Ian Hunter | November 2025 | Horse’s Mouth

 

Well, it ain’t Christmas yet, but it will be before the next one, so – “Happy Christmas and New Year” !!!

 

Peter Holmes: Thank you so much for the wonderful entertainment down the years. Can’t be easy to leave your home and family to tour the UK into your eighties. Fab shows at Leeds, Newcastle (several) , Whitley Bay , Gateshead Sage with the Rant Band and MTH Class of ‘74, Warwick Uni on a warm up gig, when my daughter ‘s mate, on security, told you you couldn’t enter via a side door as there was a show on, and you said, “I AM the show.” Politics a bit crazy both here and in the US at the moment, but there are recent encouraging signs. Best wishes to you and your family. Not looking for acknowledgment – just letting you know you’ve made a difference.

 

IH: So, that’s a yes.

 

 

 

CUJO: Hello Ian. I have some questions concerning your work as producer. How do you look back on your work as producer for Ellen Foley, Generation X, others…? How did that happen? Did you like doing it? Are you proud of it? Why these artists? Were there others that asked you but that you couldn’t or wouldn’t do? Or were there others that you would have liked to produce? What did you learn from your job as producer?  Thanks for all the rock and the roll. Never stop doing it.

 

IH: I did Ethel (Ellen) with Ronno. She was a trifle annoying, but a lot of fun – with a great voice. Steve Popovich (my manager at that time) asked me to produce her and Mick was skint at the time, so I got him in. Effel (Ethel/Ellen) was smitten with Mick and all went well.  Gen X were on Chrysalis and they wanted me to produce them – and I wanted to be on Chrysalis! Worked out well for a while. They were good albums. I did AAAB as well (with a lot of help from the chaps involved). I’m not really a ‘producer’ – it’s just something that happened along the way.

 

 

 

 

Mike Pecucci: Hiya Ian Happened to me today, I had my Mott Class Of ’74 concert shirt on today (saw the Chicago show, fantastic!) and a guy on the train said: Guy – is that the Cleveland Rocks guy on your shirt? Me – the one and only! Guy – he was in a band? Haha! Y’all looked like you were havin’ a ball, did you have as much fun as we in the crowd did?

 

IH: Oh yeah – that was a lot of fun. Most enjoyable!

 

 

 

 

Tim Livingston: Hello Ian. Stupid question number 975. I once asked you about Mick Ronson wanting to become a chef and you said yes during a period in Woodstock he thought about it. Now I’m just wondering was there a favorite dish he made that you enjoyed?

 

IH: Mick was great at Bar-B-Que.

 

 

 

 

Michael Boyle: Hi Ian, 1. I asked a few months ago if there were any plans for a CD release of Defiance-Fiction Part 2 extra tracks (Needle Park, Normal Service, Meet Henry) you replied that you would have a word. Any update? 2. In conversation with my wife and friends about the sorry state of the UK over the last 25 years or so and the current high inflation I often quote your line in RIP OFF from RANT “People Ain’t Getting What They’re Paying For” which hits the nail right on the head. That line was way ahead of its time, it really was. My question on this theme is are there any lines from your songs that you are really proud of and you feel have stood the test of time? Thank you, Mickey Boyle.

 

IH: I’ve got to say, listen to the next one. It’ll be a while – but it’s full of this stuff. I’m enjoying this one. You do what you see…..

 

 

 

Stonefly: Greetings Ian, Glad to hear you are still rocking out in the basement and pursuing your creative journey. I was watching a Jools Holland Hootenanny episode with Amy Winehouse singing “Monkey Man” and “Heard it Through the Grapevine.” I’ve always been intrigued by Amy’s ability to turn any song into her own. Whilst watching her perform, I was thinking how wonderful it would be to hear her perform one of your songs, perhaps, “The Truth, The Whole Truth…” Obviously, that is no longer possible. However, I was wondering who you might choose to join you in a duet or as an added female voice on one of your songs? Bonnie Bramlett? Maybe Emmy Lou Harris on a ballad? In any case, I’d very much enjoy hearing a song pairing you with a female singer. Wadda ya think?

 

IH: I did one with the wonderful Lucinda Williams (‘Defiance part 2).  Y, Amy Winehouse was brilliant. Me? I would have loved to do one with Dusty Springfield (but I wouldn’t ‘cos she’d blow me off the stage….)

