Ian Hunter | August 2025 | Horse’s Mouth
Jim Shaw:
First, I want to say how much I’ve always loved your music. I’m getting on in years and grew up on your songs in the 70s and 80s. Have always loved your songwriting. All of the Good Ones are Taken is one of my favorite songs of all time. Has given me an earworm for 40+ years.
Here’s my question. I’ve always understood David Bowie (another fave of mine) offered you Suffragette City before All the Young Dudes and that you turned it down. Why? That’s one of Bowie’s most kick-ass songs. You’ve had similar hard rocking songs (e.g., Cleveland Rocks) and would certainly have done it justice.
Keep on rocking.
IH: Been asked this many times – we just didn’t think it was good enough at the time. We’d had singles out before and they’d stiffed. When you stiff a couple of times radio is against you. – it had to be something really special. ‘Suffragette’ was good, but it wasn’t good enough – ‘Dudes’ was.
Roy Dawson:
I think I remember either hearing or reading that Roy Wood saved your bacon? Could you elaborate? Thanks for the many years of music.
IH: He had ‘See My Baby Jive’ out – saved my summer. Brilliant song, brilliant single. Thank you, Roy.
Peter Jordan:
I remember reading the final paragraph of the Sony Once Bitten Twice Shy ‘anthology’ from 2000.
You said, “Well I’m supposed to die now. Is it over? Not by a long chalk on a short board.”
You go on to talk about the muse …… but what I wondered was were you really feeling that confident at that time and did you expect the fantastic run of songs that was to follow? If so, why? Were the rant songs in the works by then?
I remember thinking that you were probably whistling in the dark but what do I know? There’s an argument for saying your 21st century stuff is even better than what came before and I for one am very grateful for all that you’ve done ….. and hopefully are going to keep doing! Inspirational!
IH: Well, I didn’t die – that wasn’t in the works apparently. I knew I’d found a new avenue in Andy York when he said he was up for it, but he was off with John Mellencamp for a year and during that time I wrote ‘Rant’. This is what we do. He buggers off and I write. Writing itself cannot be taken for granted – as fast as you think you’ve got the answers – it’ll stop just to show you that you don’t. Inspiration is a great helper, but hard grind plays a part in it as well.
Steven Parsons:
Have you considered writing a book of poetry or a short story or novel?
IH: I did write one once, but it was a bit on the naughty side, so it’s somewhere in the basement.
Andy C:
Hi Ian, Hope all good at Hunter Towers. I look forward each month to reading the Horses Mouth.
I haven’t asked a question for a very long time as they would only be the same as so many others! ( when is the next release, will you tour again etc etc).But I felt that in July HM Patrick absolutely nailed it for so many of us when he posted “Thank you Ian Hunter. You made my life better”
IH: That wasn’t the intention! It was accidental!! But it’s great to know I made some people lives better. Make me feel good!
Paul Sharp:
Ian, I’m a big fan! I would love to have the published music sheet for What Would I Do Without You, but I can’t find it anywhere. Can you help me out? Why would you do this? Because, I’ m 62 year old who will be retiring soon. I picked up guitar during COVID. I played bass for a year in my teens. But now I’ve picked that up again. And I’m starting to dabble on a keyboard. My goal is to produce a private album of covers in my retirement that evoke my life’s journey. This song would fit. The hardest part will be LogicPro!
IH: Google it – I just did. It’s not totally accurate, but it’s near enough. I don’t know ‘Logic Pro’ – that’s Andy’s department.
James Pair III:
Hello Ian and Trudy, wishing you both the best.
Ian – I have asked many questions that have referred to early R&R movies! My algorithms have kept me full of these movies. Seems like in the late 50’s as R&R grew in popularity. Elvis being at the top then movies like our favorite “The Girl Can’t Help It” were very popular. Films followed like “Don’t Knock The Rock,Don’t Knock The Twist and Carival Rock with many more. Being a Dolly Grip in the f business. I watch not only for the content of musical artists but for camera movement that defines my craft. Once you watch YouTube it will suggest another. I watched one with an early Platters playing “Harbor Lights”! The films are as good as you like. Meaning what you want to see!
All that being said “I’m glad you liked “The Boats of Hayama” print that the Mayor of Hoboken gave you. A Happy Belated Birthday to you. Hope you both like it! One of my favorites! Cheers!
IH: That thing’s heavy!! I’m scared to hang it!! It’s lovely – thanks a lot James.
p.s. I saw the original Platters (‘Only You/’My Prayer’) in Blackpool when I was a lad. My favourites – along with Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers.
John McMillian:
Ian, condolences on the losing Mick Ralph’s – a great underrated blues player. I am sure him and Ronson are jamming together.
Question – Did Mott ever play mama’s little jewel live? I don’t recall hearing of you doing it. A great track though. Good luck and God Bless.
IH: Lovely man, extremely talented, intelligent and witty with it. No idea if we played it live. Anybody?
Dru:
Thank God David didn’t insist on playing sax on Dudes.
IH: I seem to remember him saying he played it on his version I don’t think I ever heard his original one.
