not any reason?
IH: I don’t think I ever did sing it live. It’s always difficult when you have a lot of slow songs, as I do. I’ve got to say, ‘Corky’s voice suits the song perfectly. He’s got that old western feel in his voice that I could never do.
Tim McKenna:
Back home in England are there any of those round Blue and Green Historic Markers stating something like “Ian Hunter slept here” or “MTH played here “? And if not, where should they be placed?
IH: No idea, Look, I’ve had a great time – don’t need any medals. Medals are for war heroes (my Dad had a few).
Stonefly:
Greetings Ian
You have dispensed pearls of wisdom throughout the years I have spent reading the HM. However, you were in fine form in January:
A. “Just call yourself Playken – one name – that’s a good name.”
B. “Carrots” doesn’t fit” “Ice and pebbles” (As a lyric improvement)
Those are two pieces of quality advice! Your two fans would do well to heed your suggestions.
And…your response to my own question, “It’s not just the action, it’s where and when you push.” (In response to tickling the ivories)- Profound.
If you keep it up at this pace they will be calling you Chas Chandler!
IH: Yeah, well I was thinking of Gospel.
Sara Lynn:
Why were you never asked to open for Queen + Adam Lambert?
IH: No. It never occurred to them or me. When you’ve headlined over another artist you’re not that keen to go back and support – and they’re not that keen to ask.
Paul Alvarez:
Cheers, Ian. All the best to you and your family in 2025.
Did Mott every cross paths with Rory Gallagher or Taste?
IH: MTH never crossed paths with Rory or Taste. However, prior to Mott, Miller Anderson and I toured Ireland with Freddie Fingers Lee, and Taste supported. Rory was a lovely guy.
Neil McCormack:
Hi Ian, is it true the Dale was possibly for the high jump at one point, with Paul Thompson of Roxy Music considered as a replacement?
Would that have worked given how close he and Pete Watts seem to have been?
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
IH: No comment.
Carl Grimm:
Have you ever spoken to Barry Manolow? Does “heave in the bogs” mean that you threw up in the airplane toilet? All the best.
IH: We spoke on the phone, and yes to the second part of your question.
Dan McDo:
Cheers Ian! Writing to ask if you are aware of the “On Track” series of books, “every album, every song””. Last year saw your solo career covered, written by G. Mick Smith. It’s well done, except that at least half of it is lifted right out of the hardcover book included in the Stranded in Reality box set. Thought you should know, if you don’t already.
I’m almost finished listening to each cd in order (all 30) from the box. Truly a stunning collection of amazing music; I would put it up there with the best.
IH: Yes, I heard about this. Appreciated, but as you know, Campbell Devine is the chap when it comes to stuff about me or Mott. Glad you like it. I know it’s not inexpensive, but so much work went into it.
Mike Wellington:
Hello, Ian Hunter.
Once again, I’d like to ask about YUI Orta. Do you think it deserves a reissue? Its 35th anniversary just passed, and many fans, including me, believe it’s one of your most underrated works.
Thank you for your time!
IH: I though it was just reissued on Chrysalis?
Oour Wullie:
Happy Burns day…..lang may your lum reek
IH: How’s it gangin’?
Keith Storey:
I watched the documentary, “The Session Man” about Nicky Hopkins (Morgan Fisher is one of the people intrviewed). Did you ever meet Nicky Hopkins? What did you think of his skills as a piano player?
IH: I’m not sure if I ever met Nicky. He’s great – right up there!! He was in the Power Station working on a Meatloaf record that became the Steinman record. There were a few people there.
Robert Santiago:
Hello Ian Hunter,
I would like to ask you about the song Sons ‘N’ Lovers from the album YUI Orta. In the verse, it seems to be about love, but soon it mentions a mother. I have a theory that the first part of the song is from the perspective of two lovers who later get married and have a son. But then the man decides to leave the family, and the song continues from the son’s perspective, seeing his mother dating other men.
However, I would like to know the true meaning of the song, which is why I’m asking you. Thank you in advance for your reply!
IH: The short answer is – I don’t recall.
Tripp:
You’ve been asked most everything fathomable. So if this has been asked;sorry! If you were to watch music based movie. Out of the 5 which would you pick?
The Girl Can’t Help It
Blues Brothers
The Commitments
Jailhouse Rock
Bohemian Rapsody
My very best to you and Trudy !
IH: “The Girl Can’t Help It” by a long mile.