 

 

 

Claudio Ambruoso: Dear Ian, I discovered Mott The Hoople in 1993, at that time I was 13 and still living in Naples, Italy, before moving to London soon after. It was quite a difficult find back then, but the album ‘Mott’ entered my heart and keeps staying there after so many years, together with all Mott’s discography and your own as a solo artist. It is an absolute honour to be able to ask you this questions: which bands or musicians inspired you the most (and if possible, can I please ask what is the funniest memory you have of your times with Mick Ronson, God Bless His Soul).

 

IH: Bob Dylan was my inspiration, but I loved all the early stuff – Little Richard – Jerry Lee Lewis – Gene Vincent – Buddy Holly. Elvis was amazing, but I liked the harder edge. The Platters were great. But with all these guys – lyrics were just fun. Bob brought a bit of thought into the process. I didn’t know what he was talkin’ about (too busy down the pub) but it just felt so right. Ronno was exceedingly funny most of the time (as was Ralpher). It was no particular one joke – we just lived that way. Rock ‘n’ Roll back then wasn’t so corporatized – it was fun. If money arrived with it – so much the better!

 

 

 

RL Gehringer: Hey Ian! As a Chicago bigot, I love how you got so many details RIGHT in the song: Resurrection Mary. Do you happen to remember who told you about our famous ghost?

 

IH: Actually, I saw a TV show about her – fascinating stuff! Much later, I was gigging in Chicago and while travelling round your fabulous city I suddenly felt chills. I looked out and there was a long wall and it was THE wall. Chills!

 

 

 

Matt Parish:     Hey Ian… I used to be in a band and was the primary lyricist and songwriter. My question is when you are writing and recording…when do you know that you’re done. We had time restrictions due to a severe condition of lakafundsa but when you were with MTH and on your own how did you know when it was right …when it was time to stop and say, “print it”? Tx…if I don’t get the chance Happy Holidays to you and yours…

 

IH: I never gave it much thought. When it was done – it was done. For better or for worse – you do what you do.  Instinct? Probably easier now than it was back then.

 

 

 

Andrew: Hi Ian. With the woman’s voice at the very beginning of “Who Do You Love”, my best guess is she says something like “be alright”. I know you said last month you had no clue, but thanks to the superior audio quality of the 30th Anniversary Edition, the woman’s voice is definitely there before the music kicks in. Anything you may be able to add would still be welcome. Regards, Andrew.

 

IH: See Andrew, I don’t have many of my old records. Once they’re done – they’re gone for me. It’s always the next one that excites.

 

 

 

Mike Costanzo: What was your take on MTV, back when it was new in the early 1980’s? Also, are you surprised it did not last? And speaking of videos, how long did it take to shoot the “All of the good ones are taken” video?

 

IH:  It was a few days to shoot.  MTV was kind of like ‘Top of the Pops’ only with vids. And vids were expensive. It was far too mainstream – basically pop – for me. The other one I did, ‘American Music’ was done in one day.

 

 

 

Big A: Hello Mr. Hunter! What is it that you love about rock n roll the most and what rock tunes do you think still hold as much power as they did they came out? All the best – big a

 

IH: Anything by Little Richard or Jerry Lee Lewis – and then Dylan.

 

 

 

Tim Livingston: Just heard of Hilly’s passing. Care to share any stories of working with him? My opinion “Death N Glory Boys” is a brilliant work due in part to Hilly and Mick’s contributions,

 

IH: Hilly was a great drummer – time machine – sardonic with. We actually shared a flat with him in Soho back in the Ritz days. Sad for his family.

 

 

 

James Ball: Hi Ian, I have been a fan of yours for about 25 years (46 years old), but have obviously delved deeper into your older archives of albums. My question is, what are your 3 favourite albums you produced, ONLY SOLO ALUMBS though. I suppose it must be hard as you have such a back catalogue now and I personally love all of them, but wondered if you had any outstanding ones? Good luck with the next album and recording etc. JAMES FROM MERRY ENGLAND.

 

IH: I like a lot of them. I can tell you 3 I don’t like!! It’s circumstances really. Stuff just happens. I always try to write – there’ve been times when I’ve been empty – lately it’s been pretty good. It’s what I do. I’m probably not the best judge, but what are we judging by?

