H.M Grumbling Department
Have you ever been rehearsing with your band in New Jersey and been invited to play with another band in Long Island on the same night? It’s impossible to leave Jersey until after the rush hour because of the traffic so you leave at 8:30 pm and get to the Long Island gig around 10 pm. NO sound check….. Walk on stage at 11 pm to play with the other band, but, unfortunately, the ‘cans’ the venue give you are a different mix to everybody else’s. All you’re getting is the drum echo repeat. No drums – just the drum echo repeat – NO BAND!
What do you do? Do you stop everything There are thousands of people watching, so you try to figure out what’s going on and ‘adjust’. By the second verse you’ve figured it out and get through the song. Turns out the band had their own mix – I Had the venues. Wonder when that happened? Have a guess……..Anybody?
So here we are again…….
Steinar Lie:
Hi Ian . I just saw a picture on FB with Iggy Pop fronting Mott the Hoople! I can see Ariel Bender
on the picture, so it must be 73/74…. Do you remember this? What song(s) did you do perform?
Looking forward to the Defiance part 3 album.
IH: I think Iggy and the Stooges opened for Mott at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Maybe Iggy got up for the encore?
Peter Jordan:
I came across the other side of life outtake recently. Absolutely loved it as a slowed down version of Just Another Night with a Man Overboard type lyric.
Can you remember why it didn’t make it onto the album and was it backed by Ronson and the E streeters?
How did you come to get the E Street band members on that album?
IH: It was suggested by Roy Bitten, but Mick and I thought it sounded to ‘Brucie’ so we reverted. It was the E-Streeters with Mick. Our manager – the great Steve Poppovich said they were interested in doing it – if we did it in NYC; so we did!
Philip A:
About time I told you how much your music has meant to me – but I could never think of a question to ask. I was a bit young for the dawn of Mott . By the time of Roll Away The Stone etc – I could sense instinctively there was something different and very special about the vibe that came over from the band and you – even if it was just on the odd promo TV spot – I clocked your music. I loved the fun and irony of ‘The Golden Age Of Rock’n’Roll’ too – but got the sincerity and could feel the drive. What a vocal.
The slam dunk for me was 1975. I was ready. I used to knock around then a lot with my Uncle Iain . He was only a few years older than me. Both of us were music hounds. That summer two 45’s dominated our Saturday afternoons – blasting out my grandmother’s front room – playing them on his fat arm record deck (with the detachable twin speaker lid). One was the last release by the Kiki Dee Band (such a shame they split) – ‘How Glad I Am’ – the version with the super slinky bass line and testifying vocal. As we listened – I well remember my Uncle – lounging in his velvet jacket and Oxford Bags – blowing smoke rings – as he gazed wistfully at her picture on the cover of a propped up copy of the LP ‘Loving And Free’. The other blast was ‘Once Bitten Twice Shy’. We played it so often – I can’t remember us ever flipping for the B-side. From then on – I dug back into the Mott catalogue – and followed your wandering muse/career and anything Mott-related. I’m not usually that much inclined to be nostalgic about music – but my dear Uncle Iain – went on to have a few challenges in his life………. he never did marry Kiki either……and so I like to think of him on those sunny afternoons in Cleethorpes.
What a scorcher that year was – just like the biting guitar solo from Ronno. Much as I’ve enjoyed all your solo music – what’s so rewarding – the icing on the cake – is how you’ve continued to deliver – like many have said – the quality is right up there – and worthy of current attention – the lyrics remaining as vivid as the music. I’m not knocking other artists of your generation – and younger too – I admire them continuing to have a go – it’s just that in comparison – I still feel that you’ve got the same creative and soulful vibe that you’ve always had – keeping at the muse – putting the work in – as I’ve seen you prove in person at Rant Band gigs (Brighton etc).
When I’ve wracked my brain – trying to think of another artist still delivering the goods in this way – only one other name comes to mind to me – John Howard. So here comes the preamble to my question. He released his first LP – ‘Kid In A Big World’ on CBS in 1975. Lot’s of promotion – but the BBC refused to play the two singles off it – due to the lyrical content……so they said…… “too depressing” ….all a bit odd and typically Beeb. His next two LP recording sessions were canned by the label. He eventually drifted into A&R work. The Japanese vintage music community picked up on his first LP in the 2000s – leading to it being reissued in Britain – and then the unreleased sessions – followed by an ‘official’ comeback album/CD – wittily entitled – ‘As I Was Saying’ – and going on – a flood of new inspired music by him on various independent labels – clearly making up for lost time. I’ve had difficulty keeping up! His music is more on the singer-songwriter side of the Glam/arch pop/rock spectrum…anyone for Noel Coward?…….a bit Bowie, Elton may be – his soaring voice holding up amazingly well – retaining a Lancashire-born Lennon-like edge. For anyone wanting to check out his music – try these tracks on his comeback album – ‘These Fifty Years’ or ‘Dear Glitterheart’ – the kind of songs they say no one writes anymore.