Bill C:
Many people have written songs about a heavy load, but I don’t think anyone has written a song about a Wide load. This would resonate with anyone who has ever tried to load a piece of plywood into your car in a windy day . I was behind a truck and this is where my mind went . Sorry no question , just cabin fever kicking in .
IH: That would be correctly termed a long load. I know about these things.
Josiah P. Wedgewood:
Fish and chips fried in beef dripping. Those were the days eh? Not the same now – like the Pet Shop Boys cover of ‘Dudes’ and Cadbury’s Creme Eggs. Still get tempted to look is second hand shops for guitars or is it just me?
IH: Life’s too short; you just do what you do. Don’t take any notice of ‘em.
Kevin Bowyer:
I’ve been walking some old haunts from 50 years ago at a particularly difficult time. I played ‘The Hoople’ album on the pods and thought what a good album that was. I was going to see MTH at Torquay in about 74 but the tour was cancelled. The gap between Hoople and Punk was a wasteland as far a I was concerned. I did eventually see MTH at the Hammersmith re-Union. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for the music. My question is ‘Did Gypsy ever get his Gibson back?’
IH: No. Guilty.
Dave Gilbert:
Hi Ian,
Trust all is well with you and your loved ones, came across this article on postpunkmonk.com, not sure if you have seen it? Seems a like a real fan of yours.
https://postpunkmonk.com/2025/01/07/short-back-n-sides-ian-hunters-outlier-to-post-punk-part-1/
IH: Thanks, but I think we covered this.
Freddy:
Hello Ian, I recently listened to the 2024 remaster of “The Bastard” and noticed that it is significantly shorter than the original 1979 version. The intro buildup has been removed, and the song starts much earlier, plus the ending is now cut off right after you finish singing. Also, there is a faint voice at the very beginning, which sounds like a radio transmission or something from the studio sessions.
Could you share why these changes were made? Was this an artistic decision, a technical issue, or something else?
Thanks, love your music!
IH: I heard about this. Someone thought it was too long for premium vinyl. It was an administrative decision – nothing to do with me.
Bob Kleb:
Ian, if you could choose one musician ( obviously that you haven’t played with) to play on stage with who would it be and what couple songs would you prefer? Also a friend of mine who was an ex record store owner & dealer imports etc sent me a live Mott The Hoople live show from 75/76 was excited till I seen no Ian Hunter, Nigel Benjamin I refused to play it though all the others were original members, sorry never felt the same with lineup w/o you. Don’t mean to be bias as it’s very common that singers were replaced and definitely were accepted & did well. Do you have a comment or thought about this period of transition and I’m sure the other members weren’t really into it as much. Best to you Ian hope ur doing well.
IH: Well, we split, so if they were to continue, I had to be replaced. That was totally fine with me. I was happy, they were continuing, it eased the guilt a bit. I got out of hospital in the U.S. and Mick Ronson said – “Do an album now.” So, we did. And if I could choose any musician to play with it would be Mick.
You’re saying somebody I haven’t played with – probably Leon Russell. I wouldn’t care which song. OK – “in the Ghetto” and “Watchin’ the River Flow”.
Alan in Portlandia:
Just a question on mic technique Do you record with several mics and sing between them as Ken Scott described doing with Bowie or do you have a go to although may have changed over the years
IH: Nah, any mike that’ll do. Andy brings one round – don’t even know what it is. I’ve got a Miktek in the basement. Nowadays you can ‘convert’.
Mark F:
Several years ago, I asked if you had read the book “38 Nooses”. You said no but now I will.
Did you indeed read about America’s other civil war? Did it have any impact on writing TSKW (Crazy Horse)?
IH: I did a lot of reading for ‘Crazy Horse’. I’m reasonable well versed in that period – or I was at the time. I loved that ‘he walked his horse up and rode him down.” Common sense personified! Don’t recollect ’38 Nooses’ – but, it’s a while ago.
Paul Brolan:
Hi Ian, quick interview on BBC Breakfast just now (0835hrs GMT Feb 3rd) about tinnitus which you may already know about but thought it worth a mention. ‘Mindfulness’ seems to be the main theme to help which you are probably already doing. Good luck, keep well.
IH: I’m used to it. I’m OK with it – it becomes the norm. The problem is I can’t use in-ears.
And on that happy note, I’ll sign off.
A pleasure, as usual
IH
The Horse’s Mouth xxx