 

 

 

Jim Brady: Cheers Ian, Given the prolific and constantly evolving style of songwriting you have, both by yourself and with others, have you ever entertained the idea of recording a video(series) on How you write songs?? So many songwriters have peaks and valleys, but your STYLE seems to be so solid and consistent. I just think it would have a huge impact on songwriters to see how YOU write. Even just a YouTube video/interview type thing. Even stories about certain songs…on your own and the Mott stuff. If not, maybe you can have me around to the house with a guitar to let me see it first hand…I have ‘riffs’… (If I didn’t make that last statement, I would’ve regretted it!!!) My very best, mate Jim

 

IH: Well, the minute you bring any kind of reason into songwriting – any kind of pattern – it leaves the building. It’s kind of like comedians. Their ‘jokes’ just ‘arrive’ in their heads. I don’t question where and how it comes – I’m just grateful that it does.

 

 

 

Big Rab: But here we are… Would you now get away with singing ”Ripoff” in bloody Britain now, or scare away? God bless.

 

IH: Well – I told you then, but you wouldn’t listen!!

 

 

 

Al Johnson:     Hi Ian, I was fascinated when I heard Rockabilly Party by Hugo & Luigi that it was the same as Roll Away the Stone, word for word. It made me wonder if it might have been playing in the background on a jukebox back in 1957 and without you realising, it became lodged in your subconscious mind. It’s the only explanation I can think of. What do you think?

 

 

IH: That’s exactly it. It’s happened again on the new album. It sounds so obvious, but Andy York assures me he hasn’t heard it anywhere before. Just for the record – I never intentionally knick!!

 

 

 

Mike Collings: Hi, Came to your solo stuff late in my music listening life. I think it was sparked by ” Life” featuring on a Radio 4 show! Dug me out of a lost job depression hole. Thanks for that. These days “When the world was round” and “Guernica” always start my weekend off with a beer or two. Thanks for inserting them into my life!!!

 

IH: I know just how you feel. That’s why I wrote them.

 

 

 

Mark F: Health Update, I am 4 weeks post pancreatic cancer surgery & my Doc says at this time I am considered to be cancer free. I am continuing to listen to “Hope” as I patiently wait for D3. Happy Holidays to you & yours.

 

IH: I’m reading great things about what they’re doing now.  All my ‘Hope’ is with you, Mark.

 

 

 

Michael: Happy Holidays, Ian. Follow up to last month’s questions: Were the guitar solos on Mott Live overdubbed? Did you keep in touch with Rose? Did things turn out well for her?

 

IH: I really don’t think so. Buff played a huge part in the Mott Live mixing in LA. I don’t recall ANY overdubbing.

‘Rose’ came out of a rough family situation – she was the good one. I’ve no idea what happened to her. You’re talking a half century plus.

 

 

 

Liam M: Hi Ian Had the pleasure of seeing you several times across Scotland. Particularly remember your gig at Backstage at The Green Hotel in Kinross (March 2013) with your three piece band when you let the audience choose a song and we overwhelmingly voted for ‘I Wish I Was Your Mother’ – fantastic choice! If you could play one more gig with The Rant Band – where would you choose and why? In admiration Liam

 

IH: Good choice! I can’t pick one gig. There were so many good times with the Ranters, both here and abroad.

 

 

 

Anders Åkerström:      hi! sitting in front of fire in cold Sweden. boy in the speakers remembering back to one of your concerts in Stockholm maybe it was 12 or 16 when you did that song! no question but thanks for the memory!

 

IH: And I’m sittin’ in front of the central heating here. Bloody cold!

 

 

 

Dru: Was Diary of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star as good to live as it is to read?

 

IH: Yup.

 

 

 

Dave:   Good morning. Here’s a non-music related question for you. What are the 3 best and 3 worst (not so great) things associated with your current age/stage of life? Blessings. Dave

 

IH:Well, I won’t regale you with 86 year old health issues – in case you are fortunate to reach this point yourself. I’d rather be out there quite frankly – and so would Trudi – but it is what it is. I’m still making records – yes – records.

 

 

 

Dave Piner:      I just got around to watching the documentary on Nicky Hopkins (The Session Man). Did you cross paths with him much back in the day? Any stories/insights you could share? Thank you. (Come back to Detroit!) Cheers.

 

IH: He was bloody great!!! Never played with him.

 

 

 

Robin Bell: Hi Ian, hope all is well with you. Im reading Clinton Heylin,s recent book on Bob Dylan and in it he mention’s that he got to know Mick Ronson and choose him for the Rolling Thunder tour through hanging around with you in the New York city clubs.Any recollection of Bob and you hanging out together?

 

IH: Mick, Susie and I just happened to be in the Village on the night Bob walked into Paul Colby’s club and started playing ‘Desire’. Susie got to talking to Bob’s mate, Bobby Neuwirth ( lovely bloke) and the rest became history. I’ve met Bob a few times. I’m a fan!! He’s always been nice to me.