And now Ian – finally! – my question! ! He was on the same record label as you in 1975? Did you ever meet John Howard?
Or would it be more appropriate to ask if he ever met you? Cheers – Philip
IH: No, sorry – never met Jon Howard.
Juan Ribas:
Dear Ian.
From Barcelona, Spain, 71 years old. I hope you are well. Tinnitus is a bad thing. I just write this lines, to say thanks for so many years of your honesty and music with and without Mick Ronson. Sometimes i wonder if you are not tired answering questions about him. I don’t know. Because there are 32 years since he passed away. But you touched my heart last month when you said you brought up in tears when you listened ” Slaughter”. That shows the kind of person you are.
Before i finish, just one question and a reflexion. How many songs did both you play in Freddy Mercury tribute?. Because it seems i’ve read there were three. Maybe i’m wrong. If not, which was the third song, apart from Dudes and Heroes. The reflexion is that i’ve seen many times your music there, and the different cameras were focusing in Mick most of the times. Maybe was because he was very ill in that moment?
Yes, now i finish . Thanks again for everything you gave us so many years. Thanks for the happiness we have lived for your music, including my good friend Toni, who passed away 5 months ago. How i miss him. God bless to you and your family always.
Juan.
IH: Bowie did a 3 song set. He did ‘Dudes’ with Queen, Mick, me and the Leps; “Heroes’ with Ronson and ‘Under Pressure’ with Annie Lennox.
Mike Costanzo:
What’s your take on AI (artificial intelligence) being used in recording and producing music?
While new innovations can do wondrous things, they can also make things sound un-natural and much too polished. Of course, they said the same thing about synthesizers a long time ago.
Also: are you a fan of PBS’s “Wolf Hall”?
IH: I think human nature will eventually curiosity itself out of existence. “Wolf Hall” was great (although I already knew the story).
Bill Milks:
There you go again. Throwing that slinky, greasy guitar in there. First with I Hate Hate and Now with Needle Park. Infectious. No wonder it’s good for your body and good for your soul. An evening with The STP Guys, the Robinsons, and the Rant Band would be fun on stage wouldn’t it?
IH: Oh yes!
Mark F:
Several HM’s ago you said Peter Jest had sent you a copy of his book. Were you aware of The Violent Femmes prior to reading it?
IH: I’d heard of them, but was not familiar with their music.
Stonefly:
Greetings Ian,
I’ve been off the grid lately, didn’t miss it much. But…Happy belated birthday- 86! Man-time flies!
From, ” All the Way to Memphis” to “Defiance 2″I just ran across the video for “All of the Good Ones are Taken”. I kept looking through my CDs and Albums because I KNEW that I had that album! I finally found it in my shoebox of cassette tapes. What a treat to get to sit on the patio with a flute of champagne watching the hummingbirds and listening to one of my Hunter favs (“I got a Rock and Roll rocket says you gotta go fast”)
As I remember, this video was a take-off on Dudley Moore’s “Arthur”, is that correct? Did you get to drink a few flutes of that champagne due to any Take- 2s? Can you recall any moments with the butler/chauffeur (Arthur “Captain” Haggerty) whilst filming?
P.S. Got totally amped up when “Captain Void ‘n’ the Video Jets ” played- classic!
Thanks for all that you do,
Stonefly
IH: The Captain and me were on the lake in Central Park and I was miming to a tape machine in the bottom of the boat. The boat was sinking due to the Captain’s giant girth, but we made it. I had wet feet, but that was about it. Tape machine totaled…
Pasquale:
Back in my 20…some, I still wanted to be a rockstar . I remember, Just after YUI Orta came out I
wrote a song called “The Gemini of rock and roll” inspired by my fave rockstars who were both
born under gemini moon.. Lyrics in my elementary english started with “Just another night – just another hall
Somewhere they will fight – in the name of r’n’roll
Mick will play guitars – Ian will sing some more
Maybe they’re not stars – but people love’em (I’m sure)”
35 years on, I’m not a rockstar, but people still loves you…
There’s an ill wind blowing… from the west side to the east… even in 2025… See you!
IH: Cheers, Pasquale!!
