Spring!!!
Mike Costanzo:
I watch C-Span a lot and especially like the British Prime Mnisters Question and Answer period from the House of Commons every week. I think its a good tradition especailly when our own Congressional stuff is so boring. So my question is: Since living in the U.S., do you still keep up with British politics?
IH: Not really. I hear it’s as bad as bad as the U.S..
Jeff:
Greetings, I am a big fan of the song Irene Wilde. Love the melody. Was that by chance a song about you?
IH: Well, it’s not about ‘me’. It’s about somebody else.
LaVerne Kreklau:
No question here, just a very belated note of thanks to you and your sound crew for the best concert I had ever attended. And I have attended a lot of shows.
The show I am referencing is the April 17, 1974 (I still have the ticket stub) in Kansas City, Kansas.
If my memory is correct usually the opening band would not get much attention to how the sound was. But the Queen set was great in both sound and performance. But then Mott The Hoople took the stage and and really blew me away.
You continue to write great songs. Looking forward to Part 2.
Thank you for being you.
IH: Wow!! This is belated! We had a great time on that tour, but then Brian got ill.
Graham Knowles:
Hi Ian
For instance, the Mott album, could you name all tracks and in the right order?
Graham Knowles
IH: “Memphis’ was on it, ‘Honnaloochie Boogie’, Ralpher’s beauty, ‘El Camino Dolo Roso’; ‘I Wish I Was Your Mother’ ‘Ballad of Mott’…….so no!
Gary Sawruk
Ian you are one of the greatest song writers and lyric writers ever!! Great career in Mott the hoople hoople and even greater as a solo artist!! Of course great with Hunter Ronson band and the rant band also!! I always think of that had Mick lived of all the other great songs you would have treated us to!! Ian however carries on and on!! Mick great guitarist and you greatest song writers!! I salute you on a fabulous career and it ain’t over by a long shot!! I know you don’t care but if their was ever a bloke like you being in the Rock Hall of Fame it is you first before others!! You are definitely a hall of Famer to all us Hunter fans!! The songs are the best and so are you !! Long Live Ian Hunter Patterson!!! Gary Sawruk # 144 (my badge number) !!!
IH: That’ll get you in!! Long live #144!
Terry:
Hello Ian: I was listening to an interview with Dion last night and his versions of Dylans songs are some of my favourites. Do you have any particular Dylan covers that you like and while we’re on the topic did you see A Complete Unknown and if so what did you think.
IH: I’m kinda over Bob; I’ve seen it all over the years. I’ve been there the whole time so what’s the point in going back. Don’t get me wrong – he’s always been my #1. It’s the same with the Beatles and the Stones – I saw it all the first time round.
Dru:
I was reading about David Johansen’s health battles and it once again shows that most everyone is a major illness away from financial disaster proving our system doesn’t work.
IH: Sad about David – such a character. Couldn’t resist that huge smile.
Malcolm Lay:
One of the best tracks on MTH live is Sucker for me.
Really heavy, great vocals by someone ?? and good keyboards /piano etc.
A monster of a song but why on the Dudes LP is it quite light and airy??
Was this down to the BOwie production? Or was it just that MTH wanted to try new ideas when performing live??
IH: I went on U-tube. Surprised how weak ‘Dudes’ was – especially after ‘Brain Capers’. We were still the original band, so it wasn’t us. David was kinda light and poppy at the time. Ronno was not involved in the mixing. Also, albums were made to sound good on transistor radios back then.
Reginald Playken:
Hi, Ian Hunter! I don’t know, I’m just writing this because I love your music. You’re simply the best—you’re the one who inspires me to write songs every day like song about Snowman (though none have been released yet, and I have no idea when they will be).
And yeah, just between us—I ask a lot of the questions, but under different names. I hope there’s nothing wrong with that, right?
Once again, thank you for everything!
IH: Totally fine.
TR:
Finally heard Mott’s BBC Like a Rolling Stone. You were really into it. Was that your favorite Dylan song and is it still your favorite?
