Here we are again!!!
Mick T:
Hi Ian,
Hope you’re doing well. I Got into your music after seeing you and Mick perform at the Freddie Mercury tribute. Followed your career ever since and still loving the music you put out.
After hearing of the sad passing of Clem Burke I wanted to ask if you had any meetings with Clem or the other members of blondie?
IH: Clem was a total gentleman. Once, when I was in LA Clem took it upon himself to host me. At that particular time I didn’t know much about what was going on in L.A.. We wound up in a club watching Terry Reid with Neil Young’s band. Terry Reid blew me away – amazing singer. Haven’t seen Debbie or Chris recently, but our paths cross now and again – we were on Chrysalis.
Tim Smith:
First off thanks for years and years and tears of wonderful and thoughtful music.
I have three questions., which is excessive but here we go . . .
I was listening to Central Park and West just the other day and was wondering if Frank Carillo ever actually did get it off his chest.
I realized the other day that I’d been playing guitar for fifty years now, We;;, not constantly, because I work and sleep and stuff, but I’ve still been at it a long time. When someone asked me a bout it, I realized that I still get as excited when I pick up a guitar now as I did when I started out at 16. Luckily, I’m quite a bit better now. Do you have similar feelings about writing and playing?
Last question, I lived in Manchester in the UK for about 3 years and upon returning to the USA, this question arose. Why is America’s bacon such crap?
Wishing you all the best, You are truly an inspiration.
IH: Yeah – my beef too! American bacon is useless. Coffee’s pretty tasteless too around here. Dunno about the writing and playing – it’s just what I do.
David Gabe:
I recently read some of Deke Leonard’s books. One anecdote recalls him being told by you , that he had been considered for the band ( Mott) “but you take too many drugs “.
Any recall/ truth in that ?
IH: I think Buff liked Deke. Deke was a likeable chap – and funny – maybe he was considered after we split. I really don’t recall the conversation.
Donald Mease:
Dear Ian,
Gunner and I managed to slip by Metro security.
I was getting great shots of his big wet pink puppy dog tongue lapping at the hot rail until I suggested he pivot for a head long shot, and his leg contacted the neutral rail.
He flew.
When he came out of his coma, I asked him, so, how’s your tinnitus?
He looks at me all puzzled, like, and asks me, “What’s tinnitus?
Christ, almighty ….
So, anyway … will you post teasers from your new record?
Love,
Donald, Gunner, et al
P.S. Remember the credo of the Texas Church of Obfuscation: Lies sporting big hairy boners stand the best chance of escaping reason.
IH: Move.
Lounge Lizard:
Hello Ian Hunter. I was listening to the song “Silver Needless” and I started thinking. What does the name even mean? So that’s the question. What does that even mean? And this phrase was mentioned in “You nearly did me in” too.
IH: That’s for you to interpret.
Wendell Dolittle:
Ian, 70 year old here so I was with you from the beginning.
Listening to Ballad of Mott and just saying you never let me down.
Don’t stop carry on!
IH: Not stoppin’ – still at it. Doesn’t get any easier!
Matthew:
I’m the guy who made your Facebook page a few years back before your team made it the official one – and I haven’t asked a question in a while. I’m listening to Part II Fiction again, and it just got me curious about your listening habits. I’m a musician myself (Automatic Shoes) and I was curious how you feel about listening to your own albums, and also those of your peers – like the bands around the same time as Mott The Hoople. Did you ever listen to a Sweet, Slade, T.Rex album in full? I’m careful about what I listen to when writing, as I don’t want to unconsciously absorb someone else’s ideas. Also curious if you find it difficult to go back and listen to your own stuff? And have you ever gotten into Gordon Lightfoot? Hope you are feeling physically and creatively healthy. Looking forward to Part III.
IH :I don’t listen – haven’t in years. Obviously in my younger years I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m always onto the next thing. What I’ve done is in the past. People know I’ve always loved Dylan, but I haven’t listened to him for years. Didn’t listen to Sweet, Slade or T-Rex. I’m aware of Gordon Lightfoot.