Apelsin May:
Hello Ian Hunter. Honest John Plain passed away on June 13. Rest in peace. I would be grateful if you could share a few words about what he was like, and your experience working with him on the Dirty Laundry album. Thanks!
IH: We did that one album together. Honest John was a true- blue rocker, and a keen tennis player – if you can believe that. We were I Norway – we had no money after an Indian meal and had to walk a mile back to the hotel in a storm. I said, “I think this is one of the worst nights of my life.”. He said, “I dunno – it’s one of the best nights of mine!” Darryl Bath and Vom were also there. True Rockers. R.I.P. Honest John Plain (and Darrel Bath).
Robin Taylor-Jenkins:
Hi Ian, I noticed your albums ‘Shrunken Heads’, ‘Man Overboard’ and ‘Fingers Crossed’ aren’t on Spotify is it licensing issues or something? I have the CDs anyway but it’s a shame some of your discography is missing from the platform. Thanks 🙂
IH: Noted – thanks.
Scott:
Still can’t get over”Still the Same”. I ended up married to her and still going strong at 71. I recommend long crushes to everyone…..you never know!!!
IH: Same here.
Simon:
Found this which hopefully is of interest.
A weekend of live music, film screenings and spoken word events take place at the Corn Exchange, Ross-on-Wye on Friday 3rd October (18.30 – 23.00) and Saturday 4th October (13.00 – 23.00).
Verden Allen, John Fiddler, Morgan Fisher, Luther ‘Ariel Bender’ Grosvenor and Kris Needs are planning to participate alongside other members of the wider Mott the Hoople family.
The old stamping ground and my ex home town for 30 years.
IH: Yes, I saw that. Sold out; well done. Hope everyone has a great time. Pete ‘n’ Buff – YEAH!
Dru:
Is it accurate to say you didn’t rewrite Diary of A Rock n Roll Star nor was it edited by anyone?
IH: I thought for the longest time it wasn’t edited, but more recently, I think it probably was.
Dean:
Recently purchased the re release of “Your never alone with…” Fantastic! Any chance of a “Welcome to the Club” re release?
IH: Dunno. I’m not an expert in these matters. More concerned with current events.
Bob Brophy:
Hi Ian
I just wanted to wish you a belated happy birthday. I ran into you not too long ago at our mutual friends guitar shop. I t was such a pleasure to meet you and tell you how much your music has meant to me. You’ve been an inspiration since I can remember. Thanks for being there.
IH: Thanks, Bob.
Greg Holk:
Hi Ian,
Happy belated birthday! Mott has been one of my favorite bands since I first heard “All the Way to Memphis” while watching “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” Thanks to Martin Scorcese for introducing me to your great music 🙂 I also love your solo work just as much.
My question is about whether T Bone Burnett or the Coen Brothers contacted either you or David Bowie about using “All the Young Dudes” in the Big Lebowski soundtrack. The Big Lebowski is one of my favorite films and has a killer soundtrack. BTW, you are the original and coolest Dude, even though Jeff Bridges does a great job “abiding.”
I guess David would be the person to ask, but sadly he is no longer with us.
Cheers, Greg
IH: Tony DeFries could probably answer this one.
Tall Paul:
The wife and I were lucky enough to attend Class of ’74 gigs in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Amazing! I have Parkinson’s Disease and when I have a “down” time, either listening or playing some music is one thing that works to bring back some energy and normalcy. Going back to my music room and plugging in and bashing out an amateur take on One of the Boys, Rock n Roll Queen or the Moon Upstairs always does the trick. No tremors when pick is in hand. The brain is a crazy thing!
Thanks so much and best wishes to you and yours.
IH: After playing, especially fast stuff, it takes my right hand a while to settle down these days!
Brad Anderson:
When I was in high school (1973-1977) I was a drummer in a dance band. I learned enough chords on guitar to step out from behind the kit to fill time while the guitar players broke for a smoke. Whenever I played “I wish I was your mother” or “A thousand miles from here” the chicks would swoon. Thanks Ian!
IH: You must be a good looking bloke – they never swooned over me!
Nick Malcolm:
Ian, whomever plots your musicians for D3, should consider or listen to Rolf Wikstrom, his guitar on Arton Nattar, nitton dagar. Back half is blistering
IH: Thanks.
Raymond Harper:
Happy Birthday, Ian! I hope you have many more. I have been listening to your music for 53 years, and it has been an utter pleasure. You never cease to amaze me with your latest recordings; no one writes like you. Watching Rose from the Midnight Special
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_I2hrsLSo0 at the moment. Do you have any memories of recording the video?
IH: Nah – never liked doing TV. I know it sells’, but it’s a pain.