IH:’Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ at the moment – so simple. Why the hell didn’t I think of that!!!
Matt Parish:
Hey Ian –
More of an FYI than a question…
My wife and I recently got all of our Last Will & Testament paperwork together so when that time comes our kids aren’t scrambling around tryin’ fo figure out what’s what and who’s is who’s.
For some reason the song, “All The Way From Memphis” is the one our kids associate the most with my Last Will because I’ve kidded them about having to learn the lyrics to a MTH song it in order to receive anything when I pass for years.
This is to our lawyer;
If you could put in a (fake) clause saying this chorus needs to be sung in order to receive any benefits that would be great.
“Yeah it’s a mighty long way down rock ‘n’ roll
From the Liverpool docks to the Hollywood bowl
‘n you climb up the mountains ‘n you fall down the holes
All the way from Memphis…”
It will be a very bittersweet moment and I REALLY wish I could be there but alas that would dilute the whole thing!
I just want to be able to make them smile one last time… : )
This will be a slam dunk for them as I’ve played your songs for them on every ride to school, work, family trips, etc…
Thanks-
Matt
“And all the world’s a stage – it’s just that I ain’t on it anymore, anymore…”
Matt Parish:
Got the draft of my Last Will back from the lawyer this morning Ian!
This is in Section 3.1
Hope it opens for ya!
IH: IH: These poor kids! Leave them be!!
Pasquale:
Happy Valentine Day! Steve Conte, New York guitarist whose family comes from my hometown Catanzaro said he would like to play on up coming Defiance#3.. Any chance?? Speaking about NY Dolls (Steve played guitar with them years ago), I’ve heard very sad news about David Johansen. NY Dolls did some gig as support group with MTH and you played piano on a (great) song from his “In style” LP ( a Mick Ronson production). What did you think about him back then?
IH: We shall see. Don’t know who’s going to play on it myself yet. As for David, he was a great personality. I remember going with him up to his flat and he’d bricked up the kitchen! New York personified!
Moondog Wiley:
Greetings Legend;
First of all, thanks for all you have given us over the years with the incredible body of music you and your mates have produced that rank among my favorites of all time!
Second, I wanted to also thank you for the camaraderie that you show with your followers. Long before “The Horses Mouth”, I was able to meet you at Zivko’s in Hartford Wisconsin when you and Ronno were touring (I think 1989 maybe). I was allowed to board the tour bus to sit down and chat with each of you which was epic and will forever be lovingly etched in my mind ;~))
Question however is based on a song from your great “When I’m President” album (I think it was the best Rock album of the 2010’s, at least the ones I heard which I admit is very few). The song “Fatally Flawed” blew me away the first time I heard it (both lyrically and musically), and still does to this day. I am hoping that you will either share with me (or point me to where I can find), the basic chord structure of that song. I LOVE playing in my home studio many great songs (I already play “When I’m President”, “Who Do You Love”, “Billy Porter”, “Only After Dark”, “Moonage Daydream”, “Queen Bitch”, etc.) and would love to play “Fatally Flawed” but I do not have the ear to figure it out the parts myself nor have I been able to find the chords posted anywhere! Me, my guitar and my cajon (which is how I play, nothing added after the fact, kind of Billy Bragg style) would all appreciate it so I can add this great piece to my repertoire of fantastic songs to play (in addition to my incredible collection of originals) ;~))
Best to you and yours!
P.S. You are ~1060 moons old as of Feb 13, 2025 – I know this because I built a “Moonage Calculator” in 1996 after listening to “Moonage Daydream” for the thousandth time and wondering “What is my moon age”! Calculator is available on my website which I will not link here.
IH: Because I’m 1060 moons – I can’t remember how the song goes!
Marty G:
Good Day Ian-
I just finished reading this month’s Horse’s Mouth, and one of the questions brought back a memory, and spawned this question:
After you left Mott The Hoople, and the band carried on with Nigel as lead singer, I attended a live concert featuring Mott & Sparks in New York City. (amazing double bill)
At the concert, in the audience, was a man who looked like you. I remember staring at the man, who then said hello to me in an English accent. I was so shocked, did not answer, and basically I ran away.