 

 

Billc: Allo, checking in I once had a friend ask, “do you still listen to Ian Hunter?” I said, “No, not today.” I have started getting bored with the Defiance records and that usually leads me to going back in the archives when I am bored with a new record. It’s pretty cool when I put you on random play. Even as a young man, I fancied Mott’s Ill wind. The line “I wonder when the medicine men, know they are insane?” always got me, long before where we are today. Not to mention as an adult in a leadership position, I was once leaning against a wall with my arms crossed watching people execute an over the top idea. I thought to myself “am I abusing these people?, do I have this right?” Have you ever asked yourself that question trying to be Ian Hunter? The other obvious question is “the time is getting nearer to 1974” is that a 1980 touch up or did you write that in real time? Anyway, regards to the Family and Ranters…Happy Thankgiving, Merry Christmas

 

IH: You sound like a lyric!

 

 

 

Martyn: Firstly, a Merry Yuletide to you and yours. Many years ago, in the late 1999’s’s until early 2020s’ I did a voluntary radio show in two hospitals in the UK., when training to do this show I played a track from ‘Short back and sides’, ‘Old records never die’. My trainer was so impressed by this track he suggested as I was playing 60’s-90’s music I use your track as the name for the show and always finish with it. Needless to say, I did so Thank you. Martyn

 

IH: Great – love it. That’s a good song; I still like it.

 

 

 

Jim Patterson: Hi Ian – Do you know of Lisa Ronson is still pursuing a music career? It’s been several years since she released anything, to my knowledge.

 

IH: Nah, Lisa’s got herself a very nice chap and a rather demanding job. She’ still lovely!

 

 

 

Pim Kerkwijk: Hello Ian. Thank you so much for your amazing music. Back when you toured with Mott The Hoople, Mick Ronson, The Rant Band or solo… Did you have a favourite concert venue? Favourite countries to visit while touring, where you enjoyed performing the most?

 

IH: Always enjoyed Scandinavia – particularly Norway and Sweden. Hammersmith Odeon comes to mind, and The Beacon in NYC. Played a lot of great places. Philadelphia Spectrum was a great one. The Winery clubs are great etc. etc. etc. It’s the travelling!

 

 

 

Joe Wyatt: How do, Ian? Hope you are well! I was wondering, whether in your personal life or professional career, if there was anything you wish you had done differently? Also, which stage pianos did you use in the original MTH line up? I’ve done some research but not much luck. Anyway, cheers for everyone, Ian. Much love Joe

 

IH: Not really – 53 years with Trudi and we’re still doing fine. I’d like to tour, but can’t – so that gives me more time to write. Even if I was fit – who’s going to insure an 86 year old’s band? I want to say R.M.I. (piano)? To be kind, it ‘approximated’ a piano sound when hidden behind Mick and Phally. The first time Chris Blackwell came to see us, he just missed the ‘piano’ as it was flying through the air right past his nose backstage! He’s believed to have said, “if they care that much – sign ‘em.”

 

 

 

Dan Sebald: Hi Ian. I got a laugh out of Alan-in-Portlandia’s question from HM#272 about the Roundheads and Cavaliers because I always intended to sarcastically ask if you have a song tucked away about the demise of the Scottish line or royalty, seeing as you wrote a song about impressment with Fingers Crossed, which must have gone over the heads of everyone on both sides of the Atlantic, ha-ha. (Admittedly, I still have some yet-to-be-played CDs in storage, FC being one.) Interestingly, historians will probably never come to any conclusion on what the War of 1812 was actually about. British impressment on the open seas would be as good an answer as any. England struggled on sea, and America struggled on land. Go figure. (U.S. militias refused to cross state borders and enter Canada, part of the reason congress legislated them out of existence, as much as people like to romanticize the concept today.) Are you a history buff? Dan Sebald Knoxville, TN

 

IH: I enjoy history.

 

 

 

Petrushka Taylor: Hello Ian Hunter. Happy December! When exactly can we expect Defiance Part IV to be released? And in general, do you have any plans for it?

 

IH: Probably late next year. Going well, really well.

 

 

 

Apelsin May:   Hello Ian Hunter. What do you think about TikTok?

 

IH: I don’t.

 

 

 

Kartoshka Mercury:     Hello Ian Hunter. It’s me again. Have you read the Jeeves and Wooster books? What do you think of them?