Gary Walden:
Hi Ian…you’re one of my favorite songwriters of all time! I wrote the following lyric as a sequel to Irene Wilde (my favorite song you wrote). Please don’t take offence to it…it is a tribute to your creative genius. I tried to keep as close to the original song as possible. I hope you get a “kick’ out of it.
I’m fifty years beyond sixteen
Walking down my childhood streets
Barker Street Bus Station’s no longer there…
I tried to get your attention…while you called me names I dare not mention
But, your rejection words, have been repaired.
For those words they used to shout,
“you’re not close to what I’m about, you’re a loser in my
eyes”
, so I’d run home and decide…I’m gonna be somebody, someday.
Her name was Irene Wilde, a goddess without style..when I heard she got married, I silently
laughed
For I thought, who was fool enough, to believe she could really love…I rose above the heartache
that held me back. In my father’s study room, in the house that’s long been removed
the memory still resounds, bless her name, as I’d always say…I’m gonna be somebody, just you
wait! Wilde is your name, I soon left for the world stage…I’ve had success, gained some fans, I
became all the rage…grimace through your despair, when you realize I don’t care…you’re a face
in the crowd, doesn’t matter, i’m respected for my music shared.
I’m fifty years beyond sixteen, a Barker Street Bus Station refugee, at the time, on you, I was
hooked, but it all turned out for good..if you hadn’t screwed me up, I’d still live in fantasy…and, I
think most folks can attest..a little brush off is a test…it’s not out of bounds. just how you
respond, and, that’s why I moved on..I became somebody, I am somebody, today.
IH: Not bad! (She did have style though.)
Petrushka Taylor:
Hello Ian Hunter. I have a dream, it’s only one dream — but I know, dreams can come true. Please, Roger Taylor on drums or back/lead vocal! If he’s on Part III, I will worship you for the rest of my life. If not, I’ll still worship you — but I wouldn’t mind Roger being there.
IH: Roger’s a great lad. We’ll see.
Lounge Lizard:
Hello Ian Hunter. Recently you said that Part III won’t be released this year due to a busy schedule. Does that mean we should expect it in 2026? If so, could you please tell us approximately which quarter? Thank you for everything, Ian! You’re the best!
IH: Dunno, Andy’s got 4 at the moment.
Pomidor Wellington:
Hello, Ian Hunter. I was listening to Weed, and at the end I heard the greatest line in the history of music (which I didn’t understand right away): “I just shit in the breeze.”
Here’s my interpretation: all the words the song’s narrator says are just garbage (shit) carried way by the wind — meaning, words spoken in vain. And the narrator realizes this, but still tries to tell people the truth. Like “ spit in the wind”, but better.
Am I right, or did you mean something else by that line? Thank you in advance for your response!
IH: “Shootin’ the breeze” – sorry!!!
Kevin Costello:
Hello,
BIG FAN!!!
I have always thought that God take 1 is such an amazing song. I have always hoped you would make God take 2. Take 1 from a young mans questions, part 2 as an older mans questions. I have a gift for you, I want nothing for it. I have put together a rather armature version of what I think you might write. Please us it in anyway you wish, should you ever decide to do a God Take 2 song. Super cool idea, release it in a 45 format.
Much love,
KCGod (Take 2)
I said to God, It’s me again, the hair’s gone grey, the fire’s gone thin
I’ve walked your maze, I’ve played your game, now I need you to sign your name
God said, you’re back? Well look at you, still full of questions, still half true
You’ve aged a bit, but not grown much, still chasing sense in human stuff.
I said to God, I did my time, I sang my songs, I drank my wine
I lost my friends, I lost my grip, I took some falls, I made some trips.
God said, You’ve done just what we wrote, each word you sang, I heard each note.
But you still want to peek backstage, boy, you never did act your age.
I said to God, why all this pain? These knees don’t work, this back complains
You build us up then let us rot, what kind of mercy have you got?”
God said,
“Pain’s the rent for walking through, it sharpens up the view for you
You feel it now ‘cause you’re almost through, one last scar before you’re new.
I said to God, Did love mean much? All those women I couldn’t clutch
All that wanting, all that fire, did it matter, that deep desire?
He said, you loved like storms that flash and flee, it mattered more than songs or me
Each broken heart’s a kind of prayer, I heard them all, I was right there.
I said to God, did I waste my voice? All those lines, all those notes.
Will any echo carry far? or just dissolve in some dead star?
He said, Son, echoes are the point, they skip through time, they disjoint light.
You sang your truth, that’s all I need. It grows somewhere in every seed.
I said to God, am I near the end?” He grinned and said, you’ll soon ascend.