All of these years I have wondered, was that you, and did I miss a chance to speak with my favorite rocker because I was too intimated to even say hello?
72 years old now, and you and Mott have been with me for 56 of those years!!!
Thanks
Marty G.
IH: Could have been – did go to see them in the city.
Peter Jordan:
I was wondering if you had a favourite Mick Ronson song and if so why?
I know you’ve spoken warmly about Heaven and Hull for being a focus during Mick’s illness but is there a particular track?
My own favourite is ‘Music is Lethal’ from the Slaughter album.
IH: I’m with you.
Matt Nojonen:
Dear Mr. Hunter,
News about Uriah Heep’s last hurrah prompted a dig into the band’s history. According to the internets, you auditioned for them in the post-Mott days. Can you tell us about that? Did you consider joining any other bands in those days? Did you ever consider assembling a “super group”, which was in fashion at the time?
Thanks, Matt
IH: I NEVER auditioned for Uriah Heep. They wanted me when the first singer left (Mick Box?). Ken Hensley sent me a load of albums with certain songs accentuated. Wasn’t my cup of tea.
Janet:
Hello, commenting on January’s ‘mouth’:
You answered someone that Schizophrenic was alot of fun to do. I can tell you it was soooo much fun to work! Not just because it was so easy to sell….we recreated the cover on a wooden 4′ x 4′. Got the material to make your clothes and made your hair out of rope, it was brilliant! I let the record store empl
IH: I didn’t know about the ‘Theme Music Award’ – so thank you for that! Drew Carey is one of the good guys. He stuck up for the music – unlike many others. I’ve no idea who pitched the song – maybe Drew? The video a great!!! As soon as I saw it I knew they were going to keep the song. Don’t know why they picked the other version, but it was fine by me!
Janet:
Continue. I let the record store employee store this masterpiece in his basement cuz he was the true artist and I was just the label marketing girl. Best job ever.
I should have taken it when I had the chance. One of the great regrets of my life, or at least my career. There may be a picture of it somewhere.
Hopefully I’ll come across it someday.
Thanks always for the music and the memories ❤️
IH: You go girl!!
Michael Wolf:
Hey Ian! Been awhile, been busy. So my question this time is….The recording process has changed so greatly over the years. Do you feel it was in a way much better when you started out? Or now having all the bells and whistles, so to speak, the process is now smoother, easier, less complicated? I’m glad the creative juices are still flowing and looking forward to III. Stay well sir.
IH: Well, you can do whatever you want now – if, you know the technology (which I don’t – but know people that do). I still like the simple approach, not too fond of fabricated stuff. It was new then and it’s new now. All good. We couldn’t have done the ‘Defiance’ albums back then. Also, it was a lot more expensive in the19’s. Record deals were big! Now you don’t need so much – although promotion is another story altogether.
Robert Stronach:
Hello Hello Hello
Mr Hunter or can I call you Ian, the big question of the day is are you able to tour Australia & New Zealand as I would like to see you in concert before I pop off this Mortal Coil.
Thanks for your Music you Young Dude
IH: We’ll see.
Dave Pickard:
Hi Ian, I know it’s a big ask, I’ve been a fan and listened to all your music since 73 and seen you about 20 times, and asked loads of stuff on Horses Mouth, I recently released my first solo album ‘Year of the dog’ it’s on most streaming sites, iTunes etc, I would love it if you could give it five minutes. thanks Dave
IH: It’s tough out there, Dave. My manager told me there are 130,000 releases a day. Good luck with it!
Seth:
Have you ever been to the National Museum of the American Indian in NYC
The National Museum of the American Indian in New York has a collection of Native American artifacts, including an Oglala Sioux shirt that once belonged to Crazy Horse. The museum is located in the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House at One Bowling Green in lower Manhattan.