 

IH: Way, way, back – probably in my 20’s. Good, – English good.

 

 

 

Lounge Lizard: Hello Ian Hunter. You said you were inspired last month. So, when can we expect Part III? And how complete is it yet? Thanks for your reply!

 

IH: As above.

 

 

 

Dru: Do you like the London Calling record?

 

IH: The song is excellent.

 

 

 

Malcolm Lay: Still love playing Brain Capers as it is such a great album…….I wondered if you ever considered releasing The Journey as a single(perhaps a shorter version) as for me it could have been a good seller for MTH?? perhaps by the time you were on CBS it was too late with new management etc. Just wondered……

 

IH: That album was last ditch. Turned out great, but the end (as it was) was in sight. Great production. Compare that to the ‘Dudes’ album. Sound wise – it was so much more powerful.

 

 

 

Dru: So you don’t listen to music at all?

 

IH:  Not much – just write.

 

 

 

Phil Taylor: Ian! My usual Christmas message from me and mine to you and yours – Christmas peace. Tidings of comfort and joy! All the very best Phil

 

IH: Yup! Same to you, Phil.

 

 

 

Hal: Hi Ian, I was given the book Gliders Over Hollywood by Paul Rappaport, a Columbia Records exec for many years. It is a great read so far and I was thrilled to see that there are a few pages devoted to you. He has some really nice things to say about you in those days, not really a surprise to me. Wondering if you have any recollections of him and those days? Hope you and your family are well and had a nice Thanksgiving.

 

IH: I remember Paul – one of the good guys! Rated him highly. Nice one….

 

 

 

Dan Hartmann: Painting faces is one of the most difficult things to do in a watercolor painting. Johnny Depp did an excellent job with your face on the cover of Defiance II. The trick is to indicate features instead of trying to paint as if you were doing a photo. How large is the original painting? Did he tell you how long he has been painting?

I have a couple of ideas for Defiance III. 1. Turn Overend Watts instrumental demo! GYP! from the Mott Gooseberry Sessions album into a Hunter-Watts song. 2. Next in line of Bowie guitarists after Ronson and Slick is Robert Fripp (Lead guitar on Heroes, Scary Monsters). Could give him a shot at laying down some guitar.

 

IH: Songs are done – over to Andy.

 

 

 

Tom Doeing:    Hoping all is going well with your health, the family and D3. We are so lucky to have an artist to follow that can still put out amazing stuff. Congratulations on 50 “F” on the wall years of being a solo artist. I’ve always noticed that only during the early Island years you were photographed a few times with facial hair. Did you shave it for Trudi or what? And speaking of your “Angel”, can we expect another tune about her on the next release? As always, thank you for your time!

 

IH: I must have gone through a ‘beard phase’. I guess most of us have a go at one time or another – pass!!  One of the new ones is ‘partly’ Trudi.

 

 

Wade from San Diego: Hello Ian, All I want for Christmas is a secret track on Defiance III of you reciting your Poem for Guy Stevens. Is that too much to ask? All the best to you and the family this Christmas and New Year. Health and Peace and hopes that working on the next volume of the Defiance Trilogy is a great experience for you and the participants. Thanks for being there for me all these years (I’m a young 60). Your music has been one of the joys in my life, and I cannot thank you enough for doing what you do, and being who you are. And thanks to Trudi too for inspiring so many great songs. Truth is I’d rather have a cure for tinnitus than the Guy Stevens poem, but it’s a close second. That’s it! Happy Christmas and God Bless! Wade from San Diego

 

IH: Not a bad idea!

 

 

Dan Hartmann: Just came up with an idea for the release of Defiance III. In addition to the regular release, release all three of the Defiance albums as a set and include the deluxe version of Defiance II with bonus tracks “How’d Ya Like to Meet Henry,” “Normal Service Will Be Resumed as Soon as Possible,” and “Needle Park.” I’d pay a little more, as I would be getting the new CD and the bonus tracks.

 

IH: Ya never know. We’ll see when we get a bit nearer to release.

 

 

 

Tim W: Reading in your horses’ mouth, you don’t travel abroad anymore. Totally understand.. Have seen you quite a few times over the years, I’m from St. Louis MO, met you and Mick Ronson who I love at Street Side Records back in the late ’90’s, saw you at the Mississippi Nights, always a great show. Last time I saw you was at the Sheldon Theatre in St. Louis with your rant band, awesome show. I took my wife who really has never followed you and was totally impressed. You’re the reason I followed Mott The Hoople back in the day. I continue to follow your music, always great!! Thanks for all the great music and memories, Take Care!!