But death ain’t cliffs or blinding lights, it’s slipping off your coat at night
And when you do, don’t make a fuss, we’re old friends now, you’ll ride the bus
No angels, trumpets, golden beams, just one long nap with vivid dreams.
I said to God, one last thing: who won, you or him, that darker son?
God laughed so loud the stars looked down. He said, that kid still wears the crown
But don’t you fret, we’re on good terms, he throws the fire, I set the urns
He’s not so bad, just misunderstood, you’d be him too, if you only could.
I said to God, so what comes next? He lit a golden pipe and said, just rest
you’ve asked enough, you’ve paid your dues, now hand the mic to some young fool.
I smiled at Him and raised my glass, he winked and said, I’m Still kickin’ ass.
Then disappeared in a puff of gin, and left me laughing, loud within.
IH: Pretty good, Kevin. (‘touch’ instead of ‘clutch’).’all those notes’ maybe ‘there’s so much choice’? Pretty good, mate. Pretty damn good. Thanks!!
CUJO:
Hey Ian,
I was reading the autobiography of producer Arthur Baker (‘Looking For The Perfect Beat’). When I was looking at the pictures in the book I noticed a picture with the following subscript:
‘Martin Scorsese, Lou Reed, Ian Hunter, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan and me (me being Arthur Baker) attend a party to celebrate the release of Biograph, Dylan’s career retrospective box set, held at the Whitney Museum of American Art, in NYC, 13 November 1985’.
I wondered, what happens when giants like that meet? What do they talk about? Music? Work? Sports? Family? Maybe they don’t even talk at all? Are these ‘parties’ any fun at all?
IH: Columbia Records were honoring Bob and we got an invite. Trudi asked Bob if it was ok for a chat with me and so I had a chat with Bob. Got a massive picture of him and me on our dining room wall. He was nice. Can’t remember the conversation. I remember all the Band were there too. I’m not keen on parties. I always feel awkward, and sometime angry – don’t know why.
Stephen Kettell:
Hi Ian
just been reading Dave Hills autobiography – don’t know if you’ve read it but this might interest you:
“We saw Mott the Hoople at the Wolverhampton Civic. We were a little bit gobsmacked honestly. We didn’t normally all go out together to watch a band, but we went to that and they looked great. They had this slightly hippy thing going on where they had their trousers tucked into knee length boots, which was unusual because mostly back then it was flairs down over your shoes. I picked up on that and then developed it a bit further – It wasn’t just the look though; they had this really powerful bass drum sound. Overall, they had this strong sound that really impressed us.”
Praise indeed!
Best
Steve
IH: Yeah – I think I’ve already mentioned Noddy, here.
Dru:
I didn’t know Mick Ralphs but it sounds – and not just from you – that he was a better person than he was a guitarist. And he played his fucking ass off
IH: Mick was Mick – a one off. Great ‘dry’ sense of humor. Blues based (Mott played with all the ‘kings’ – Albert, Freddie and BB) and wound up with England’s greatest blues singer – Paul Rogers. We were great mates when he was in the band and when he wasn’t in the band. We had a lot of fun with him on Mick Brown’s ‘Takin the Mick’ tour. Trudi and I feel badly for Susie who supported and comforted him for all those years in care. What a girl. I didn’t say anything publicly because it was too deep – and Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke said it so well.
Matt Parish:
Damn it…
So sorry Ian..Such a legend and the original bender…my heart is breaking so I cant imagine yours.
(((hugs)))
IH: It’s rough – but what can you do.
Ken:
I saw that Mick Ralphs passed away today. I believe he toured with you again briefly about 20 years ago. Any favorite memories to share?
I’m not sure if you have any plans on visiting us here in the USA but if so, please make a stop here in Chicago!
IH: That was the ‘Taking the Mick’ tour. Andy York loved him as did I.
Patrick:
Just heard the news on Ralpher. Thought I just say thanks for the everything. We met a few times you always remembered and were kind. 50 years I enjoyed the songs, The shows, the circus. First time we met Ringo tour Detroit, I asked you about a reunion with Mott, you said “what do you want to see all the old dudes” obviously, a lot of us did. I also said you should sell some merch, you probably owe me a few quid for the suggestion.
I flew to London Manchester Glasgow and the O2 front row, to see the old dudes and it was amazing so thanks for that. When you did Ariel Bender Morgan Fisher version it just capped off the whole Mott portion of my life.
Thank you Ian Hunter. You made my life better.
IH: Cheers, Patrick.
Andrew Miller:
Rest in Peace, Mick Ralphs…. Rest in Peace…
IH: Yup.