Paul Brolan:
Dear Ian,
I was at the Royal Albert Hall recently. In the corridor surrounding the arena is a photo of Roger Daltrey CBE and Pete Townshend receiving letters of apology in frames from the venue’s bosses. This was for being unable to play there from when all pop & rock concerts were banned in 1972 although they weren’t listed as one of those responsible –
“Letters discovered in 2016 revealed that Mott the Hoople were one of the bands responsible for the Royal Albert Hall’s infamous ban on rock and pop concerts in 1972.The behaviour of their fans at their concert on 8 July 1971, their first and only at the venue, was so enthusiastic that thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused the venue.” and the 2nd show was cancelled as you’ll know because you were there. Or not as the case states!
Don’t suppose you got treated the way of what’s left of The Who were after all these years 😀.
Keep healthy and happy.
Paul
PS Shouldn’t you have some sort of British Empire recognition eg Lord Hunter of Waterlow?
IH: They said we’d ruined 32 boxes – and they refused to pay us – a very considerable amount of money. The rumour was, they were refurbishing. Who knows. We got the fame and the blame.
Peter Jordan:
I was listening to “Beg a Little Love” and it struck me that your vocal is different from anything else you’ve done.
I mean you do angry, sad, loving,cynical and lots of other styles but on “Beg” you kind of spit the lyrics out …. almost like it’s a revelation that’s bursting out of you spontaneously.
I wondered if this one came quickly when you wrote it and so thats how you sang it or if the vocal approach was just necessary to fit the song as it developed?
I know you were quoted as letting the songs on YUI ORTA develop live before recording them so I guess it could be either, neither or both.
IH: Like I’ve said, I haven’t been listening. What I can say is you adapt to the song; I think that song was pretty passionate. Don’t remember how long it took. I wish Rono had produced that album. Gordon Edwards was a good producer, but I should have had Mick produce; he wanted to, but I loved the Power Station records.
Tim Hewtson:
I was at a concert by a Neil Diamond tribute band who turned out to be Bobby Vee’s actual backing band. It was an amazing concert.
Anyway, they told a story you may like.
Bobby Vee was short of a keyboard player and one day his brother, Billy, came across a guy – sort of disheveled and with curly hair – who said he could play keyboards.
His name was Elston Gunnn (with three Ns).
They tried him out and he could do all the rockabilly stuff, but he could only play in the key of C, so they let him go.
Sometime later, Bobby Vee was strolling through the streets of New York and saw an album cover in a shop window. “That has to be Elston Gunnn,” he said to himself.
Except that Elston Gunnn was now called Bob Dylan.
IH: If you put three fingers down on a keyboard C – E -G you’ve got the chord of C. If you keep to the same configuration – moving up one step at a time – you’ve got ‘Like A Rolling Stone”. Perhaps one of the first songs Bob wrote on piano.
MICHAEL BOYLE:
Hi Ian, Have you ever thought of or been approached about publishing a book of your lyrics, for me it would be a must buy. Lyrically you are right up there with Bob Dylan, Ray Davies, Graham Parker, Steve Earle etc etc. “There’s rain on the ground I can see upside down” from “Man overboard” being an absolute gem amongst many others “Irene Wilde” is a lyrical masterclass.
My next door neighbour died recently, a nice man he was 87, my wife and I attended the funeral which was a very moving service. A lifelong friend of his narrated the service to tell his life story which contained many surprises one being his love of music, one of the highlights of his life was memories of seeing Mott The Hoople and Desmond Decker at the local youth club where he helped out (he was a social worker at the time i believe. The youth club was THE GROVE in Harlow, Essex, England. Thought I would share this with you.
Looking forward to part three in the Defiance series.
Best wishes
Mickey Boyle.
IH: Cheers, Michael. Sorry about your friend.
James “Tripp” Pair:
The last question I asked pertained to your favorite Rock and Roll movie. I listed 5 and your reply was “The Girl Can’t Help It”! A great one for sure but I have a new one for you. 1958 black and white film called “Let’s Rock”! Please watch! I’d like to know if you’ve seen or like it?
IH: Yeah. I have vague memories of this – where d’you get it?
Malcolm Lay:
Dudes at Freddie concert………..
In my view a great version, if not the best, of Dudes with you,David,Def Leppard and Queen and most importantly Mick Ronson.
Great intro by David about the 70’s etc but what did David say to you at the end of Dudes??