 

IH: Cheers, mate!

 

 

 

Mike Costanzo: Mick Rock published a book, which came out after his death in 2021, titled “Shot by Rock, The Photography of Mick Rock.” It featured two photos of the cover intended for the Dudes, album which still remain iconic. He also included a photo of you with the compliment: “Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople still does what he wants to do – and that’s what life is supposed to be.”

 

IH: I got on great with Mick. We didn’t do much with him post MTH professionally, because he was ‘Bowie expensive’ but we were mates.  Miss Mick.

 

 

 

Chris Hetherington: Season’s Greetings! Without you on tour I have had to get my fix elsewhere. I have a new affinity for Blackberry Smoke and also Chris Stapleton (coincidence? I am Chris hailing from Stapleton, Staten Island). Chris’ most recent is Bad As I Used To Be on the F1 movie soundtrack. Upon first listening I thought it was a new Stones’ tune. My girl Marie thought it was you and the Ranters ! She misses going to see you at the ‘old’ City Winery in NYC’s SoHo. Have you listened to either?

 

IH: No, I haven’t.  Miss the Winery shows.

  

 

 

Jim McConnell: Seasons Greetings Ian .Just back from seeing the great Amy Speace who mentioned that you and Steve got her to go on an Edinburgh ghost tour a few years back. It got me thinking of the song “Ghosts” which i love. Was this one of these songs that came quickly and can I ask how the new album is coming along. Regards Jim

 

IH: I’d say the new album’s around half way. The songs are done and we’re just starting overdubs. I’ve done the vocals (unless a lyric changes or I change something). Andy’s happy, and if Andy’ happy – I’m happy!  I blame Mastro, and his daughters, Lily and Ruby for the Edinburgh Ghost Tour. Freezing – frightening and boring – kids!!!

 

 

 

J C Finn: Have you got any memories of the live concert at The Oval Cricket Ground in 1971? Mott The Hoople were on the bill alongside The Who, Rod Stewart and the Faces, and numerous other bands of the day.

 

IH: I remember Pete Townsend shaking hands with Rod Stewart (it was either Pete or Keith Moon). They shook hands onto the engine of a truck; they shook hands on top of the truck, and they then jumped off the top of the truck – still shaking hands!!  I guess they were happy to see each other. I think we went on around 6 am – great timing! Guy Stevens was watching one quite famous

‘Prog’ band flail through their instruments – we were behind him – he turned round to us and said, “Why?”

 

 

 

Juan Ribas:     Hello, Ian. Maybe it’s because I’m getting old (71), or we are close to Christmas time, or… i don’t know. The thing is every time i watch your gig in Freddy Mercury Tribute, invades me a mixture of emotion and sadness. You looked so good and sang so well. David playing sax!!, and Mick…..moving and playing so well. I can’t believe how he managed to play Heroes. It seemed as he knew it was going the last time on stage. Great moments!! How do you remember that night, Ian? That is all, sorry for my nostalgia. I wish a very happy Christmas to you and your family. And a very good new year to every person around the world. Thanks for all, Ian. God bless you.

 

IH: It’s always a big night when you’re playing to 76,000 live and a billion on the TV (I’ve daid 3 billion before – it was in fact – 1 billion). By far the biggest gig I’ve ever done. It was a great week (rehearsals etc). I remember Elton being very nice to me. He thrust me in front of the mass media and they were forced to obey!  Have to thank Brian and Roger for that one.

p.s. 71 is not old – not from where I’m looking anyway!

 

 

 

Ian Edmundson: Hi Ian, Hope you and yours are keeping well. A couple of quick questions, if you’d be so very kind. Did you ever feel like writing a Christmas song, back in the day? Obviously the Wizzard and Slade ones did very well for their composers. What do you think of those two particular songs? I’m in Bolton near Manchester… The political climate and antics in the US is reverberating world-wide, as you can guess. I know that you touched on it with Fiction, but do you feel that politics is a safe subject for songs these days? Or something best steered clear of? Please rope Cheap Trick in for another spot on part three! Thank you and be well, Ian Edmundson

 

IH: Cheap Trick – fabulous band. It was great to host those two parties with Andy and all those great musicians and friends.

Never wrote a Christmas song because one never entered my head. Face it – there’s a lot of great ones out there already.

 

 

 

Anyway, Happy this, that and the other to all!!

 

IH

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