Marty G:
Ian- My condolences for the loss of Mick Ralphs. I heard the news last night, and spent the night listening to the first four MtH albums, remembering how much the band and the music have meant to me in my teenage years, right through my early 70’s today. Mick’s death is national news and he is accurately noted as a founding member of both Mott The Hoople, and Bad Company, on the tube and in the papers, so I’m glad they got that part right. I can only imagine how tough the last 8 years were for Mick, his family, and close friends. I hope that those who were close to him can find some comfort in knowing how much joy Mick brought to so many people, and how his music helped so many of us make it through hard times.
Marty G.
IH: Amen.
Peter:
Happy belated birthday Ian. So sorry to hear of Mick Ralphs passing. Condolences.
IH: Thanks
Nick Tinari, Philly:
Mick Ralphs’ sad news got me over to your site after a long long stretch. Had my kids late, now work and worry for their futures has replaced a lot of the energy that got me to so many of your shows. Last seen in Glenside with Luther et al. That one left a permanent smile over here. Read your remark about “Weed” and had to give another listen after a while. There’s always someone to blame: son, you nailed that one ! All the best to you and yours !
IH: Cheers, Nick – I hear you.
Elaine Eaves:
Ian – not a question – just an expression of deep sympathy on the passing of Mick Ralphs. I know you will be inundated with messages – no need to reply on HM – there are no words.
Elaine
IH: Thanks.
Dave Gaviota
Are you ok? I just read Mick passed away today so came here to see any comments you might have made. Unfortunately Horses Mouth you so frequently, and kindly updated to us, your fans I see has been silent over a year now, since 2024. Hope all is well and miss reading your many 1000’s of succinct answers! God Bless and RIP, your partner Mick Ralphs.
IH: Thanks.
Larry C:
Hi Ian, thanks for all of the great music over the years. I saw you last in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania in 1983. I know you have played thousands of gigs but you may remember thisone. The electrical power went out in the entire place in the middle of the gig. Like a true professional, you carried on and entertained the crowd “unplugged” Do you have any recollection of that gig at Bloomsburg University? I also wondered if you know Graham Parker? Have you ever played with him. I really enjoy his stuff also.
Stay well my friend. Greetings from Philadelphia
IH: Don’t remember the gig. Do remember Graham Parker – lovely chap. Great songwriter and funny with it.
Mark F:
RIP Mick Ralphs, was All The Way From Memphis really about him losing his guitar?
IH:Yup. It’s not totally, factually accurate, but – yes (he didn’t lose it – it was nicked!!).
Neil Bennett:
This is a roundabout story, but we have just come back from a Nils Rogers gig and our Gert decided to put on your Shrunken Heads CD (the connection is out there somewhere!) and “When The World..” really struck home to me. When you wrote it, did you ever foresee days when the bloody t’internet & apps could ring so true with this song? As a true believer that songs can be interpreted any which way and I doubt you meant it that way, I’d still love to hear your thoughts on this. From a Saturday dude, take care,.
IH: It’s one of my favourites. (love the video – thanks MB). It was how I saw it coming.
Tim Hewtson:
Ian, Obviously, I’m extremely sorry to hear of the death of Mick Ralphs. Although, after a decade of more-or-less being paralyzed … It ain’t so easy to get out of this place.
In happier news, a bunch of Conrtarians on YouTube have been reviewing all the albums of Mott the Hoople, two at a time, around forty minutes for each session. Their comments are pretty fair and maybe even generous. I don’t think any album has scored less than 8/10, with ‘Mott,’ so far, at 9.3/10, ahead of ‘All the Young Dudes’ at 9.1. ‘The Hoople’ and the Live Album will complete the set.
I just wish all these reviewers would cover your solo albums. The idea that you love the group but discard the main songwriter for the group is kinda weird. But it happens all the time, even with Don Henley, whose solo stuff is so much better than the Eagles, and, in a way, on a parallel track to yours (see ‘Miss Ghost’).
IH: 81/2 year – not fun. I think with Mott stuff (and with my stuff at times) it takes a little while. If they’re doing Mott they’ll probably get to me eventually! Anyway, it’s kinda fun watchin’ teenagers noddin’ their heads and smiling now and again!
RYO:
Hello Ian. I’m 29 years old and live in the countryside of Japan. I couldn’t go to see you when you first came to Japan in 2015 because I was in high school student. However, I heard you were coming back to Japan in 2017, so I planned to go to Tokyo to see you, but it was canceled, which is very disappointing. One of my dreams is to see you perform live, so would you be able to perform in Japan again? I would love that.