Just s a few words were spoken….can you remember??
Perhaps about the party afterwards.??
IH: That’s for me to know ‘n’ you to guess….
Barnsley phil:
Hi Ian, Long time since my last question
Just has a great Sunday white wine n never alone
With a schizophrenic
Touring days over?
I as a one night roadie for your overnight angles tour Doncaster 77
IH: Yeah – I see Chrysalis putting stuff out again – time flies!! Thanks for helping out in Doncaster!
Michael Wolf:
Hey Ian, hope all is well. So going through some old albums, ran across Slade. Curious as to whether you ever crossed any paths? The were entertaining back in the day. Liked some of their stuff. Hope all of you are doing well, and stuff is starting to come back to life at Hunter Castle. Stay well mate!
IH: I remember meeting Noddy at an outdoor gig. He said, “We were in the front row when you played Wolverhampton. You were our inspiration.” I said wow! – he said, “Yeah, we thought if you could do it – anybody can!!” Oh how we laughed!
Charley Whiplash
Hi Ian,
I’m a fan and proud of it; MTH cargo cult NJ contingent ’73, when you’n’the boys played my high school gym (!) …opening act was a Stones tribute band, Aerosomething.
You’re also a big fan: Dylan, Little Richard, Jerry Lee, Leon, et al… and have experienced that awe-buzz yourself.
My own fandom highlights you might enjoy:
Little Richard, sweated all over me as he shook my hand from stage… baptismal.
James Brown, slapped me five after I bumped into him on 57th St.
Chuck Berry, shook my hand with both of his huge hands, and gave me his stage towel…complete with pan-stick stains.
Ronnie Spector, gave me a kiss on the lips.
Leon was knackered, retired to his trailer, but I had a nice talk with daughter, Sugaree.
My Ian Hunter autograph was obtained for me by a candy striper who imposed upon you, as you recovered in a NJ hospital, a long time ago (supremely gracious of you).
At the Uris ’74 I sat way up in the gods …but was front & center at the Beacon 2019. You gave me a nod & a wink, when I pointed at my wife during “Mean Woman Blues”.
Question:
Do you keep any memorabilia of your own fanboy encounters, or are the memories good enough?
Also, a lot of people mention the clever irony of “All The Way From Memphis” sounding like Leon’s “Roll Away The Stone”,
but In the intro to “Hymn For The Dudes”, can you hear a bit of Leon’s opening for “Stranger In A Strange Land”?
Best to you & Trudi,
Charley
IH: Oh boy, you’ve got some memories three! I’m jealous!! Do I keep stuff – yes, I’ve got a few things hanging about. I never really met my heroes – I met Bob two or three times but that was about it. As far as the Leon ‘similarities’ are concerned – I loved his playing on other peoples records. I had nor have practically no knowledge of his songs; so any ‘similarities’ are fictional. ‘A Song for You’ and ‘Delta Lady’ are the only ones that come to mind. (In short – I don’t nick off anybody!!)
Mark F:
Hey Ian, not really a question. I have some health issues with the big “C”
Just wanted to let you know I am listening to “Hope” daily as inspiration.
IH: Good luck, son. Get better! Big improvements these days! What’s going on is everywhere these days.
Terry Young:
Ian,
All American Alien Boy is truly one of my favorite albums of all time! All of the songs in someway was meaningful to me at a strange weird time in my life. What was your favorite song on the album? You Nearly Did Me In, God, AAAB, I mean all great songs! Thank you!
IH: I’m fine with anything on that record, but it’s kind of sad it wasn’t liked at the time. That’s happened to me a few times and it’s cost me!!!
Lewis Patterson:
Hi Ian!
I don’t have a question, more like a short story. I share your tinnitus. I was 32 and in the Army when it first appeared. I was days away from attending an important leadership school , the tinnitus really freaked me out, I had to put my electric razor under the pillow or I couldn’t sleep. It was so distracting that I was afraid it would impact my performance at the NCO Academy. With electric razor in hand I left Germany for Aberdeen Proving Ground. I did make it through the course. Tinnitus however was not done with me though, I ended up having it in both ears, same volume different frequency. Sometimes it really screws with me and I get an almost doppler effect when I turn my head. In a bitter sweet irony, I later served as the First Sergeant in the same academy. Now I am only bothered by the tinnitus when I am trying to be quiet. Sometimes I get the sense that my brain is trying to solve the problem, I frequently experience a variable tone that is much louder than the tinnitus, almost like a sliding scale. The tone shifts until it matches the tinnitus tone or frequency in that ear, becomes very loud then stops. When that happens the tinnitus is momentarily gone from the ear experiencing that phenom. It only lasts a few seconds, but maybe it will one day succeed.