Mike Costanzo:
It’s been a hot humid summer… so far. Every old person I know tells me I’ll enjoy the hot weather as I grow older. I’m 64 and it hasn’t happened yet. Are you a cold or hot weather person?
IH: All depends on if you’re fit. Right now, I’m not really bothered I’ve got to say, the seasons have been perfect this year.
Kent Engstrom:
Hi, Listening to the rock roll circus live album from wolverhampton april 1972. Very loose and inspired concert! Can you please show some light on your rework of mr tambourine man to mr bugle player.
IH: See – you guys think I remember this stuff – it’s all a blur!!! Don’t recall ever doing that, sorry.
Vlad Petnicki:
‘Ello Mr Hunter! (Love the way you opened your first solo album!)
First off – thank you for 50+ years of great musical enjoyment! Was a bit too young for Mott, but “You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic” was one of my favorite college albums. Fast forward to 1991 and my belated “discovery” of Mott. Well, Mott and your solo 70s stuff BLEW ME AWAY and became the soundtrack of my life during a fast-paced period of growth and change. Thank you for that!
A question I always wanted to ask: How did you come about your biting, sarcastic, self-deprecatory wit? I absolutely have LOVED IT from the very beginning! Was it something you picked up from an older family member – or did it come naturally to you?
Thanks, and Godspeed!!!
IH: I definitely didn’t pick it up from my Mum or Dad. My Aunt Nettie and my Scottish Gran were both quite funny. Dunno? Could have been the Northampton lads.
Tom McGarry:
The Hunter Ronson Band live album has disappeared off streaming sites (or at least Apple Music) and it contains the most beautiful guitar solo by Ronno on “Standing in my Light”. Any chance of enquiring about getting it back?
IH: Not my thing; I don’t go near business, but that live album’s right up there, so God knows why.
Deb:
I saw the show at the URIs Theater on Broadway and the puppets were stunning. How did it come about and did you like it?
IH: I can’t remember exactly how it happened, but we wanted holograms, but they need to be set in concrete and the Uris wouldn’t go for it. This was an alternative.
Patrick Beirne:
We are all getting older. Does mortality come into your thinking? Which album are you most proud of and you would want to symbolise your legacy creatively
IH: Of course it does. People popping off right and left. It’s just nice to know it was all worthwhile, as it made you lot happy – plus I got to play with the bet!!! And still do!!!
Wayne Hall:
How did you meet Eric Bloom(BOC) and go about writing the song “Goin’ Through The Changes”. Also I have around 2,000 vinyl and cd collection and recently started collecting older vinyl of bands I did not give a listen to when released. I got Boogie Brothers -Savoy Brown, The Dukes and Dog Soldier recently and they all have your good friend Miller Anderson singing and playing on them. He is a really good writer, have you heard these albums? I know Savoy Brown was probably bigger in the UK but Kim Simmonds was a great writer in all the phases of the band up until he passed. Ever have a chance to meet and play live with him?
Three questions is all for now. P.S. i have all Mott The Hoople and your solo stuff and a big fan from way back!
IH: We toured with BOC at one point and I remember being backstage at a gig in New York when Eric came out of the shadows and introduced himself saying, “Hi – remember me – Eric the Oyster.” We got on great – wrote a song at his place on the Island. Haven’t seen him lately. (Here you are with all this vinyl. Jesse bought me a record player and I don’t know how it works). Miller’s still doing it; he goes to the continent regularly. Same great voice and guitar playing. Blues based – same a Ralpher – that’s why we’re not together. Miller and his wife, Fiona, were over for a couple of weeks last autumn. His violinist is extraordinary. Never worked or saw Kim Simmonds – but Miller did.
Michael Wolf:
Hey Ian! Hope you and Trudy are well. Been a busy summer, haven’t had a chance to write, but now here we are. So, sadly, there have been so much loss the last couple months. Condolences on your friends and their families during this sad time. Is there any songs that are now rattling around regarding these losses? I have wanted to write some, but I have had several huge losses and am seemingly stuck in a rut. Are events as this fuel or fodder for writing for you? On better notes, hope you are getting through this heat! Take care and be well.
IH: If it comes it comes. What I have I’m extremely happy with and so is Andy. Nature runs its course – we either hasten or deter – and then there’s just plain bad luck. So far, so good overall. Then there’s the other side of the coin – we are Grandparents yet again!!
Dru:
How’s Stan Tippins doing?
IH: Stan’s kind of like me – he drives locally!! He sounds fine on the phone; I ring him now and again. He sees Phally and tells me he’s OK.
PJ:
Quite rightly you are acclaimed as a song writer and performer. However, more than that, what really impressed me is your decency as a human being, relating to the short item in the Mick Ronson documentary from a couple of years ago, when you spoke of going to his home and just sitting with him during his final days.
IH: I had to.