IH: We’ll see – you must never say never!
Nick Namaqui:
OK, so it’s German Shepherds, is it? I should have guessed from the ‘Pavlov’s Dog’ video.Well, with my minimal painterly skills, I can’t fuse your face with that of a German Shepherd, but I understand the principle. Fiercely intelligent, fiercely loyal, fiercely courageous – I get why you love German Shepherds.
So, I have co-opted Pavlov’s Dog to grab your hat and glasses, and your Roland keyboard, and asked him to belt out something seriously rocky. I think it is probably ‘All the Way from Memphis’ from that concert with Joe Elliott, Mick Ralphs, Brian May and Andy York. Now, that is a dream
guitarist lineup!
http://www.nicknamaqui.com/rock-animals.html
And now I am moving onto Agnetha Fältskog of ABBA as a ferret (special commission), Carlos Santana as a rabbit (we have a harlequin rabbit who looks just like Carlos), and Bob Seger as I have forgotten what (a wolverine?). It’s kinda like a rock ‘n’ roll hall of fame generated by an idiot.
IH: OK so I looked. (took me 10 minutes to get there.)
Steve Baratta & Dora Kroese:
Dear Ian and Trudi,
We both want to send our condolences to you on the passing of Mick Ralphs. I was lucky to see him with you and Mott the Hoople in 1973 at the Chicago Auditorium on the Mott tour. Opening acts were Aerosmith and The New York Dolls. The following day I went and bought the 4 pre-Dudes albums I didn’t have, and Aerosmith’s first as well. It was a fun time.
We hope you’re both doing well, thanks again for all of the great music and your communication as well.
Take care,
Steve Baratta
Dora Kroese
IH: Thanks to both of you.
Bob Kleb:
Happy belated birthday Ian, while I was ready previous Horses Mouth i was alarmed I didn’t remember..please accept my apologies……here in Sarasota Florida i was at a small venue & a gentleman was playing music & someone told me he played with John Mellancamp on tour from 89-92 so I knew on his break I would ask him about Andy York, as I expected he said he absolutely knew him well he was also on tour with him..as we talked he asked how I knew of Andy & i informed him through Ian Hunter he was blown away and after I told him i had met you several times, he was in awe. from there we talked Ian’s music…long & short i told him of ur website and he asked if you could pass his name on to Andy his name is Eddie May ( bass) On that tour he was playing lead when I seen him very talented guy, he also had his several different numbers but he realized he had changed it so if you could he would much appreciate it
i don’t know how often you speak to him but thank you & I’ll show him ur response in reference to it. Very sad about Mick Ralph’s I know you felt it hard, you guys really dud it well for that limited time ” time capsule” stuff . Ian ,again Happy Birthday to my # 1 favorite musician….timeless music & sound.
IH: I’ll pass it on!
Rick Graves:
Hi Ian! Happy belated birthday! A couple of questions. I’ve been watching reruns of The Drew Carey Show and was wondering if you still “benefit” from their use of Cleveland Rocks? You had mentioned another time how you would like to work with Derek Trucks. Have you been able to do that for any upcoming releases?
Take care,
Rick
IH: Drew held out for the music. Good guy!!! Don’t know Derek Trucks, but he’s obviously very special!
John Frawley:
RIP Ralpher 😔
Hope this finds you well Ian. Belated Happy Birthday and hope your tinnitus is manageable. We all know getting older isn’t easy physically.
😊
Thanks for all the wonderful music memories.
IH: Cheers, John
Tim Livingston:
Being a big fan of the band the boys I was sad to hear of the passing of John Plain . Would you care to share any memories of working with him on the dirty laundry album?
IH: As above. Lovely bloke. Road his bike to Abbey Road Studios every day with Vom on the back!
Pat:
RIP Mick ….Like Mick Ronson, his leads and little riffs complimented your songs perfectly.
Condolences to his family and friends.
IH: Sure did. The song always came first with both Micks. It’s been a privilege to work with both of them.
Sam Harrison:
Hello Ian Hunter. I just wanted to tell you I love you.. Thanks for everything! We love you!!!
IH: How nice!!
Ron Taylor:
Ian, do you ever sit back, relax and listen to any of your albums? if so which ones
IH: Nah – I write – that’s it.
Reginald Playken:
Hello Ian Hunter. If you, from the year 2025, could say something to yourself back in 1955 – what would you tell him?
IH: “It’s gonna be alright.”
Model X:
Hello Ian Hunter. Quick question, and feel free to ignore it if it sounds too out there: Have you ever thought about trying something in the vibe of Phonk Drift? It’s a gritty, modern style — kind of dark hip-hop meets lo-fi with car culture energy. Might sound wild, but with Andy guitar tone and sense of atmosphere, I think you could actually make something really unique in that space.