Love it that you are still rocking!
Peace,
Lewis Patterson.
IH: Same here – all of it! Also, it doesn’t like changes in the weather. If the weather evens out it’s pretty quiet. Can’t wear ‘in ears’ – it doesn’t like them, but you get used to it. It’s seems like a lot of military people have problems due to guns – blasts – etc. It’s a bitch.
Jan Peter Reeves:
Dear Ian,
I hope you are well and life’s good to you and your family, wishing you all the best, love and happiness.
I haven’t been writing much in the HM for the last few years, still I read every issue.
Goes without saying that I have been a fan for ages, seen you live many times and travelled the globe to see you. I had the honor of meeting you twice in person and your generosity to your fans in amazing, thank you for that. I even gifted you two paintings of mine, hope you still enjoy them. I have taken my now adult kids to see you, my son Ian, and my daughter Zoe even baked a cake for you and the Rant Band in 2017 in Bensheim Germany.
Now, your music has always been there for me, when life was good and not so… when my Mum passed in 2001, your music helped me cry, and I thank you for that.
Like you I have had issues with my father, for my first 40 years I had no father, then I tried to engage and for the last 23 years I got to know him.
What I learned was more about myself than anything, thus making me whole.
On April 4 my father Charles passed away and again your music gave me comfort and released the tears.
The song „Ships“ was always almost written for me… again thank you for giving us more than words can express.
Apologies about the length of this, but you are and always be very important to me personally and to your fan.
Love,
Jan
IH: This kinda makes it all worthwhile. Still have one of your pictures on display. Be well. Ian
Lounge Lizard:
Hello Mr Ian Hunter. I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to ask what you think of Jeff Buckley as an artist. Do you appreciate his work and the way he approaches songwriting?
IH: Great naturally talented artist. Respect.
MO:
Mr H (and Trudi)
Hope all is well at Hunter Towers. Thank you once again for the music.
Just been reading Earl Slicks biography. Mostly about his time with Bowie but with complimentary mentions of you. (he is definitely a fan!) Made me appreciate the hand to mouth existence of even accomplished musicians. Thoroughly entertaining and definitely hints of Diary of a Rock n Roll Star in the warts and all recollections. Have you read it?
IH: Not yet. I like Slicky – he’s a good lad!
Cujo:
I was wondering, did you ever get inspiration for a song after watching a movie or reading a book or hearing a particular song? Do you have any favourite movies or books?
IH: Not really. It just sorta comes into my head. Maybe a name – a line – it all starts from something. I don’t know how or why- then the hard work begins.
Pomidor Wellington:
Hello, Ian Hunter. I have a question about the song You Nearly Did Me In from All American Alien Boy. The backing vocals on that track are credited to Roger Taylor, Brian May, and Freddie Mercury of Queen. I’ve always been curious: how did this collaboration come about? What led to their participation in the recording? Any background you could share would be greatly appreciated.
IH: Trudi was on the same flight from London to New York as them. They asked her what I was up to and she told them I was recording at Electric Lady. So the three of them came down to the studio. Nice surprise!!
Ogyrez Salmon:
Hello Ian Hunter. I’ve always been deeply interested not only in your lyrics and music, but also in your poetic voice. As far as I know, Shades Off is the only widely available piece of poetry you’ve published outside of your songs. This made me wonder: have you written other poems or unpublished lyrical works over the years? And if so, have you ever considered releasing a collection of them — either through your website or in book form? I believe many of your fans would love to experience that side of your writing.
IH: Sure, I’ve got tons of stuff. Leftovers etc. I can’t be bothered.
Kartoshka Mercury:
Hello Ian Hunter,
I would like to ask you about artificial intelligence. What do you think about AI? In recent years (2023–2025), this has become an important topic of discussion, since this thing is everywhere. Including in music.