IH: I didn’t know – wow. I wonder how they know it was his? They don’t know where he’s buried. Thank you. I’ll get Trudi to make a note of this for the next time we’re in town.
Seth:
Thinking of starting a podcast of British rockers snubbed by the RRHOF
IH: Don’t go in for the business side of things.
Seth Purvin:
Ian, one of the nice things I loved about my beloved Yankees came to a close today after forty-nine years players can grow beards; George must be rolling in his grave.
Today is the first spring training game 02/21/25.
No, Soto, I’m a little bummed about that, but I believe it will be hard for the Mets or anyone else for that matter to beat the Dogers for the pennant this year.
Ian Im going to try to score every game this year. I’ll let you know how it goes
IH: I’m over it!
Rick Graves:
Hi Ian! Letter To Britannia From The Union Jack is such a great song – so descriptive and thoughtful. I’m curious what inspired you to write the song and how you thought of using the perspective of the Union Jack? Thanks for all the many wonderful years of great music and shows. Take care, Rick
IH: I guess it was a clearer perspective as I was no longer there and I’d had a little time to reflect. It was beautifully played by all concerned – especially Jaco and Cornell Dupree.
Julie Davies:
Just want to wish you well. All the young dudes just came on tv and sent me spiralling into the early 70’s. Here’s wishing you the best of days.
IH: Sorry ‘bout that!
Laurent Moitrot:
Hello Ian. The French guy here. Long time no see.
I should probably keep this secret secret but I can’t resist telling it to you. If things happen as planned (you never know, fingers crossed) James Mastro will produce my second record. It means I’ll fly to Montclair, NJ, next May to record the bass and drums over the guitar tracks I already laid down and of course James will mix the record and share the guitar duties. A teenager’s dream comes true. My first album was in English, this one, a mini album with 6 tracks, will be in French. It’ll include a cover of Mastro’s song “My God” with French lyrics. Thinking of Paul Page to play the bass so you and the Rant Band will be present in spirit. Beware I’m getting closer to you. LOL. Bye for now. Patiently waiting for “Defiance part 3”. Keep on rocking.
IH: Nice one! Definitely, Paul Page,– he means it.
Bob Kleb:
Ian, as your fans appreciate what you have given them in music, lyrical insight and great sound I’m sure we/ they would like Ian to walk us through a day in your life from morning to laying the head on the pillow, if you could enhance us of your daily lifestyle, chores it would be enlightening…..Also too keep this short you need to know how much you have influenced so many young lives into and through adulthood with your musical abilities blended in tune with deep angelical lyrics of knowledge, experience and realistic future thoughts, to this day in “25” ur creations not only continue to give us hope but after listening they continuously replay in our souls off & on over time. Much appreciated of what you have given us then,today & in the coming future. Thank you Mr Hunter.
IH: Same a you, probably. I walk, I google, I eat, I crossword and I swear at the TV. .Somewhere in there I’m downstairs doing what I still love to do for you folks. Trudi takes care of everything else. So it goes. People come, people go. Susie Ronson just left this morning. She was here while her apartment was being repainted.
Joseph:
Any song /video/show when you were really “loaded” that came out great?
You’re even older than me so you can ‘fess up. Another book?
IH:I remember with Mott one time at a University gig – early on. You know you have one hit – nothing; two hits – nothing; then one day or rather evening – we were just about to go on and wham!! I was on the ceiling!! Survived – but learned my lesson.
Actually, my brain loves to mess with me, so I’ve never done much of anything. If I were on the edge of a cliff my brain would say, ‘jump’.
Don’t know about another book.
Mike Pecucci:
Aye Ian, While watching a (storming!) video of MTH on French TV ’71, I noticed how much of a beating you’re giving the keyboards…bouncing it off the floor,full arm swings on the keys…
Could those old keyboards take a punch? Or in constant need of repair?
IH: I broke two toes playing that thing. I’d be limping at airports – and not one of them would wait! The keyboard – battered – but it survived.
Ad so it goes – be well.
IH
The Horse’s big Mouth
xxx