Yes I’m sorry it’s so strange questions, but I’ve run out of ideas for questions.
IH: Yup – you’ve run out of questions!
khollinshed:
Gutted about Ralpher. Thinking about you and Verden and how hard it must be. I was upset andI didn’t know him. We are having a Hunter Mott event in October (Mottfest) and we’ll make sure all the departed are appropriately celebrated. Hope you’re doing ok.
IH: We did what we did – and there’s a bit of Mick in me.
Mick McKenzie:
Devastated to hear about Ralpher. So many good memories of him playing, whether with MTH, Bad Company, your “Taking The Mick” tour about twenty years ago, and more recently his Blues Band. Lovely bloke and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Another who’ll be sadly missed by many but never forgotten.
IH: Amen.
Nigel Edridge:
My wife & I are looking forward to Mottfest 2025 in Ross on Wye in October probably the last get together of this kind which will reminisce the history of all things Mott The Hoople related. Also a chance to remember those no longer with us. I’m guessing your aware of this event & as I’m sure others are we were wondering if you will be attending to share your memories with us ?
If not thank you for your many great songs & the memories we have keep well Sir & good health to you & yours 👏👏👏
IH: Cheers, Nigel.
David Frazer:
Been on holiday with lots of time to listen to music. I played YUI orta (twice). Sounds even better to me now than when it first came out. Great set of songs and some fantastic guitar parts wrapped around them by Mick. Also played All of the good ones are taken, which I still enjoy.
However, that sounds very much a product of the 80s whereas YUIorta doesn’t sound to me like it’s dated at all
How do you feel about these albums now?
IH: “YUIOrta” should have been a little looser. I should have listened to Ronno Not keen on AotGO.
Malcolm Lay:
Bob Harris of radio 2 has mentioned the Weeley festival in 1970-71??.
Any memories of your gig there??? Apparently it started as a village fete and turned into a festival with you The Faces, Lindisfarne and many more.
IH: Was supposed to be a 5,000 capacity festival, but became a 100,000 + !!!
Neil McCormack:
Hi Ian, terribly sad news about Mick Ralphs passing. I remember the first time that I heard the lead break in Hymn for the Dudes – blew my socks off.
Just a complete anorak type question regarding a Mick song – Do you know if Surfin’ UK on 2 Miles from Heaven was a first version of Rock and Roll Queen?
Rest in Peace Mick.
IH: Haven’t a clue.
MICHAEL BOYLE:
Hi Ian,
Subject is Mick Ralphs obviously after his sad passing !
Your favourite personal memory of Mick ? Your favourite musical moment (or moments) I do hope you would like to share these with us fans, fully understand if you prefer not to. For me his greatest musical moment was “You ain’t the nazz, your just the buzz, some kinda temporary” BANG in he came with that wonderful guitar break. Made me dig out the MOTT album and listen again, wonderful break in BALLAD OF MOTT as well, along with your moving vocals. I was in the pub next door before one of your gigs at The Shepherds Bush Empire, went to the loo Mick was in there and a fan started a conversation with him, “Going to see Ian” he said to he fan and continued to chat freely, what struck me was how friendly he was, nice memory.
Best wishes
Mickey Boyle.
IH: That was Mick.
Sam Mason:
Hello Mr. Hunter. I just wanted to say — it would be amazing if you wrote a song like “Boy Part II” (or something in that spirit) for your next album.
“Boy”, from your debut, is a fantastic track. It’s deeply inspiring — more than any other song from the ’70s that I’ve heard. It’s a shame that songs like that are so rare in the 2020s, especially in a world ruled by TikTok. It’d be great if this world got another timeless piece from the legendary Ian Hunter — the one who made “Boy” and could make “Boy Part II”.
IH: Who knows. If it comes – it comes!
Mick Edgewood:
Hello Ian Hunter. What do you think about what’s mainstream in music today? I mean the music of the 2020s — 15-second TikTok songs and all that. If you think it’s crap, then I’m with you. The problem is, for new artists, it’s almost impossible to survive in this environment unless they become part of the mainstream. And trying to create something new isn’t always a winning move either. But! Sometimes it actually works. What do you think — when might that moment come? And when it does, where do you see music going from there? Will it sink even deep
IH: Over 100,000 releases ever day. Mainstream immediacy and influencers – gonna win every time!
We all loved Mick – R.I.P.
And so it goes
Until the next time.
Sincerely, IH
The Horse’s Mouth