Unnamed:
I just watched the BBC recording of your 1989 concert with Mick Ronson at the Dominion Theatre in London where you previewed songs for the YUI Orta album. The gig looked SUPERB, a great show of five musicians at the top of their game. The following morning it felt as if I’d been to the gig (which I missed at the time as I didn’t know it was on until I read the reviews the following week!). I think, apart from Once Bitten, all the songs from your solo work were either new songs or from the Schizophrenic album. Is that what you consider your best album? (recency bias ruling out the Defiance series!). Did the ability to preview these songs in front of a live audience help influence the later studio work? (I appreciate that can’t be done now without the stuff appearing all over YouTube). The resulting album is one of my favourites but I gather it sort of disappeared for reasons beyond your control.
Thanks for a great trip.
IH: This is one gig I do remember. It sold out quickly, so they added a second and that always makes you feel good. The band and Ronno were on fire those two nights. Pat Kilbride – 21 year old genius bass player; Steve Holley; Howard Helm; Mick – we were in our prime.
My Aunt Edna, who recently passed at the age of 101 (yes, she got a telegram) used to work in the front kiosk at the Dominion back in the 50’s. So yes, I remember that one.
Martyni:
Hi Ian, Is there any particular song written/composed by any other artist that made you think “I wish I had written/composed that”
IH: Tons of them! And some were so simple. Why didn’t I think of that!!!
Eli E:
Hi Ian, I hope all is well. I’m a younger fan (27). It’s hard to believe but, I got tuned into Mott in 2015 (it feels like yesterday). A year later I had another life-changing experience when seeing you and the Rant Band on the Fingers Crossed tour. Not to go off on a tangent but Fingers Crossed is an amazing album. Years later I was lucky enough to meet the extraordinary Mark Bosch. I feel very fortunate to know him and consider him a friend. When Defiance Part 1 was released I was a bit sad (still a top-notch record). I was hoping for a follow up to Fingers Crossed.
Fast forward to last week, I invited a friend (his name is Jia) to a rock concert. He’s 35 and from China. This was his first concert. It was Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs and Blackberry Smoke. He was hesitant to go with me because he wasn’t digging the kind of music I tried to turn him onto, but I assured him that I didn’t really know either act. I found out about Mike Campbell because of you. (Mark was actually trying to turn me onto Tom Petty for a while). Regardless, the concert was amazing. We missed the opening act! We arrived right as the Knobs took the stage. They started with Dirty Job which I thought was interesting especially considering that when I bought the tickets I wasn’t aware that Mike Campbell was co-headlining. It’s like God himself was dead set on getting me to become a fan of Mike. The Dirty Knobs won me over. Jia was digging it, too. The free-spirited, rebellious American hard rock struck a chord with this quiet and reserved Chinese guy. Then, Blackberry Smoke stormed the venue. It was a blast. I can only describe it as a big redneck party and sing-along. Jia and I stuck out like sore thumbs and neither of us knew any of the songs! Now I can say that my friend has been converted to Rock N’ Roll. I wanted to share this with you to provide some context to my question and suggestion.
I want to turn Jia into my favorite singer/songwriter. I have found (with great disappointment) that your voice is misunderstood by the masses (as a somewhat trained vocalist, I rank you among the greatest of rock singers). So, I wanted to ask you directly – which album and/or song would you choose? Which album or track would you choose to be remembered for? I understand that’s a tough question but, please attempt an answer. Secondly, I’m very much anticipating another record from you. As I said earlier – I would prefer a Rant Band album.
Though, if you are doing another star-studded affair, I would recommend you attempt to collaborate with Blackberry Smoke or at least Charlie Starr. Charlie reminds me of the Mick Ralphs (by the way, my condolences to you). He isn’t a flashy guitarist, very no-nonsense rockstyle, and like many guitarists you’ve worked with – he seems to serve the song. And his axe of choice is a Les Paul Junior! He’s a great vocalist, too. Funny enough, Blackberry Smoke just did a tribute to Bad Company.
Regardless, thank you for a decade of pure joy and great music. Life hasn’t been the same. You are my Jerry Lee Lewis and Bob Dylan.
IH: I don’t do this – all of them are my babies – you pick out one and run into trouble with all the others. Nice letter, though!
Scott:
Just to let you know, I just set up an outdoor tv with a wicked sound system. I was playing a few of your videos and the next thing I know, 3 of my neighbors are here with a few beers and we’re having a Hunterfest!!! So you still bring them in!!!! Keep it up!!
IH: At least we’ve got three! Actually, four with you!
Patrick:
Thank you for sharing your gift with us for all these many years. It has brought so much enjoyment.
IH: You’re vey welcome. It’s been a privilege – and it still is.
Ooour Wullie:
and defiance 3?
Missing it all, Lang may your lum reek.
IH: More to come – and it’s good.
Kirk:
So, I was looking on YouTube and you were doing a basement tour. Do you have any memorabilia from Ronno, I suppose I mean guitars other than photos. You’re still the man Ian and thank you for some excellent music.
IH: We had Mick’s stuff here for God knows how many years. Never used it – we just store it. Suzi finally picked it all up and it will eventually wind up with Lisa in England. Among his record collection – half of them were ‘borrowed’ from me!
Anyway, that enuf for now
Talk soon
IH
The Horse’s Mouth
!