Have you heard of a program that generates music? This program can create an entire song up to four minutes long within a couple of minutes, just by request. Of course, no one in their right mind would actually listen to it, as it ruins the ear (sarcasm). But do you know what people do instead? They take the riffs, for example, or parts of the music, and import them into their own music projects, supposedly just “inspired” by the AI-generated song.
But what kind of inspiration is that? First of all, a person has their own mind, and they should learn to use it (What for). Secondly, a person is talentless if they use someone else’s mind—in this case, artificial intelligence—instead of their own.
It’s also worth mentioning text generators for lyrics. That’s even worse, because AI is evolving, and it’s already starting to write something passable. One time I sent someone lyrics to a song I wrote myself, and they asked, “Why did you use AI?” That was very strange.
I do understand that AI can serve as a helper, for example, to evaluate lyrics—although there are humans for that too. But using AI to write song lyrics is, frankly, an insult to music.
So:
1. What do you think of AI as a song generator?
2. What do you think of AI as a lyrics generator?
3. Would you ever want to write a song about AI?
IH:1) sometimes makes more sense than some of the mainstream crap. 2) Ditto
3) Already have – Part III
We’ve already had a letter on the Horse’s Mouth with a lyric written by AI me. It’ was actually not that bad. SCARY!!!
Apelsin May:
Hello Ian Hunter. It’s strange and a bit sad that your albums Dandy (2016), When I’m President (2012), Man Overboard (2009), and Shrunken Heads (2007) have disappeared from music streaming services. Where did they go? On Spotify, they are listed as “Unavailable Album.” On Apple Music, only Man Overboard (2009) is accessible — the others are missing again. That’s really odd, especially since these are relatively recent albums (especially Dandy).
IH: We’ll look into it.
Yabloko Deacon:
Hello Ian Hunter. From 1988 to 1990, you wore some great-looking glasses — for example, you’re wearing them on the cover of YUI Orta, and you also wore them during the tours for that album. I really liked them. My question is: what kind of glasses were they? What brand, or were they custom-made?
IH: Dunno.
Petrushka Taylor:
Hello Ian Hunter. During the concerts in support of the Short Back n’ Sides album, you wore a top hat. However, after Roger Taylor told you to take that hat off, you stopped wearing it. My question is: where and when did this conversation with Roger Taylor take place?
IH: I can’t remember where or when it just came outa the blue, “Take that stupid hat off.” He was right, so I did.
Mike Flanagan:
Showing my age: I have seen you, Dylan and Bowie in grease paint and not. When you saw Little Richard was he in theatrical makeup?
You were not wearing as much makeup as I did as McDuff in that Scottish play.
IH: Dunno. He looked amazing. Saw him at Kettering Granada – Sam Cooke opened. Probably make up and a wig, but boy – did he deliver!!! As did Mr. Cooke !!! I never wore make up – hence my gorgeous complexion…
Pasquale:
Today I’ve seen on the BBC archive Page on Facebook a 1975 video for your fave football team, so I’m sending the link. Hope you’ll like it. I’ve read that it isn’t quite a good year for the Shrewsbury FC. My team Catanzaro is fighting again to came back in serie A after more than 40 years..
Let’s hope to have some good news in the future! Still looking for a tour…
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ALkxrXtJZ/
IH: Shrewsbury Town don’t have any money – other teams do. It’s all about the money. Any rich Americans out there? P.S. Nice photos on the sites, Pasquale!
Hugo:
I have a coverband that we call
Ian & The Hunters.
Guess what we are playing?
Anyway.
We always end the gig with God(Take 1).
A great song with a very strong lyric.
Always hit me hard when we play it.
I saw that you mentioned that this would be a good song for Dylan, but in the answer you call it
God take!. Was that a mistake or was it on purpose?
Not a big deal, but just wondering.
Its all in the details you know.
Thanks mate.
Hugo
IH: Mistake.
Mike Flanagan:
When Queen opened in support of MTH were they paid by MTH?
IH: When Queen opened for MTH their management paid MTH (a common practice).
John Neely:
Hi Ian, hope you’re doing well. Sorry if this question was asked before, but have you toured The Church studio in Tulsa? I know your a fan of Leon, and the studio tour is worth seeing. The Bob Dylan Center is in Tulsa, also. I made the trip about a year ago, and really enjoyed both places. John
IH: Cheers, John. Thanks for the info.
MIKE:
HI; Since you wrote the theme song to the Drew Carey (Clevland Rocks) show did you ever meet him or any of the cast? And why didn’t you sing it?
Thnaks
IH: I did meet him and had lunch with him at the studio. I don’t know why they didn’t use my version. Drew’s a good guy. He held out for the music to be included in repeats.
Scott:
Every time I listen to With Strings I think first of all, I would have given anything, well almost anything, to have been there and secondly, you picked the perfect songs. Just goes to show your innate ability to make songs that count. You are the best!!!
IH: I really enjoyed that one as did Andy York. Beautiful arrangements – they really did a number on us.
Tripp:
Wondering how the new record is coming along? Also wondering if discussions or thoughts of any meet and greets with your fans? You probably know how much we all miss you and seeing you about. Even some new interviews or podcast! Wishing you and Trudy all the best!
IH: It’s coming along fine. I’ve written 11 (two don’t have lyrics yet). Early days, but I’m really happy with it so far
James Geary:
Hi Ian, My daughter, Hendrikje, graduates from Temple University in Philadelphia in May with a degree in music therapy. She’s a jazz singer. For her senior recital, she sang a surprise closing number, dedicated to me — When I’m President! Hendrikje and I have been listening to your music together since she was a little girl, and we saw you and the Rant Band at City Winery in Boston in February of 2018. Our joint favorite song, along with the rest of my family, is When I’m President. You can see/hear Hendrikje’s cover, starting at 47:40, in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK4eai4VKEs. Hendrikje’s schedule is open after graduation, so if you need a back-up singer on Defiance 3 just let me know… Thank you for your music, and for inspiring Hendrikje to make When I’m President part of her repertoire. James Geary
Attachments area
Preview YouTube video Student Recital: Hendrikje Geary, jazz voice
IH: I wish she was President!! Congrats and give her my best!
David C:
Hi Ian. Do you ever listen to your own music for pleasure/relaxation (or even research), and if you do which albums do you tend to go to? Which musicians do you find yourself listening to the most these days?
You mentioned your respect for Cheap Trick a few months ago and so on the back of that I started to listen to them, having previously only a passing knowledge of their music. I’m so glad I did – I’m loving them, so thanks for the recommendation (well, that’s how I took it). Thanks so much for all the music you’ve produced – you’re my most listened to artist by a long way and have been ever since YNAWAS days. Looking forward to Defiance Part 3 (1 & 2 are exceptional).
Cheers, David (from Northampton)
IH: Nice one, David. Northampton Town avoided relegation!! No, I seldom listen to my own stuff – unless for a specific reason. Glad you’re enjoying Cheap Trick.
MICHAEL BOYLE:
Hi Ian,
Great to see that the Extra tracks from Defiance Part 2 – Fiction are now available, I think they are all Terrific, top notch ! Would you or your management know if there are any plans for a CD release planned as a Deluxe edition ? If not could I suggest maybe a Defiance Part 2 – Fiction EP CD release featuring the track Fiction alongside Henry, Normal Service and Needle Park in a card sleeve. What do you do you think ?
I am lobbying for all the CD lovers out there, for me it would be an essential purchase and I think this would be the case for many other fans I am sure.
Best wishes
Mickey Boyle.
IH: I’ll mention it.
Tom McGarry:
I always remember your first solo tour when I saw the gig in The Glasgow Apollo (formerly Greens Playhouse) that you introduced Mick’s “Slaughter on 10th Avenue” as the song that kept going through your head during your rehearsals.
What I wondered was if there was any discussion with Mick, then or in later years, about including more of his solo work in your sets?
IH: He really didn’t like doing his own songs. We actually did a few at one point, but he liked taking over for things like ‘F.B.I’ and ‘Slaughter’. He didn’t think of himself as a lead singer. He’d tried that and didn’t like doing it! ‘Slaughter’ brought me to tears more than once, and I don’t tear up easily.
There you go!
Keep ‘em comin’
IH
The Horse’s Mouth xxx